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The 9 Best Foreign Language Hits from the Past Decade

Fancy hearing something that’s not English? Well, you’re in luck. The past decade has given us a treasure trove of foreign language music. So vast is this treasure trove in fact, that its difficult to know what to pick! Well, don’t fret. If you were looking for a one-stop ‘hit-list’ of the decade’s best foreign language music, look no further!

Here’s our favourite 9:

1. Ai Se eu te pego (2008)

Singer: Cangaia De Jegue, but later popularised by Michel Teló in 2011
Country: Brazil
Language: Brazilian

This Brazilian song, though first recorded in 2008, rose to fame when covered by Michel Teló in 2011, when it received international acclaim in various foreign countries like France, Germany, Spain and America.

The 9 Best Foreign Language Hits from the Past Decade

Written by Sharon Acioly, Antônio Dyggs, Aline da Fonseca, Amanda Teixeira and Karine Assis Vinagre, it became the first Brazilian solo to plunge to #1 on the US music charts, while also becoming an instant hit with footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo, for its unique dance moves, to celebrate a goal. This foreign language song is sure to get you up on your feet and swaying in no time!

2. Alors En Dans (2009)

Singer: Stromae (Paul Van Haver)
County of Origin: Belgium
Language: French

Walking into a club to this is simply the best feeling, because of how catchy it is!

Stromae, a Belgian artist, released this French track in Europe in 2009. Written by Paul Haver (Stromae), this track was one of the most played foreign language songs of 2010. The video relates to anyone who has a hard day at work and just wants to unwind from it all.

3. Gangnam Style (2012)

Singer: Psy
County of Origin: Korea
Language: Korean

Nothing defines viral like Gangnam Style; dance moves, memes, gifs et al. The viral hit struck a Guiness record of being the most watched video on Youtube and even featured performances by Psy alongside UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon. It was a raging success among various age groups across the world, and the horse riding dance became an iconic move among the masses. You can still get any party started with this crazy number!

4. We No Speak Americano (2012)

Singer: Yolanda Be cool
County of Origin: Australia
Language: Italian

The Australian hit single was a dance hit in 2012, written by Johnson Peterson, Sylvester Martinez, Duncan Maclennan, and Nicola Salerno. It inspired many parodies and covers. It is famously used by Gabby Douglas, American Gold medallist gymnast, for a final floor routine and also appeared in many movies and video games. Of all the foreign language songs, one cannot help but shuffle to the groovy beat with this number!

5. Papaoutai (2013)

Singer: Stromea
County of Origin: Belgium
Language: French

The French single was a digital download release which topped charts and became the #1 hit in Belgium in 2013. It expresses emotions about lacking a father figure but still manages to choreograph the emotions into a subtle story. Its thumping beat is a pick up for any gloomy day. You’re going to want to sing this effortlessly!

6. Lm3allem (2015)

Singer: Sa’ad Lamjarred
County of Origin: Morocco
Language: Arabic

With an impeccable replication of the aesthetic Moroccan culture, this is the most viewed Arabic music video. Sa’ad was awarded for the international hit which also features his father, singer Bachir Abdou, as a way to support his son’s music career. It has a very catchy tune and colourful tones, and will be the highlight of any party!

7. Chantaje (2016)

Singer: Shakira ft. Maluma
County of Origin: Spain
Language: Spanish

A boys Vs Girls song by the Columbian heartthrob was sure to be an instant hit among her international and home based fan following. It has an alluring ring and a quirky beat to it, making you want to sing it even if you can’t pronounce the words!

8. Despacito (2017)

Singer: Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
County of Origin: Puerto Rico
Language: Spanish

It comes as no surprise that this is one of the best of the decade. With two of Puerto Rico’s most popular artists leading the vocals, this hit has been the go-to foreign language song for any occasion. With over 3 billion views, this song even saw a successful collaboration with Justin Bieber after which it bolted to the longest reigning #1 on billboard chart toppers of 2017 in over 27 countries. Now that is a major record in the history of music!

9. Mic Drop (2017)

Singer: BTS
County of Origin: Korea
Language: Korean

With Steve Aoki remixing this Korean favourite, this definitely raised the bar for international music. It has a futuristic beat and is choreographed pretty darn well too! It received global music awards and can kick start even a boring Monday.
So the next time you’re in the mood for music but tire of English, you know what some of your go-to songs should be.

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