I’ve been a huge music fan for as long as I can remember. I like a variety of genres, but I’ve been especially obsessed with jazz from the 50s–70s.
As I’ve been acquiring Spanish, though, I’ve started exploring music in that language. It’s opened up a whole new dimension I’d never explored.
One of the gems I’ve discovered—and now adore—is the lovely Silvia Pérez Cruz.
Several of her songs are now permanently in my rotation, and I’ll be coming back to her many times over the years.
In case you haven’t heard of her—or you have and need a reminder—here are a couple of my favorite performances.
Silvia’s rendition of the poem Mañana by Ana María Moix is one of the most achingly beautiful and bittersweet songs I’ve ever encountered.
I don’t really consider music to be comprehensible input—understanding lyrics, especially poetic ones, takes real effort. But it’s absolutely worth it.
When I find a Spanish song I love, one of my favorite things to do is go through it line by line using Google or an LLM.
If you only do this for one song, make it this one. It’s a heartfelt lament on love and death.
I think I’m drawn to poetic lyrics, because the next recommendation is Pequeño Vals Vienés.
The lyrics were originally written by Lorca.
Admittedly, the title (a small Viennese waltz) might not sound especially appealing, but the haunting guitar and Silvia’s flamenco-inspired vocals are worth repeated listens.
Reading through the lyrics while the song slowly builds—letting the imagery wash over you—is a transcendent experience.
Moments like this are part of why I keep putting in the hours in Spanish.