Music

Music

Non-English Songs that became popular in America.

The years they became popular.

I had a thought not too long ago about there being at least one non-English language song in every generation that made it to the American Top 10, Top 40, Top 100 or was at least pretty popular.

Since I didn't want to have incorrect information, I did a quick search.

The songs I know of are as follows, in chronological order as I can best remember them.

Sukiyaki by Kyu Sakamoto - 1940s

La Bamba by Ritchie Valens - 1950s

Feliz Navidad - 1970s

99 Luftballons by Nena - 1980s

Gungnam Style by Psy - 2000s

Despacito by Luis Fonsi (Daddy Yankee & Justin Bieber) - 2010s

Of course, my list is lacking information and I have some wrong dates. Lacking because I haven't heard every song (I don't listen to all genres of music). Although earlier in time I may have been (slightly) correct, lately, more and more listeners are inclined to be more inclusive of songs from outside the U.S. This is good.

Again, my list is not all inclusive, but the dates are more accurate.

La Bamba by Ritchie Valens - 1950s

Sukiyaki by Kyu Sakamoto - 1960s

Feliz Navidad - 1970s

99 Luftballons by Nena - 1980s

Macarena by Los del Rio - 1990s

Gungnam Style by Psy - 2000s

Despacito by Luis Fonsi (Daddy Yankee & Justin Bieber) - 2010s

I think it's cool to listen to non-English language songs. There are some that I enjoy that aren't on this list because they didn't break the American Top 100, although I think they should have. That includes a few songs by Eiffel 65.

I found information on this from Every Non-English Song That Reached the Hot 100 Top 10 (billboard.com), The Meaning Behind The Song: Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto di Blue) by Dean Martin - Old Time Music and through Google and Bling.