latin
what it is
Latin American music or Latin music encompasses rhythms and styles originated or related to Latin America and its influence in the United States and several European countries such as Spain or Portugal. Some critics have defined Latin music as an incorporation of four elements: music style, geography, cultural background of the artist and language. The first of those encapsulates all music styles generated from Latin countries, such as salsa, merengue, tango, bossa nova and bachata; as well as other styles derived from a more mainstream genre, such as Latin pop, rock, jazz and Reggaeton.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make latin a playlist
turn these 40 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is latin?
Latin American music or Latin music encompasses rhythms and styles originated or related to Latin America and its influence in the United States and several European countries such as Spain or Portugal. Some critics have defined Latin music as an incorporation of four elements: music style, geography, cultural background of the artist and language. The first of those encapsulates all music styles generated from Latin countries, such as salsa, merengue, tango, bossa nova and bachata; as well as other styles derived from a more mainstream genre, such as Latin pop, rock, jazz and Reggaeton.
What are good latin albums to start with?
Try Clandestino by Manu Chao, Pies Descalzos by Shakira, Escape by Enrique Iglesias, and Adentro by Ricardo Arjona.
Who are some women making latin?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/latin/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making latin, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20