The Best Latin Music of 2013: A Playlist

Looking for some new Latin music to spice up your life? Check out our playlist of the best Latin tracks of 2013! From salsa to reggaeton, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Best Overall Album: “Magia” by Maluma

Maluma’s album “Magia” is the best overall Latin album of 2013. The Colombian singer’s debut album is a mix of danceable pop, reggaeton, and R&B that showcases his smooth vocals and outstanding songwriting. From the club-ready lead single “Obsesión” to the touching ballad “Cuatro Babys,” Maluma demonstrates his versatility as an artist, making “Magia” a must-listen for all fans of Latin music.

Best Male Artist: “Clandestino” by Shakira

Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie, but her talent certainly does. The Colombian singer has had a string of Latin hits, and “Clandestino” is perhaps her most underrated. The song, which features Maluma, is a sultry ode to wandering souls. It’s the perfect summer song, and it will make you want to get up and dance.

Best Female Artist: “7 Dias” by Calle 13

“7 Dias” by Calle 13 is the best song by a female artist in Latin music this year. The track features multiple genres including reggaeton, hip-hop, and pop, and is a perfect example of the unique sound that Calle 13 is known for.

Best New Artist: “El Perdedor” by Aventura

Aventura was a Bachata group from The Bronx, New York. The group was formed in 1997 by friends Lenny Santos, Romeo Santos, Henry Santos Jeter, and Max Santos. Aventura broke up in 2011 due to creative differences but reunited in 2018.

“El Perdedor” is asong by Aventura. It was released in 2013 as the lead single from the album The Last.

Best Collaboration: “Limbo” by Daddy Yankee

“Limbo” by Daddy Yankee was the best collaboration of 2013. The song features Yankee’s reggaeton beat with a tropical twist. The music video was shot in Puerto Rico and features cameos from various Latin American celebrities.

Best Urban Fusion Performance: “La La La (Brazil 2014)” by Shakira

Shakira’s “La La La (Brazil 2014)” was released in May of 2013 as part of the official FIFA World Cup Album. The song became an instant sensation, skyrocketing to the top of charts around the world. “La La La” is a perfect example of Shakira’s unique ability to fuse together various musical genres, in this case pop, electronic, and Brazilian rhythms. The result is a truly catchy and infectious track that is impossible to resist dancing to.

Best Tropical Song: “6 AM” by J Balvin

While the world of reggaeton and urbano music is always in a state of evolution, 2013 saw a number of breakout hits that defined the sound of the genre for the year. From veteran artists like Daddy Yankee and Don Omar to newcomers like J Balvin and Reykon, these are the songs that got us moving this year.

Best Salsa Song: “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony

2013 was a banner year for Latin music, with crossover hits, fresh new talent and returning veterans all making waves on the charts. Marc Anthony’s “Vivir Mi Vida” was the runaway favorite in the salsa category, while Romeo Santos and Prince Royce took home top honors in bachata.

Other standout tracks included J Balvin’s reggaeton hit “Ay Vamos,” Jesse & Joy’s pop ballad “La Dela Mala Suerte” and Gente de Zona’s infectious dance tune “La Gozadera.” This playlist features some of the best Latin music of 2013, so crank it up and enjoy!

Best Cumbia Song: “La Cumbia del Río” by La Sonora Santanera

La Sonora Santanera is a Mexican musical group consisting of over 40 musicians, founded in the state of Michoacán in the 1950s by Carlos Colorado. The group has been recording and performing constantly for over 50 years, and “La Cumbia del Río” is one of their most famous and recognizable songs.

Best Reggaeton Song: “El Party Me Llama” by Kalimba

This was the year that reggaeton finally broke into the mainstream, with a slew of hits from Latin artists crossing over into the pop charts. And while there were plenty of great songs to choose from, our favorite has to be Kalimba’s “El Party Me Llama.” The catchy track perfectly captures the party spirit of reggaeton, with a bouncy beat and infectious hook that will have you dancing all night long.