Top 15 Spanish singer-songwriters
It is debatable that the best export from Spain is paellas when there are so many talented singer-songwriters who have irreversibly marked the world music scene. From different times, provinces and rhythms, all the singers that are in this top have something in common; just listen to a couple of songs to remember them forever.
When it comes to music, singers are incredibly talented artists who work hard to share their gifts and get people to sing, dance and enjoy their music. However, among all the singers in the world, there are outstanding artists who, in addition to having a beautiful voice, also have the creative ability to write songs, make musical arrangements and offer a show to thousands of people.
Singer-songwriters are considered to be among the most complete artists and, fortunately, Spain is a country known for the musical quality that it has exported to the world, hand in hand with different artists from different eras who, due to their skills, deserve to be recognized.
As there are many famous singer-songwriters, it can be difficult to choose the best ones in this country. However, there is a select group of singers who, due to their achievements and qualities, have managed to captivate people regardless of borders and times.
1. Joaquin Sabina
Despite his carefree appearance and the fact that he is an artist who has been in the music world for decades, Joaquín Sabina is one of the best Spanish singers of all time.
His romantic and poetic lyrics have served as an inspiration for many other singer-songwriters. Each Sabina song manages to make more than one person fall in love and probably helps a future singer to discover his passion.
2. Jose Luis Perales
When it comes to Spanish singer-songwriters of the 70s, José Luis Perales is probably one of the best known, as many artists have covered his beautiful lyrics and kept his legacy alive through the years.
3. Alejandro Sanz
Alejandro Sanz is a singer-songwriter who has made young and old alike enjoy his music, which is usually quite difficult. This makes him worthy of a position in the list of the best famous Spanish singers.
4. Joan Manuel Serrat
Since Serrat arrived, “Penélope” stopped being a simple name to become the muse of many young artists.
And it is that, despite the fact that the lyrics of this singer-songwriter are usually sad and full of melancholy, there is something so artistic in them that always makes us listen to them again and again.
5. Leiva
Leiva is one of the youngest Spanish singer-songwriters on this list, however, his musical genius and his ability to adapt to different genres have helped him win various awards, including the Goya for best original song in 2018.
6. Melendi
Among the current Spanish singer-songwriters, Melendi is one of the most listened to. In fact, it is almost impossible that there is someone who has not heard about the “Garden with dwarfs”.
This singer combines his voice with his skill on the guitar and piano, making him a complete musical machine that continues and will continue to surprise despite the years.
7. Albert Pla
If Albert Pla could be defined using only two words, they would be: controversial and irreverent. However, despite the fact that some are not comfortable with the outstanding personality of this singer, what cannot be denied is the great musical talent that he has. His repertoire is full of music made for the eccentric who doesn’t want to settle for the ordinary.
8. Manolo Garcia
Manolo García is art at its best. Melodies with a pop rock rhythm fused with distinctive tones of flamenco and Arabic music; a gold medal for Merit in Fine Arts for his painting skills, and poetic lyrics full of surrealism. All this is Manolo.
9. Andres Calamaro
Calamaro was born in Argentina, however, his life has been divided between Buenos Aires and Madrid, so his music is full of the best of both nations. Maybe that’s why he feels the need to make albums with more than 100 songs; however, surely we will be here for each and every one of them.
10. Nacho Vegas
Listening to the music of Nacho Vegas is probably the most artistic way to suffer, since the singer is full of sad and melancholic lyrics that, for some reason, we still enjoy singing. This Spaniard manages to evoke strong feelings just by singing his creative lyrics.
11. Kiko Poison
With classical guitars and a powerful voice, Kiko Veneno has managed to capture the musical world and has kept it in his pocket for himself. Among the old Spanish singers, this is one of the most outstanding, because he did not stay in the 90s and is still just as strong today.
12. Aute
Adventures, fantasies and love; that’s how Aute’s lyrics are and listening to them is like experiencing another life, but with a soundtrack in the background. Although she passed away in 2020, his legacy lives on and his genius deserves recognition.
Aute spoke 6 languages and was also a sculptor, painter, poet and filmmaker. An illustrious Madrilenian.
13. Bunbury
Bunbury is quite a character that we have no choice but to admire. He rose to fame for being the vocalist of the band “Héroes del Silencio”, but after his breakup he managed to establish himself as a soloist and, since then, he has not stopped.
14. Mr. Chinarro
There are many current Andalusian singers, however, since the 90s, the musical group “Sr Chinarro” whose only permanent member is Antonio Luque continues to be one of the greatest representatives of Andalusia.
The metaphors are transmitted with Luque’s own indie rhythm, which captivates people of all ages.
15. Carlos Goni
Carlos Goñi has sold his songs as a soloist, in a band and also in a trio, always with a classical guitar near him, and in all his presentations he has managed to captivate all the listeners. A Spanish singer who always manages to surprise.
Stimulating creativity to be like these great singer-songwriters is possible, whether it is looking for which hemp oil to buy to activate your mind or a wide musical repertoire to maximize your sources of inspiration. However, remember that to be like the greats, you must also strive like them.
Always write down every idea you have, have your main instrument with you and don’t be afraid to give free rein to your imagination. This is how they all started and, thanks to this, they have managed to change the world of music, one chord at a time.
