I’ll be the first to admit: I let myself be fooled by fool’s spring. The sun heated my skin for the first time in months, laughter filled the Arts Quad and, suddenly, the seasonal depression was leaving my body. I sat on the grass daydreaming about balmy beach days, but that bubble popped quickly. We’re back to our regularly scheduled Ithaca winter and I (and probably many of you) need something to tide me over until spring break, when I might get to feel some actual sand between my toes. What better way to do so than to trick your ears into believing you’re in the tropics?
Nothing screams ‘beach’ like Latin music, so here’s a mix of oldies and more recent songs from around Latin America that’ll have you thinking you’re dancing on the beach. Vamos a la playa!
1. Camilo, Shawn Mendes: “KESI”
Nothing evokes the beach quite like cheeky flirting set to a plucky guitar, a breezy tune and faint drums that have you shimmying your shoulders. This song sounds like pure joy; what’s the beach if not that? And yes, the thought of Shawn Mendes in a swim suit definitely helps.
2. Karol G: “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”
She says it right off the bat, “Empezó el verano!” It may not be summer quite yet, but Karol G uses pop sounds to bring a merengue rhythm that feels like sun on your face. It’s fun and energetic while keeping that beachy relaxation we’re all craving.
3. Bacilos: “Caraluna”
This might be nostalgia talking, but I couldn’t leave “Caraluna” out of the list. About finding a long lost love in the face of the moon, within the waves and the sea foam, this song is a perfect beach listen. Let’s just ignore the tragic back story …
4. Luis Enrique: “Yo No Sé Mañana”
If this playlist teaches you anything about Latin music, it should be this: lively trumpets make for maximum yearning. Luis Enrique sings of the uncertainty the future holds to a rhythm so catchy you forget he’s lamenting. It’s a plea to live in the moment, to love fully while you can and to dance while doing it.
5. Piso 21, Manuel Turizo: “Déjala Que Vuelva (feat. Manuel Turizo)”
We’re slowing it down with this one, but that doesn’t mean we’re grooving any less. Think poolside vibing with that one person who makes you melt … enough to be on and off, on and off, on and off … on and on.
6. Camilo: “No Te Vayas”
If you’re the opposite kind of person and you never want to let go, Camilo feels the same. This one keeps the bright guitar more in the background and brings out the reggaeton. There’s no better dance floor than a sandy beach.
7. Bacilos: “Perderme Contigo”
Getting lost in a dream with your love? It doesn’t get much better than that. I don’t know about you, but my dream includes a star flecked night and the sound of waves crashing on the shore. Bacilos is right there with you.
8. Carlos Vives: “Volví a Nacer”
It’s an absolute classic among the moms, but I promise, everyone loves Carlos Vives. The Caribbean influences of the vallenato blend with pop and rock to make that iconic sound you can’t help but dance to. He simply does not miss.
9. Juan Luis Guerra 4.40: “El Niágara en Bicicleta”
Another crowd pleaser, this one combines catchy Latin beats with stellar (and poignant) storytelling. Hit play and enjoy, but try to absorb the message. Just because we’re at the beach doesn’t mean we stop thinking about the state of the world.
10. Danny Ocean: “Volare”
From Positano to Morrocoy, ukulele and reggaeton sound like a strange combination, but, I promise, it works wonders. Just trust me (and Danny Ocean), and let yourself melt into the ocean.
You can find the playlist here.
‘Solar Flare’ is a weekly playlist column where Sun contributors spotlight a slice of musical taste with the campus community. It runs every Monday.
Rafaella Gonzalez is a member of the Class of 2026 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a staff writer for the Arts & Culture department and can be reached at rgonzalez@cornellsun.com.
