In most of Europe, it’s pretty normal to link the Spanish language to the feeling of summer, and more importantly, the feeling of a summer holiday. So once Spring settles in (oops, didn’t mean to rhyme a little there), more Spanish-mixed-with-English type of tracks enter the charts in their battle to become the ultimate summer hit.
It’s funny how Enrique Iglesias has managed to participate in this race every year, since 1999. I thought he was a bit of a novelty back then, becoming successful thanks to the success of his dad as a smooth Latin singer. And the upcoming trend of Latin cross over artists like Ricky Martin and Shakira, all with the help of Gloria Estefan. Oh, and being a pretty boy. Well, it’s easy to underestimate.
I wasn’t focused on the Latin market, so what was a cross over moment for a successful artist in Latin music, felt like a debut to me. By 1999, Enrique had already made a name for himself in such a way that would outdo his dad. Breaking through to the mainstream pop charts was a natural next step, and I guess, in a way, a beginning, but not the debut I thought it was. It was the beginning of a very long career.
“Bailamos” may have featured an almost grumpy looking Enrique on the cover of the single, but was the first single to make Enrique a returning summer vacation memory that makes many other people smile. I don’t think anyone really expected that at all. The song could’ve also become one of those tracks that you would quickly forget.
This year, it’s down to “Subeme La Radio” to make it to our radar and hopefully become the soundtrack to our summer holiday adventures (or laziness). It features Descemer Bueno, Zion and Lennox. It’s not a safe bet. It’s fully in Spanish, but it’s not as internationally accessible and catchy as Shakira’s collaboration with Maluma on “Chantaje”, which has also managed to take over non-Spanish European countries. He's also competing with the other summer hit star, Pitbull, who's released "Hey Ma" with Camila Cabello and J Balvin.
It feels like Enrique has kind of peaked already and is fading a little bit into the background. He only pops up around summer time for me here, even though he’s been consistently releasing music. I’ve always been intrigued by this. If the Spanish language is reminding us of summer, why aren’t these songs charting higher during winter when we miss the summer the most?
