Best Rumba Songs

There are so many songs to choose from when it comes to ballroom dance. Rumba is a great dance style and there are many different songs to choose from when dancing this style. Here are some of the best rumba songs!

Rumba is a lively and rhythmic style of music and dance that originated in Cuba. It has also influenced various other Latin American musical genres. Here are some classic and popular rumba songs that you might enjoy:
1. “Bésame Mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez
2. “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” by Osvaldo Farrés
3. “Perfidia” by Alberto Domínguez
4. “Siboney” by Ernesto Lecuona
5. “La Cumparsita” by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez
6. “El Manisero” by Moisés Simons
7. “Babalu” by Margarita Lecuona
8. “Amor” by Gabriel Ruiz
9. “Dos Gardenias” by Isolina Carrillo
10. “El Cumbanchero” by Rafael Hernández Marín
11. “Oye Como Va” by Tito Puente
12. “Obsesión” by Pedro Flores
13. “Rico Vacilón” by Rosendo Ruiz Quevedo
14. “Piel Canela” by Bobby Capó
15. “Sway” by Pablo Beltrán Ruiz (Although not a traditional rumba, it has a rumba rhythm and has been popularly danced to as such.)

Latin Dances

Remember that the term “rumba” can refer both to a dance style and a musical genre, and there’s a wide range of songs that might be considered rumba. Some of these songs have elements of the rumba rhythm and style, while others might have been popular for rumba dancing. Enjoy exploring the vibrant world of rumba music!

Here are some more great rumba songs for you to enjoy:
1. “Chan Chan” by Compay Segundo (Buena Vista Social Club)
2. “El Cuarto de Tula” by Buena Vista Social Club
3. “Guantanamera” by Joseíto Fernández
4. “Cachita” by Rafael Hernández
5. “La Engañadora” by Rafael Hernández
6. “Aquel Lugar” by Adolescent’s Orquesta
7. “Me Voy Pa’l Pueblo” by Beny Moré
8. “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz
9. “Contigo En La Distancia” by Celia Cruz
10. “Lágrimas Negras” by Bebo Valdés and Diego El Cigala
11. “No Me Platiques Más” by Los Panchos
12. “La Gota Fría” by Carlos Vives (a modern take on rumba with Colombian influence)
13. “Amor de Mis Amores” by Paco & Pepe
14. “La Murga” by Willie Colón
15. “Bilongo” by Eddie Palmieri

These songs cover a range of rumba styles and influences, from classic Cuban rumba to more modern interpretations and blends with other Latin genres. Enjoy listening and dancing to the lively rhythms of these songs!

Rumba First Dance Songs

If you’re looking for rumba songs that are suitable for a first dance at a wedding or a special occasion, here are some romantic and beautiful love story options:
1. “Bésame Mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez
2. “Sabor a Mí” by Alvaro Carrillo
3. “Amor” by Gabriel Ruiz
4. “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” by Osvaldo Farrés
5. “Historia de un Amor” by Carlos Eleta Almarán
6. “Perfidia” by Alberto Domínguez
7. “Contigo En La Distancia” by Celia Cruz
8. “Dos Gardenias” by Isolina Carrillo
9. “La Gloria Eres Tú” by José Antonio Méndez
10. “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” by Armando Manzanero
11. “Somos Novios” by Armando Manzanero
12. “Si Tú Me Dices Ven” by Los Panchos
13. “La Barca” by Luis Miguel (a bolero with a rumba rhythm)
14. “Burbujas de Amor” by Juan Luis Guerra (a mix of bachata and rumba rhythms)
15. “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole (while not a traditional rumba, it can be danced to a rumba rhythm)

These songs provide a romantic and elegant ambiance for a special first dance, capturing the essence of the rumba rhythm while adding a touch of love and emotion to the moment.

Favorite Songs

Some classic dance movies are full of great songs that you can dance the rumba to!

One favorite, “Dirty Dancing”, is a classic movie that features various dance styles, including the rumba. While the movie’s soundtrack includes a mix of music genres suitable for dancing, here are a few of songs from the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack that could be associated with a rumba dance style:
1. “Cry to Me” by Solomon Burke
2. “Do You Love Me” by The Contours
3. “Love Man” by Otis Redding
4. “Stay” by Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs
5. “Hungry Eyes” by Eric Carmen
6. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

While these songs are featured in “Dirty Dancing” and have danceable rhythms, they might not be traditional rumba songs in the strict musical sense. However, they capture the energetic and passionate spirit of the movie’s dance scenes and could certainly be adapted for rumba dancing.

80’s Rumba Songs

Rumba is a versatile dance style that can be adapted to various types of music. While the 1980s had a plethora of danceable tracks, here are some 80s songs that could work well for rumba dancing due to their rhythms and romantic vibes:
1. “Careless Whisper” by George Michael
2. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
3. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
4. “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles
5. “Hello” by Lionel Richie
6. “True” by Spandau Ballet
7. “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin
8. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder
9. “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston
10. “The Power of Love” by Jennifer Rush

These songs may not be strictly rumba in terms of their musical genre, but their rhythms and emotional melodies can provide a beautiful backdrop for a rumba dance. Remember, rumba is often about expressing feelings and emotions through dance, and these tracks offer a great opportunity to do just that.

Popular Songs That You can Rumba to

American rumba is a slow and romantic dance that is often danced to contemporary pop and ballad songs. Here are some songs that are well-suited for dancing the rumba:
1. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
2. “All of Me” by John Legend
3. “Amazed” by Lonestar
4. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
5. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
6. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
7. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
8. “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
9. “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart
10. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

Additional Popular Songs

1. “Smooth Operator” by Sade
2. “More Than Words” by Extreme
3. “Hello” by Lionel Richie
4. “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
5. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder
6. “Fields of Gold” by Sting
7. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
8. “Breathe” by Faith Hill
9. “Shape of My Heart” by Sting
10. “Let It Be” by The Beatles
11. “Your Song” by Elton John
12. “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
13. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley

These songs have suitable tempos and emotional qualities for rumba dancing. Remember that the rumba is about expressing feelings and connection, so choose songs that resonate with you and your partner to create a meaningful dance experience!

But don’t stop there, find your perfect song for other dance styles as well at the links below. You will find the perfect song for other styles such as Cha Cha, Tango, and so much more!

And don’t forget to look the part when you’re dancing to your favorite rumba song! Click the links below to find some great Latin dance attire and shoes!