Top 10 Hit Songs Artists Recorded in Other Languages
#10: “99 Luftballons” (1983) by Nena English
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In any language, this is a catchy bop with energetic beats and a fresh, cutting-edge sound that’ll quickly get you dancing. Initially dropped by the German group Nena in 1983, the track soon conquered the global scene. In 1984, they rolled out the English “99 Red Balloons,” where lyricist Kevin McAlea took some liberties with the interpretation while keeping the song’s dark ending intact. Interestingly, the band had reservations about the English re-release, with Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen, a band member and co-writer, noting that “the song loses something in translation.” While most audiences seemingly agreed, the translated version reigned supreme among UK, Ireland, and Canadian audiences, claiming the top spots on their charts.
#9: “Ring of Fire” (1963) by Johnny Cash Spanish
If you’re a fan of Cash’s “Ring of Fire” then you might want to give the Spanish version a listen too. Titled “Fuego D’Amor,” it's like experiencing the same classic through a different sound system. Cash's deep voice, mixed with those vibrant Spanish lyrics, gives it a whole new vibe. Written by his wife, June, this song etched itself as one of his career-defining tracks, nabbing a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame. We’re not here to critique his Spanish; after all, we’ve never dropped a foreign language track! “Anillo De Fuego”- also known as “Fuego D’Amor” proves that a great song, even in a different language, can still carry the same timeless charm.
#8: “In My Room” (1963) by The Beach Boys German
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This Beach Boys classic is a true gem, showcasing the musical brilliance of Brian Wilson and Gary Usher. The song's sweet backstory delves into Wilson's childhood, sharing a room with his brothers, teaching them “Ivory Tower,” and creating cherished memories. Today, it's a Grammy Hall of Famer and features on Rolling Stone's “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” But did you know they also released it in German? “Ganz Allein,” translating to “All Alone,” was first released in 1983 on their “Rarities” album. Reportedly translated by Mike Love's ex, who’s German, the lyrics may differ, but the core of this heartfelt ballad, reflecting on finding comfort in personal spaces away from life's chaos, translates perfectly.
#7: “Kiss Me” (1999) by Sixpence None the Richer Japanese
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How many 90s teens could possibly resist the urge to channel their inner Laney Boggs while walking down the stairs as this song plays in their heads? The Grammy-nominated hit was a global sensation, topping charts in Australia and Canada. We’re guessing it also had a major fanbase in Japan since the group re-recorded the song in Japanese. We’re by no means fluent, but it sounds pretty good to us! “Kiss Me” may be the only lyrics we can understand, but it still transports us into our own rom-com teen flick, setting the scene for a magical night. If you want to update your playlist with another Japanese re-record, how about Charli XCX’s “Boom Clap?”
#6: “As Tears Go By” (1965) by The Rolling Stones Italian
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Here’s one you might not have seen coming, but yeah, The Rolling Stones surprised fans by translating this particular ballad into Italian under the title, “Con Le Mie Lacrime.” It's an unexpected twist showing how this song connects with everyone, regardless of language. The group enlisted the expertise of Italian lyricist and record producer Dante Panzuti, better known as Danpa, who proved to be a master at accurately conveying not just the meaning but also the tone of the song. Even though classic rock can be tricky to translate effectively, this move with “As Tears Go By”' proves that the emotions and music vibes can reach everyone, no matter what language you speak.
#5: “Call Me” (1980) by Blondie Spanish
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How do you say “Call Me” in Spanish? We think we’ll throw this one over to Blondie. “Llámame” was initially released to woo the fanbases in Central and Spanish-speaking South American countries. However, it also managed to dance its way into the hearts of US and UK audiences. Can you blame ‘em? Debbie Harry’s sultry vocals continue their enchantment in this rendition, practically commanding listeners to crank up the volume to the max. While the original invited fans to embrace full-blown jam sessions, the Spanish version somehow amps up that irresistible head-banging energy. If you want more of the group’s multilingual musical magic, you could also check out their song “Sunday Girl” in French.
#4: “Waterloo” (1974) by ABBA Swedish, French & German
As you probably know, ABBA's conquest of Europe began with their 1974 Eurovision win with “Waterloo.” While the English version steals the show as a crowd favorite, the fact that they recorded the song in their native Swedish probably won't catch you off guard. And with their widespread appeal across the continent post-victory, it's equally unsurprising that you can also enjoy it in French and German. Fun fact: Alain Boublil, the mind behind the French lyrics, later co-penned his own musical interpretation of French history alongside Claude-Michel Schönberg. If you’ve already surrendered to the English version, there are three other language renditions we’re sure you’ll love forevermore.
#3: “I Will Survive” (1978) by Gloria Gaynor Spanish
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Gloria Gaynor's empowering anthem “I Will Survive” transcends cultural barriers with a universally relatable message of resilience. Whether in English or the Spanish “Yo Viviré,” the infectious melody, upbeat rhythm, and Gaynor's powerhouse vocals create an unforgettable track that defies language barriers. Her voice, a force of nature, adds depth to the lyrics, making them soar, even if you can't follow word for word. Whether belting “I Will Survive” or “Yo Viviré,” Gaynor delivers unmatched authenticity, hitting us deep in the feels. The danceable, funky melody is an earworm in any language, and you don't need to be fluent to appreciate the song's message – we won't just survive; we will thrive!
#2: “Heroes” (1977) by David Bowie German & French
Bowie’s “Heroes” spins a tale of love across a divided Germany, so we think it’s pretty obvious which other language he recorded the track in: French. Okay, he did release a French version called, Héros,’” but his German rendition “Helden” arguably had a greater impact. Some say Bowie aimed to champion his support of Europe with this move, and judging by the charts, fans rallied behind it. You may have even heard it in the 2019 comedy-drama “Jojo Rabbit.” Bowie didn’t stop there; he expanded his multilingual playlist with an Italian version of “Space Oddity.” The man clearly understood the unifying powers of music. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Pour Que Tu M’Aimes Encore” (1995) by Céline Dion, English Since the Original French Version Was a Hit, Why Not Try It in English? “Irreplaceable” (2006) by Beyoncé, Spanish While the Original Is “Irreplaceable,” “Irreemplazable” Is Also Excelente! “You Don't Own Me” (1963) by Lesley Gore, French Gore Totally Owns “Je Ne Sais Plus” “Genie in a Bottle” (1999) by Christina Aguilera, Spanish Spanish-Speaking Fans Got Their Deseo Concedido with “Genio Atrapado” “Walk On By” (1964) by Dionne Warwick, German You Won’t Want to “Geh Vorbei” This Version
#1: “She Loves You” (1963) & “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1963) by The Beatles German
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While Beatlemania was in full swing by the mid-60s, some weren’t convinced that German audiences would embrace the frenzy. Their solution? Get the Beatles to create German versions of “She Loves You” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – or “Sie liebt dich” and “Komm, gib mir deine Hand.” Keen ears will hear the differences not only in the lyrics but also in the orchestration. Anyway, the songs were a hit, with “Komm, gib mir deine Hand” even soaring to number one on the West Germany charts. This reportedly was the only time they strayed from their native English. Intriguingly, some believe their English-centric repertoire played a role in unifying the language across Europe. Got a favorite song recorded in another language that you think everyone should listen to? Share it in the comments.