Tango is a beautiful and fun dance style! This list is full of some of the best tango songs to dance to!
Best Tango Songs
The history of tango music is very rich and diverse, with many classic and iconic songs that are beloved by tango enthusiasts around the world.
This list combines some of the best Argentine tango songs and non-traditional songs to give you lots of options. Whether you are a beginning dancer and this is your first tango, or you are an experienced dancer, you will find the perfect song for you! This list is full of solid dance music that is perfect for this dance style.
This list is a good recommendation of popular songs as well as some lesser known tango songs. But one thing is for sure, after hearing tango music it will quickly become one of your favorite dance styles!
This long list is the easiest way to find the best tango song for you!
Here are some of the best tango songs, spanning different eras and styles that tango fans enjoy:
1. “La Cumparsita” – Written by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez, this is one of the most famous tango songs of all time.
2. “Por una Cabeza” – Composed by Carlos Gardel and Alfredo Le Pera, this song is known for its beautiful melody and has been featured in various films.
3. “Volver” – Another classic by Carlos Gardel, this song is a heartfelt expression of nostalgia and longing.
4. “El Día Que Me Quieras” – Yet another Gardel classic, this tango has been covered by many artists and is a favorite among tango lovers.
5. “Libertango” – Written by the legendary Ástor Piazzolla, this song is a fusion of traditional tango and modern jazz influences.
6. “Balada para un Loco” – Another Piazzolla composition, this song features lyrics by Horacio Ferrer and is a unique and passionate tango.
7. “Adiós Nonino” – Also by Ástor Piazzolla, this tango was composed in memory of his father and is emotionally charged.
8. “Uno” – Composed by Mariano Mores with lyrics by Enrique Santos Discépolo, “Uno” is a classic tango with a catchy melody.
9. “Tinta Roja” – A beautiful and melancholic tango by Sebastián Piana and Cátulo Castillo.
10. “Garúa” – A tango classic by Aníbal Troilo with lyrics by Enrique Cadícamo, known for its evocative portrayal of rainy nights.
11. “Nostalgias” – A poignant tango by Juan Carlos Cobián with lyrics by Enrique Cadícamo, expressing a deep sense of nostalgia.
12. “Taquito Militar” – A lively and rhythmic tango instrumental by Mariano Mores.
13. “El Choclo” – Composed by Ángel Villoldo, this is one of the earliest recorded tangos and remains a classic.
14. “Milonga del Ángel” – Another beautiful piece by Ástor Piazzolla, known for its haunting melody.
15. “Malena” – A soulful tango by Lucio Demare with lyrics by Homero Manzi, dedicated to a woman named Malena.
These are just a few examples of the many outstanding tango songs that have been composed over the years. Tango is a genre that continues to evolve, with contemporary musicians adding their own twists to the traditional style, so there are always new and exciting tango songs to discover as well.
Classic Tango Songs
Tango dance songs are an essential part of the tango tradition, and they are chosen for their rhythm, tempo, and mood that make them suitable for dancing. Here are some more tango dance songs that are popular among tango dancers. There are some amazing tango orchestras to choose music from! Check out each song title to find the best one for you:
1. “El Flete” by Aníbal Troilo – A classic tango with a rhythmic and energetic feel that’s perfect for dancing.
2. “La Yumba” by Osvaldo Pugliese – Known for its dramatic and powerful melody, this tango is great for passionate dancing.
3. “Milonga Sentimental” by Carlos Di Sarli – This milonga has a slightly faster tempo and a playful rhythm that’s fun for dancers.
4. “Percal” by Osvaldo Pugliese – A slower and more sensual tango, perfect for close embrace dancing.
5. “Trenzas” by Edgardo Donato – A traditional tango with a catchy melody and a steady beat.
6. “A Media Luz” by Carlos Di Sarli – This tango has a romantic and dreamy quality, making it ideal for close and intimate dancing. It is one of the popular instrumental tangos of Carlos Di Sarli.
7. “Canaro en París” by Juan D’Arienzo – D’Arienzo is known for his upbeat and lively tangos, and this one is no exception.
8. “Poema” by Francisco Canaro – A beautiful and melodic tango that’s often chosen for its emotional depth.
9. “El Choclo” by Sexteto Mayor – A modern interpretation of the classic tango “El Choclo” with a unique arrangement.
10. “Desde el Alma” by Osvaldo Pugliese – Pugliese’s compositions are often favored by dancers for their complexity and depth.
11. “Quejas de Bandoneón” by Juan D’Arienzo – An iconic tango that’s both rhythmically engaging and fun to dance.
12. “Tanguera” by Sexteto Mayor – A contemporary tango that combines traditional elements with a modern twist.
13. “El Huracán” by Alfredo De Angelis – A mid-tempo tango with a catchy melody that’s suitable for dancing.
14. “La Cumparsita (Tango Nuevo Version)” by Ástor Piazzolla – Piazzolla’s modern interpretation of “La Cumparsita” adds a new dimension to this classic.
15. “Milonga Triste” by Héctor Stamponi – A beautiful milonga with a melancholic feel that’s great for dancers who appreciate slower tempos.
These tango dance songs offer a variety of styles and moods to suit different preferences and skill levels of tango dancers, whether you prefer traditional or contemporary interpretations of the genre.
Slow Tango Dance Songs
Slow tango songs are known for their sensuality and emotional depth, making them perfect for passionate and intimate dancing. Here are some slow tango songs that are ideal for those moments when you want to embrace the sultry side of tango:
1. “Por una Cabeza” by Carlos Gardel – This classic tango has a beautiful and romantic melody that’s perfect for slow dancing.
2. “Nostalgias” by Juan Carlos Cobián – A slow and melancholic tango that’s full of emotion.
3. “El Día Que Me Quieras” by Carlos Gardel – A timeless tango with a slow tempo that’s great for close embrace dancing.
4. “Balada para un Loco” by Ástor Piazzolla – This tango has a slow, dreamy quality that’s both passionate and contemplative.
5. “Milonga Sentimental” by Carlos Di Sarli – A slow milonga with a sentimental and romantic atmosphere.
6. “Adiós Nonino” by Ástor Piazzolla – While it has moments of intensity, this tango also features slow, emotive passages.
7. “Volver” by Carlos Gardel – Another Gardel classic with a slow tempo that allows for a deep connection between dancers.
8. “Garúa” by Aníbal Troilo – A slow tango that captures the feeling of a rainy night, full of melancholy.
9. “La Última Curda” by Aníbal Troilo – This tango has a slow, dramatic quality that’s ideal for expressing deep emotions.
10. “Tinta Roja” by Sebastián Piana – A slow and soulful tango that’s perfect for dancers who appreciate emotional storytelling.
11. “Milonga del Ángel” by Ástor Piazzolla – While it’s not strictly a tango, this piece has a slow and haunting melody that’s captivating for dancers.
12. “Quejas de Bandoneón” by Juan D’Arienzo – A classic tango with a slow, sultry section that’s perfect for close embrace dancing.
13. “Esta Noche de Luna” by Osvaldo Pugliese – A slow and romantic tango that’s great for expressing deep feelings through dance.
14. “Milonga de Mis Amores” by Pedro Laurenz – A slow milonga with a sweet and tender quality.
15. “Fuimos” by Homero Manzi – A slow and poetic tango that’s rich in lyrical beauty.
These slow tango songs provide the perfect soundtrack for dancers looking to explore the emotional and passionate aspects of tango while moving at a more leisurely pace.
Fast Tango Dance Songs
Fast tango songs are known for their energetic and lively rhythms, making them ideal for dancers who enjoy quick footwork and dynamic movements. Here are some fast tango songs that will get your heart racing on the dance floor:
1. “El Choclo” by Ángel Villoldo – This is one of the earliest recorded tangos and has a lively, infectious rhythm.
2. “Quejas de Bandoneón” by Juan D’Arienzo – D’Arienzo is famous for his fast-paced tangos, and this one is one of arienzo’s classics, a great example of his style.
3. “La Cumparsita” by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez – While often played as a slower tango, some versions of “La Cumparsita” have a faster tempo that’s great for dynamic dancing.
4. “La Yumba” by Osvaldo Pugliese – This tango has a quick and dramatic pace that challenges dancers with intricate steps.
5. “El Entrerriano” by Rosendo Mendizábal – One of the earliest recorded tangos, “El Entrerriano” has a lively and playful tempo.
6. “Loca” by Juan D’Arienzo – Another fast and energetic tango by D’Arienzo that’s perfect for those who enjoy quick footwork.
7. “La Milonga de Buenos Aires” by Osvaldo Pugliese – A fast-paced milonga with a vibrant rhythm.
8. “A la Gran Muñeca” by Francisco Canaro – This tango has a cheerful and lively tempo that’s great for dancing.
9. “Milonga Para Asado” by Sexteto Mayor – A modern interpretation of milonga with a fast and dynamic rhythm.
10. “Farol” by Aníbal Troilo – Troilo’s “Farol” has a fast tempo with intricate musical elements that challenge dancers.
11. “La Morocha” by Francisco Canaro – A lively and playful tango that’s perfect for quick, rhythmic dancing.
12. “Chicuelo” by Ástor Piazzolla – Piazzolla’s take on tango nuevo includes some fast and complex compositions like “Chicuelo.”
13. “El Chupete” by Osvaldo Pugliese – Pugliese’s signature style shines in this fast-paced tango.
14. “Corralera” by Aníbal Troilo – A fast-paced tango that demands precision and agility from dancers.
15. “La Puñalada” by Juan D’Arienzo – D’Arienzo’s renditions of traditional tangos like “La Puñalada” are known for their speed and vitality.
These fast tango songs are sure to get your adrenaline pumping and add excitement to your tango dancing. They offer opportunities for intricate footwork and dynamic movements, making them a favorite among tango enthusiasts who thrive on the thrill of a fast-paced dance.
Argentine Tango Music
Tango is traditionally danced to Argentine tango music, but it’s possible to dance the tango to other non traditional songs as well, especially if they have the appropriate tempo, rhythm, and mood. While the dance may not be as authentic as when danced to traditional tango music, it can still be enjoyable. Here are some other songs that you can dance the tango to:
1. “Whatever Lola Wants” by Sarah Vaughan – This song has a sultry and seductive quality that makes it suitable for tango.
2. “Smooth” by Santana featuring Rob Thomas – While this song is more of a Latin rock/pop fusion, its rhythmic elements can be adapted for tango dancing.
3. “Hotel California” by Eagles – The slow and dramatic tempo of this song can be used for a slower tango or a tango-inspired dance.
4. “Besame Mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez – While originally a Mexican bolero, its romantic and passionate melody lends itself to tango-inspired dancing.
5. “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” by Doris Day – This song has a playful and flirtatious feel that can be adapted for tango dancing.
6. “Cry Me a River” by Julie London – The slow and smoky atmosphere of this song can be used for a slower tango or a tango-inspired dance.
7. “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé – This modern jazz standard has a tempo and mood that can be suitable for tango dancing.
8. “Porcelain” by Moby – This electronic track has a steady beat that can be used for a more contemporary style of tango.
9. “Fever” by Peggy Lee – The slow, sensuous rhythm of this song can be adapted for tango-inspired dancing.
10. “Bésame” by Camila Cabello – This modern pop song has a Latin influence and can be used for a more contemporary style of tango.
11. “Tango to Evora” by Loreena McKennitt – This piece is inspired by tango and can be danced to with a tango feel.
12. “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias featuring Gente de Zona – While it’s more of a Latin pop song, it can be danced to with a tango-inspired fusion.
Keep in mind that when dancing the tango to non-traditional songs, you may need to adapt your movements and style to suit the music. Tango purists may prefer to stick with traditional tango music, but experimenting with different genres can be a fun and creative way to explore tango dancing through a different style of music.
More Non-Traditional Tango Songs
Here are some additional songs that, while not traditional tango music, can be adapted for tango dancing due to their tempo, rhythm, and mood:
1. “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” by Nancy Sinatra – This dramatic and sultry song can create a captivating atmosphere for tango-inspired dancing.
2. “I Put a Spell on You” by Nina Simone – The smoky and passionate vocals in this song make it suitable for a slower, seductive tango.
3. “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak – The haunting melody and slow tempo of this song can be used for a sensual and dramatic tango.
4. “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone – This classic jazz standard has the right tempo and mood for tango dancing, especially if you’re looking for a slow and expressive dance.
5. “Porcelain” by Moby – The steady electronic beat and ambiance of this song can be adapted for a contemporary tango fusion.
6. “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers – The soulful and rhythmic qualities of this song can inspire a passionate tango dance.
7. “Smooth Operator” by Sade – Sade’s smooth and sultry vocals can set the tone for a sensuous tango-inspired dance.
8. “Mad About You” by Sting – This song’s rhythm and mood can work well for tango dancing, especially in a slower embrace.
9. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper – The emotional depth and tempo of this song can be adapted for a heartfelt tango.
10. “I Can’t Tell You Why” by Eagles – The slow and smooth tempo of this song can be used for a relaxed tango or tango-inspired dance.
11. “At Last” by Etta James – This classic ballad can create a romantic atmosphere for a slow and expressive tango dance.
12. “Fever” by Elvis Presley – Elvis’s rendition of this song has a bluesy and rhythmic feel that can be used for a playful tango-inspired dance.
13. “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley – This modern hit has an intriguing rhythm and mood that can be adapted for a unique tango fusion.
14. “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson – The driving rhythm and intensity of this song can be used for a dynamic tango-inspired dance.
15. “Tango Till They’re Sore” by Tom Waits – While not a traditional tango, this song’s title suggests a tango feel, and its unique style can inspire creative tango movements.
Remember that when dancing to non-traditional songs, it’s important to adapt your tango movements to fit the music’s rhythm and mood. Tango is a versatile dance that can be expressed in various ways, and experimenting with different genres can add a fresh and creative dimension to your dancing.
Tango Songs From Musicals
Tango is a versatile dance, and it can be adapted to a wide range of music styles, including songs from musicals. Here are some songs from musicals, and some of our personal favorite songs, that you can dance the tango to and that would be fun additions to your tango playlists:
1. “Hernando’s Hideaway” from “The Pajama Game” – This song is often danced to as a tango and has a catchy, rhythmic melody.
2. “Cell Block Tango” from “Chicago” – While originally a vaudeville number, the sultry and dramatic quality of this song from this famous scene in the musical can inspire tango-style dancing.
3. “Roxanne” from “Moulin Rouge!” – This adaptation of The Police’s song features a tango-inspired sequence and can be danced to in a passionate tango style.
4. “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” from “A Chorus Line” – The sassy and playful nature of this song can be incorporated into a fun tango dance.
5. “Malagueña” from “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” – While not a musical in the traditional sense, this instrumental piece has a tango-like rhythm and can be used for tango dancing.
6. “Be Italian” from “Nine” – The fiery and seductive nature of this song can be adapted for a sensual tango dance.
7. “Tango Maureen” from “Rent” – As the title suggests, this song is a tango and can be danced to in a traditional or contemporary tango style.
8. “Mambo” from “West Side Story” – While not a tango, the energetic Mambo dance sequence in “West Side Story” can be an exciting addition to a tango performance.
9. “Don Juan” from “Don Juan in Hell” – This instrumental piece has a tango rhythm and can be used for tango-inspired dancing.
10. “Another Hundred People” from “Company” – The jazzy and rhythmic quality of this song can be adapted for a lively tango-style dance.
Remember that when dancing to songs from musicals, you may need to adapt your movements to fit the music’s tempo and mood. Tango can be expressed in various ways, and incorporating elements from different dance styles can add creativity and flair to your tango dancing.
We hope you find the perfect song for you on this list so that you can enjoy this popular dance and the world of tango to the fullest! This list is a good choice for beginner tango dancers as well as a great list for those that are more experienced with Latin dances.
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 Rumba, Cha Cha, 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!