In Memory of Selena's Death 30 Years Later
Looking back on some Selena songs I enjoyed in Middle School
It’s officially been 30 years since Selena Quintanilla’s passing. In honor of her remembrance, I wanted to share a quick memory of how I got into her music. Also, here are some of my favorite unpopular songs from the Tejano Songstress.
Earliest Memory
I was in middle school when I first got into Selena (Selena y Los Dinos) music. After watching her biopic, I enjoyed several of her songs over the years, but they were in no particular order. Selena was also the one to inspired me to learn Spanish and other languages.
Before I used Google Docs, I would handwrite the lyrics with Google Translate. Singing over them like I was her in a music video.
Here are some of my favorite Selena songs I translated.
Dame Un Beso (1986)
“Dame Un Beso” was a very easy sing-along. I love the trumpets and the overall production. I also love how this was one of Selena’s first hits as a teenager. It’s a very sweet love song.
Ya Ves (1990)
“Ya Ves” is this earnest song about heartbreak. Even without the translation, I knew how passionate the music was. She was perfectly sassy on this record.
El Chico Del Apartamento 512 (1994)
“El Chico Del Apartamento 512” was a big flex for me to sing. I loved challenging myself by singing the fast chorus. I also loved the humor and witty narrative. The cumbia rhythm is amazing.
Techno Cumbia (1994)
A lot of fans are well aware of “Techno Cumbia.” Of course, this song was a fun time to write and sing aloud. I loved the intro rap and the call and response on the record.
Como La Flor (1992)
“Como La Flor” was the ultimate track to follow along to. It also happened to be the easiest to learn as the melody carried me through.
La Llamada (1993)
Everyone should hear “La Llamada.” It’s probably Selena’s most empowering female anthem. In the song, she breaks up with her boyfriend over the phone. I’d like to think this record is part of the reason she earned her family and won the Selena Live! Grammy.
No Llores Mas (1988)
“No Llores Mas” is a bit of an unknown B-side before her EMI years. I don’t think the ballad gets a lot of appreciation for its beauty. It struck me the first time I heard it.
Enamorada de Ti (Daniela Romo 1986 cover)
Not everyone remembers the B-side cover from the Munequita de Trapo album. It was originally a hit by Daniela Romo, but I enjoyed Selena y los Dinos version. Funny, A.B wrote an original song which happened to be the same song from their Ven Comingo album.
Final Thoughts
These are just some Selena songs that I followed along to. I learned more great music from her thanks to Selena The Series focusing on her early hits. In honor of her memory, I will listen to some of her pre-EMI records with her family band. There are a lot of great hidden gems to look forward to online.
If you’re curious to learn all about Selena’s legacy go over to selenaforever.com. The tribute site breaks down all her recorded hits from the Los Dinos to her English crossovers.
Share your memories of her legacy below.
I end this post with one of her best Tejano Award performances. Notice the Rhythm Nation dance break.
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I love Selena. Great choice of songs. Techno Cumbia is one of my favorites.
My husband is from Corpus Christi and shared with me what a big deal it was when she was murdered. The community was shocked and devastated. He even took me to Selena’s grave where many go to pay their respects. What a tragic ending.