RS Essentials: Top 16 Hits of Enrique Iglesias

Enrique Iglesias, son of world-famous singer Julio Iglesias, began his musical career in the mid-1990s. By the early 2000s, he had successfully transitioned into the mainstream English-language market. With several albums sold worldwide, Enrique is one of the most successful Latin music artists and is rightfully dubbed the “king of Latin pop.” Long story short, his discography is an inventory of countless smashes. Because of the way he delivers his songs, practically every one of them stays with you even if you hear it just once. Here is our list of Enrique’s top 16 hits.

“Bailamos”

A cut above quintessential Latin pop, this song from 1999 was dreamy in its soundscape, mood, and subdued vocals. It’s a groovy clubhouse number with superb guitar work and Enrique’s characteristically sensuously musical charisma.

“Hero”

The title track from Enrique’s crossover album of the same name is an epic love song. In the music video with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Mickey Rourke, Enrique’s pleasant voice, which is undeniably sexy, works great. To be honest, I’ve never been a huge fan of the video as such, but the song has always been one of my guilty pleasures.

“Be with You”

“Be with you” and Enrique captivated me right away. I mean, while I was in school, I developed a crush on him (yes, it was a crazy crush back then). So, this song spells ‘nostalgia’ for me. I loved the disco-funk sound in the track and, therefore, it became one of my all-time favorites. Even now, whenever I hear “and now that you’re gone,” in the chorus – a definite winner – I get nostalgic.

“Rhythm Divine”

“Rhythm Divine” certainly lives up to its name. The track spent eight weeks at the top of the Spanish singles chart, reached the top ten in several countries, and was certified platinum in Russia with 200,000 copies sold. According to Billboard, with this song, Enrique delivered a “savvy follow-up bid for top 40 longevity.” The composition is passionate and sensual, and it certainly has pop appeal.

“Takin’ Back My Love”

The music video, which features Enrique, shows him breaking up with Ciara, the American singer. I liked how the entire video was shot with a blue background to create a vibrant yet monotonous color palette that accentuated the song’s somber vibe. Enrique and Ciara’s delicate and seductive singing styles blend beautifully in this duet. The synth notes ricochet off one another as the two belt out the choruses.

“Tired of Being Sorry”

This song by Enrique is a cover of the same-titled song by indie-pop band Ringside. Enrique’s rendition is nearly identical to the original, though he incorporates more synth-pop elements. He appears in the video as a vampire, standing atop a building overlooking the skyline, contemplating his transformation. The song was released as the sophomore international single from his album Insomniac (2008), and it went on to become a top 10 hit in various European countries.

“Escape”

“You can run, you can hide, but you can’t escape my love,” bellows the pop star, making you jive to the beats of this amazing hypnotic composition. You can’t get away from his magnetism, and you can’t get away from the song’s effect. A fast-paced, peppy track with dynamic guitar work and, of course, insanely amazing visuals, it showcases Enrique and Anna Kournikova’s smoldering chemistry. This song’s inherent enchantment captures the hearts and minds of its listeners.

“Could I Have This Kiss Forever”

The song debuted as a languid, Latin-style mid-tempo duet sung by Enrique and the phenomenal American singer Whitney Houston, on the former’s debut English-language album, Enrique (1999). The tune was a massive success, reaching number one in several countries. Whitney’s immaculate vocal range is unfathomable. Enrique’s emotions in the music video show that he was blown away by her intriguing, jaw-dropping vocals. What’s the best part? The singers’ combined vocals seem acoustically magical, making this a ballad that can never be forgotten.

“Do You Know” (The Ping Pong Song)

“Do You Know?” (aka “The Ping Pong Song”) was released in 2007 as the first single from Enrique’s eighth studio album, Insomniac. It gets its English moniker from the sound of a ping-pong ball bouncing, which is used as a percussive component throughout the song. Like most of his compositions, this one was a major hit, and to me, the song is like a friend from the past who cheers me up every time I listen to it.

“Addicted”

This alternative rock, pop ballad appears on Enrique’s seventh studio album, 7. In the video, Mischa Barton portrays his love interest. Despite mixed reviews, “Adicto,” the song’s Spanish counterpart, became one of the most popular Latin songs. “Addicted” is also sonically addictive, in my opinion. Perhaps it’s because Enrique is an artist who first feels his song before performing it.

“Not in Love”

Also from 7, “Not in Love” was released in February 2004 and reached number five in the United Kingdom. The album version solely has Enrique’s vocals, while the radio mix includes an additional verse and chorus by American singer Kelis. It’s worth noting Enrique’s wide range of vocal collaborators. He is a great artist who continues to develop music while maintaining his distinct approach.

“Love To See You Cry”

The song is the fourth single from Enrique’s second English-language studio album, Escape. It reached number 12 on the UK singles chart and ranked number one in various countries around the world. Elsa Benitez, a Mexican model, stars in the music video alongside Enrique. This track has an awesome vibe to it, with Spanish guitars, great vocals, and characteristically gorgeous visuals.

“Somebody’s Me”

The song, which is the second single from Enrique’s fourth English studio album, Insomniac, was a worldwide hit. “Somebody’s Me” has a sad, mellow romantic strain. Sarai Givaty, the well-known Israeli model, co-stars in the music video with Enrique. It depicts romantic and intimate moments between them, but there is an undercurrent of pathos in both of their reactions. Perhaps it’s the scream of a lover on the eve of a breakup (as shown in the last scene when the couple part ways). I admire the music video’s constant juggle of color palettes, which alternate between desaturated tones and black and white.

“Tonight” (I’m Lovin’ You)

Even though the song was censored and critically panned due to its raunchiness, “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You)” became a worldwide hit, debuting at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Enrique’s highest-charting single since 2010’s “I Like It.” American rapper Ludacris and DJ Frank E. are also featured on the track. You might hate or love this song, but you simply can’t ignore it. It’s a fantastic, straightforward composition with excellent singing and Ludacris’s insanely good rap verses. 

“Dirty Dancer”

The song is hot, steamy, and superb, featuring an exceptional collaboration between Enrique and American singer Usher. On May 9, 2011, Universal Music Group released a remix of the song as the sixth single from Euphoria, featuring American rapper Lil Wayne and American singer Nayer. The three musicians are shown in the video viewing holographic dancers in nightclubs. “Dirty Dancer” is a dance-pop track containing electropop, dubstep, and rave music elements. This smash-hit appeared on Enrique’s sixth studio album, Euphoria, and Usher’s EP Versus.

“I Like It”

Enrique’s electropop song “I Like It” is on his first bilingual studio album, Euphoria, with American rapper Pitbull providing guest vocals. The song was a tremendous success, and it was also the first single from the Jersey Shore soundtrack. Rolling Stone‘s Erika Berlin gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars, stating, “Enrique is back with his most danceable fiesta since ‘Bailamos,'” adding, “Pitbull gives us insight into his bedroom: Tiger Woods times Jesse James equals Pitbull all night long. Cheating never sounded so fun!”

Our memories of the artist will last a lifetime. It came as a bummer last year when he posted a video on his Instagram account announcing that his album Final might well be his last. It made me emotional. Like many of you, I’ve admired him and loved him since childhood. His songs have always brought me joy. I just hope and pray the artist and his artistry continue to flourish for many more years to come.