Summary

The author shares a personal curation of ten favorite songs from languages they do not speak, inspired by a challenge from Paul Combs, with a focus on non-English and non-Spanish tracks.

Abstract

In response to a story by Paul Combs about favorite songs in a non-native language, the author embarks on a musical journey to select ten songs they love from languages they do not understand. Despite initially finding the task challenging due to their ability to speak Spanish, the author decides to follow Paul's criteria, allowing for one Spanish song due to its quality. The selected songs span various languages and cultures, including Portuguese Fado, French chanson, Cape Verdean Morna, and Taiwanese pop. The author reflects on the global nature of music, questioning the categorization of "world" music, and invites readers to share their own lists of favorite non-native language songs.

Opinions

The author expresses admiration for Ana Moura's Fado singing, particularly noting the emotional impact of her voice.
There is a clear appreciation for the diversity of musical influences, as seen in the selections from artists like ZAZ, who blends French and Spanish, and Manecas Costa, who fuses African traditions with socially conscious lyrics.
The author values the modernization of traditional music genres, as exemplified by Gotan's fusion of tango with hip-hop elements.
Deserts Chang's music is noted for its accessibility, as the author was encouraged to sing along by family members.
Zap Mama's complex vocal arrangements are highlighted as a standout feature in the song "Rafiki."
The author is impressed by Agusto Cego's versatility as a multi-instrumentalist and his mastery of the morna style, despite his blindness.
The term "world music" is questioned, with the author pondering its relevance based on geographical perspectives and personal experiences.
The author enjoys the process of exploring their music collection to find non-English and non-Spanish songs, indicating a broad appreciation for international music.

My Ten Favorite Songs in a Language I Don’t Speak

Except for one…and a half

Paul Combs wrote a story titled My Ten Favorite Songs in a Language I Don’t Speak. I had a peek. The first thing I noticed was that half of his choices were in Spanish. I complimented Paul on his selections and suggested that it would make a fun prompt.

He responded: Do it.

I gave it a thought and realized that since I speak Spanish the task would be quite challenging. No songs in English or Spanish? Hmmm.

I then read the comments. One reader wrote that he would amend the title to 10 Songs I Love That Are Not In English.

That felt like cheating to me. Too easy. I have a truckload of Spanish songs in my collection.

So, I will attempt this challenge based on Paul’s criteria, with one token Spanish song because, well… it’s pretty good.

1- A Fadista

I was introduced to Ana Moura by Francisco — my Portuguese barber. I fell in love with her music instantaneously. This particular song tells the story of a prostitute who enters a bar and begins to sing. She gains respect and admiration because of her voice. Ana is one of the top Fado singers in Portugal. Her voice will move you.

2- Qué Vendrá

I was recently introduced to French singer ZAZ. Her mother was a Spanish teacher, so in this particular song, she sings in both languages. She began her career as a jazz singer, but fortunately, she left that behind. I like this new direction.

3- Ermons Di Terra

Born in the ex-Portuguese colony of Guinea Bissau in west Africa, Manecas Costa blends the rich musical traditions of his native land with socially aware lyrics. The influence of guitarist Jose Carlos Shwarz is very evident in this song. The guitar solo is exquisite. He lives in Lisbon, Portugal.

4- Pachad

Yael Naim was born in Paris, France. She moved to Israel as a toddler. She rose to fame after Steve Jobs chose one of her songs for the debut commercial of the MacBook Air laptop in 2008.

The piano and strings arrangement in this song complements her voice beautifully.

5- Mi Nada Um Ca

Maria blends Morna and salsa influences. Although she moved to the United States at the age of eleven, she has maintained a strong connection to her heritage through the local Cape Verdean community.

This song illustrates all of those influences in a bright and playful way.

6- Cor Di Rosa

João and Ramiro Mendes were born in the small village of Palokon on Fogo Island, Cape Verde. They immigrated to the United States in 1978. Their music is contagious. The rich orchestral sound mixed with lively percussion keeps the toes tapping.

7- Mi Confesión

Gotan is a diverse musical group based in Paris, France. The group consists of Argentine, French, and Swiss musicians who have modernized the traditional tango with elements such as samples, beats, and breaks.

Their two original album releases I consider must-listens: La Revancha del Tango (2001) and Lunático (2006) In this particular cut they join forces with Argentine hip-hop group Koxmoz.

I mean…tango…hip-hop… who can resist?

8- Bao Bei

Deserts Chang is a Taiwanese singer-songwriter. She was introduced to me by my wife and her brother, who is a professional musician. They thought the song was easy enough for me to be able to sing it. Judge for yourself…

9- Rafiki

Zap Mama’s music is characterized by polyphonic and afro-pop sounds. It is infused with African vocal techniques, and urban, and hip-hop rhythms. The layered vocal arrangement in this song is gorgeous.

10- Nha Fidjo

Agusto Cego is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Cape Verde. At the age of 15, he lost his sight. He plays 17 different instruments. He is known for his mastery of morna: a Cape Verdean musical style that combines West African percussion, Portuguese Fado, Brazilian Modhinas, and British sea shanties.

Talk about ability.

Thanks, Paul for pushing me in this direction. I had a good time going through my collection of *world* music. I’ve never understood that term. Does it mean that if you live in Italy then American music is *world* music? I live in Canada, is British music *world* music? Sorry, thinking out loud here. Feel free to enlighten me.

If you are a music fan and would like to contribute with your list of Ten Favorite Songs in a Language I Don’t Speak please tag me. I’d be delighted to hear your selection.