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Alt.Latino's Songs Of Lust And, Well, More Lust

Last week, we assembled a workout mixtape. This time around, we're pulling together songs for a different kind of workout. Lust, sex, passion, desire: We're not talking about love songs here, people. We have a rockera who makes the best of a situation many would find awkward, a Colombian musician who reminisces fondly about what happened last night, and a Spanish rapper who tries hard to forget. Warning: Many of these songs contain explicit language.

You might notice that we're a little heavy on Spain in today's show. We usually try to include songs from all over the world, but this week's picks just happen to include a lot of lusty Spanish tunes. We're counting on you, our listeners, to improve on our choices with your own additions. So don't be shy: Offer your picks for boudoir-friendly jams in the comments section below.

And, for you romantics out there, worry not: Next week's show features great love songs in Latin rock music. So if you have any suggestions for that, be sure to let us know.

Copyright 2024 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Dame Love

In "Dame Love" (Give Me Love), this Argentine DJ encounters a situation many people dread: Someone hits on you, but it's his or her friend you want. In Capri's case, he's pining for several of an unfortunate woman's friends. How does he solve his conundrum, you ask? He makes a sexy song full of disco bells and yelps.

Hear "Dame Love" on YouTube.

Uh, Uh, Uh, Uh, Uh

Spanish singer Bebe should probably go out for some drinks with Capri, because in "Uh, Uh, Uh, Uh, Uh," she finds herself in a similar predicament. She's dating this guy, whom she likes, but she also likes the guy's brother. Her gravelly voice is way too sensual for us to feel pity for her -- and she certainly doesn't feel sorry for herself: The song is more a proposition or boast than an apology. The solution to her problem is a little bit risque, but let's just say she gets the best of both worlds.

Purchase "Uh, Uh, Uh, Uh, Uh" on Amazon.

Que Mimporta

We don't usually pick the same artist twice in one show, but Bebe's "Que Me Importa" (What Do I Care) was just too good to miss. Again, she's not apologetic. Sounding like a Spanish PJ Harvey with an I'm-writhing-on-the-floor voice and hard guitars, she basically lets us know that she's going to do whatever she wants tonight, and doesn't care what you think. The best line here: "If you don't make me laugh, I'll be furious." The lady knows what she wants.

Purchase "Que Mimporta" on Amazon.

Mala Suerte con el 13

"Mala Suerte" (Bad Luck) is pure sex. What else would you expect when you pair up one of Spain's hottest rappers, Mala Rodriguez, with the Puerto Rican reggaeton stars in Calle 13? Rapping about sex is nothing new, but this song is different: In addition to the usual "This is what I want to do to you" back-and-forth, Mala incessantly makes fun of Calle 13's masculinity. Rapper Rene plays along, proving just how confident he is.

Noche

In "La Noche" (The Night), Juanes reminisces about an amazing night with a woman who is apparently unavailable. Judging by Juanes' own babe factor, we doubt the veracity of this story, but with its mix of rock and Colombian beats, we'll just enjoy the song.

Purchase "Noche" on Amazon.

Te Quiero Mucho Pero No Pa Todos Los Dias

Spanish singer La Shica has the exact opposite of Juanes' problem. In "Te Quiero Mucho Pero No Pa Todos Los Dias" (I Love You/Want You, But Not For Every Day), she samples music from the opera Carmen. That's appropriate, since she herself has the persona of a femme fatale. Yes, she had a good time with you and, yes, she might want to do it again. But please stop calling. This is not an everyday thing.

Purchase "Te Quiero Mucho Pero No Pa Todos Los Dias" on Amazon.

Purchase "Te Quiero Mucho Pero No Pa Todos Los Dias" on iTunes.

Tu Amor, Mi Amor

As we've seen in this week's show, there are plenty of lust songs out there. Soraya's "Tu Amor, Mi Amor" (Your Love, My Love) is unique for this list in that it's about lust and love -- the powerful sensation of desiring the person you're in love with. Soraya's beautiful voice embroiders the sweet guitar work throughout.

Hear "Tu Amor, Mi Amor" on iTunes.

Purchase "Tu Amor, Mi Amor" on Amazon.

Jasmine Garsd is an Argentine-American journalist living in New York. She is currently NPR's Criminal Justice correspondent and the host of The Last Cup. She started her career as the co-host of Alt.Latino, an NPR show about Latin music. Throughout her reporting career she's focused extensively on women's issues and immigrant communities in America. She's currently writing a book of stories about women she's met throughout her travels.