Katie’s Playlist These are just a couple of songs in the Latin/ Caribbean music genre that I love!

La Gran Señora – Jenni Rivera I chose this song because it not only has a great rhythm, but has great meaning. The song is about a brokenhearted woman who has become empowered by her self-love. It represents a strong woman while having a great feel for Latina music

Feliz Navidad – José Felícíano I chose this song because it’s been a part of my childhood for as longs as I can remember during the holidays. It’s a very popular Christmas song that has a very catchy tune. It’s funny, because before taking Spanish I would always pronounce the words completely wrong when I would try to sing along. Now I know the lyrics/ meaning!

Hasta Que Salga El Sol- Don Omar I chose this song because it has a very light-hearted feel to it. It’s very moving and makes you want to dance. I could easily use this song at a “late night, on the beach” party haha! This is one of my favorite upbeat Latin songs!

Whenever, Wherever – Shakira I chose this song because it has a relaxed, romantic, sensual feel to it. This is, indeed, a romantic song, yet it’s not slow so it’s easy to dance to as well. I think of Shakira as the young Britney Spears of the Latina Genre.

Stand By Me – Prince Royce I chose this song because it is one of my favorite songs! I love the American version, but this rendition has a bit of extra spice to go along with it. The song is very relaxed in general, so I would suggest it be played at a Barbeque

Dreaming of You – Selena This is another romantic song that I just love by the one and only, Selena. It’s very slow with a good, strong beat. The lyrics can relate to anyone who is missing someone they love whether they have a history or not. When I hear this song, I think of a lightly lit room with a fireplace right in the center. It just puts off that feel.

Three Little Birds – Bob Marley First of all, I love Bob Marley. That’s the main reason why I added this song! I also grew up listening to this song with my older sister. This song is very relaxed and has a Jamaican feel to it. The bass and the guitar make it an easy listen. This song falls under the “reggae” genre

One Love – Bob Marley Here’s another Bob Marley song. This song has wonderful lyrics. It sends a great message. Like “Three Little Birds”, it is reggae, has drums, bass, and the guitar. It puts off that free flowing Jamaican feel, too. This song always puts me in a happy mood

Summary! All of these songs spark a unique defined feeling when I listen to them. From the slow romantic song, “Dreaming of You” by Selena, to the party song, “Hasta Que Salga El Sol” by Don Omar, you can experience many different emotions through the Latin/ Caribbean music genre. Some of the songs listed have a personal connection which made me choose them, but I think each and every song listed is one everyone will enjoy. A lot of the songs on the list have a really good beat which will make you want to move your body. These songs may be played at parties. For the slower ones, the may be perfect at a romantic dinner night! The Bob Marley songs in particular use the second and fourth beats of the song to create the easy feel the song puts off. If I had to describe, in one way, how these songs are all connected, it would be the fact that these songs make you want to move your body in some way. Latin/Caribbean music has the characteristic to make you want to move no matter how slow or fast the song may be. That’s why this genre of music is so broad, and all- around wonderful to listen to no matter what the occasion!