UNBELIEVABLE: 18 Legendary Artists Sing Their Hits in Other Languages

A lazy afternoon, windows slightly ajar, and the familiar chords of a favorite tune filling the room.

Just when you think you know every note and lyric by heart, a friend introduces you to a version you’ve never heard—a rendition that adds a twist with lyrics in a language foreign to your ears.

Music is a universal language that connects people all around the world. With the merging of pop music and the rise of mass media, record labels have discovered the value of expanding into international markets. Most notably during the period from the early 1920s to late 1980s, American record labels and music producers translated the lyrics of popular songs into different languages. This process allowed non-English-speaking audiences to connect with the music on a deeper level. Additionally, some songs were re-recorded with foreign artists or given a unique musical arrangement to better align with local tastes.

Countries in Latin America and Europe have been particularly receptive to American music. Spanish-language versions of American hits have been created to cater to the Latin American market, allowing artists to establish strong fan bases in the region. Similarly, in Europe, translations of American songs into various languages have contributed to the success of American artists on the continent.

Here are eighteen U.S. songs that became big hits in foreign languages. These examples demonstrate the power of music to transcend language barriers and connect with audiences across the globe, showcasing the widespread influence of American songs and their adaptability for international success.

Each track is sung by the original artist in another language, a reminder that the universal language of music has the power to surprise, delight, and bridge cultural divides.

Get ready for an auditory escapade that promises to infuse your playlist with a global symphony of sounds and stories.

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1. ‘Día tras día’ (‘Day-In Day-Out’ in Spanish) by David Bowie

David Bowie’s classic “Day In Day Out” takes on new life in Spanish as “Día tras día,” delivering a vibrant rhythm and emotional depth. The lyrics, now in Spanish, weave a narrative that resonates with the passionate spirit of Latin culture. The seamless fusion of Bowie’s iconic style with the richness of the Spanish language creates a musical journey that transcends borders, inviting listeners to experience the song in a fresh and enchanting way. “Día tras día” becomes a celebration of life’s daily journey, punctuated by Bowie’s signature charisma and the cultural nuances of the Spanish language. The result is a captivating and immersive musical experience. Listen to it here.

2. ‘C’est pour ça que je chante’ (‘Put Your Head On My Shoulder’ in French) by Paul Anka

Paul Anka’s timeless “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” becomes a romantic ode in French with “C’est pour ça que je chante,” exuding a sophisticated charm. The smooth French lyrics add a layer of elegance to Anka’s velvety vocals, creating a melodic masterpiece that speaks the language of love. “C’est pour ça que je chante” transforms the original into a poetic declaration, inviting listeners to embrace the tender sentiments woven into each note. This rendition becomes a testament to the universal power of music to evoke emotions, transcending linguistic boundaries and resonating with the hearts of diverse audiences. Listen to it here.

3. ‘Mein Grosser Tag’ (‘One Moment in Time’ in German) by Angelika Milster

Angelika Milster’s rendition of “One Moment in Time” in German as “Mein Grosser Tag” captivates with its powerful vocals, adding a unique touch to Whitney Houston’s classic. The German language lends an emotive quality to the lyrics, enhancing the grandeur of the original composition. “Mein Grosser Tag” becomes an anthem of personal triumph and significance, resonating with listeners on a profound level. Milster’s commanding delivery and the evocative language combine to create a rendition that pays homage to the timeless nature of inspirational music, transcending linguistic barriers and cultural differences. Listen to it here.

4. ‘Der Twist Beginnt’ (‘Let’s Do the Twist’ in German) by Chubby Checker

Chubby Checker’s iconic “Let’s Do the Twist” gets a German twist with “Der Twist Beginnt,” infusing the danceable energy with linguistic flair. The German rendition adds a playful and infectious quality to the song, inviting listeners to join in the spirited dance craze. “Der Twist Beginnt” captures the essence of the original while introducing a linguistic and cultural vibrancy. Checker’s timeless call to dance takes on a new dimension, showcasing the universal appeal of music that transcends borders and brings people together in joyous celebration. The result is a rendition that embodies the spirit of cross-cultural musical enjoyment. Listen to it here.

5. ‘Longe demais de você’ (“99 Miles From L.A.” in Portuguese) by Julio Iglesias

Julio Iglesias transports listeners with “Longe demais de você,” a Portuguese rendition of “99 Miles From L.A.,” delivering a romantic journey through heartfelt lyrics. The Portuguese language adds a layer of passion and warmth, enhancing the emotional impact of Iglesias’s soulful interpretation. “Longe Demais de Você” becomes a poetic expression of love and distance, resonating with the universal theme of yearning. Iglesias’s velvety voice, combined with the melodic richness of Portuguese, creates a captivating experience that transcends linguistic boundaries, immersing listeners in the tender emotions of the song’s narrative. Listen to it here.

6. ‘Dime’ (‘Feelings’ in Spanish) by Morris Albert

Morris Albert’s classic “Feelings” finds a soulful expression in Spanish as “Dime,” evoking deep emotions with its poetic language and tender melody. The Spanish rendition intensifies the emotional resonance, allowing listeners to experience the profound sentiments embedded in the lyrics. “Dime” becomes a heartfelt conversation, as Albert’s soul-stirring vocals navigate the complexities of love and feelings. The Spanish language adds an extra layer of intimacy, turning the song into a poignant exploration of the human heart. Morris Albert’s timeless ballad takes on new dimensions, creating an emotional connection that transcends linguistic differences. Listen to it here.

7. ‘Héroe’ (‘Hero’ in Spanish) by Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey’s empowering anthem “Hero” becomes a source of inspiration in Spanish as “Héroe,” encouraging listeners to find strength within. The Spanish rendition preserves the uplifting essence of the original, while Carey’s vocals take on a new intensity in the Spanish language. “Héroe” becomes a testament to resilience and self-discovery, empowering Spanish-speaking audiences with its motivational lyrics. Carey’s emotive delivery and the empowering message of the song transcend linguistic barriers, creating a universal anthem of courage and inner strength. “Héroe” invites listeners to embrace their own heroism and celebrate the power within. Listen to it here.

8. ‘Canta’ (‘Sing’ in Spanish) by The Carpenters

The Carpenters’ uplifting “Sing” takes on a Spanish twist with “Canta,” spreading joy and harmony through its melodic rendition. In Spanish, the song becomes a vibrant invitation to celebrate life through music, emphasizing the universal language of song. Karen Carpenter’s timeless vocals, paired with the expressive nuances of Spanish, create an immersive experience that transcends cultural boundaries. “Canta” captures the essence of the original while infusing it with the infectious energy of Spanish musical expression. The result is a rendition that encourages listeners to embrace the joy of singing and the shared experience of music. Listen to it here.

9. ‘Aquí contigo’ (‘Being With You’ in Spanish) by Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson’s smooth “Being With You” transforms into the romantic “Aquí Contigo” in Spanish, creating an intimate connection with its heartfelt lyrics. The Spanish rendition adds a layer of passion to Robinson’s soulful ballad, enhancing the romantic narrative. “Aquí Contigo” becomes a timeless declaration of love, inviting Spanish-speaking audiences to savor the beauty of being together. Robinson’s velvety voice, combined with the poetic resonance of Spanish, creates a sensory experience that deepens the emotional impact of the song. “Aquí Contigo” stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of expressing it in multiple languages. Listen to it here.

10. ‘Historia de amor’ (‘Love Story’ in Spanish) by Andy Williams

Andy Williams breathes new life into “Love Story” with the Spanish version “Historia de Amor,” narrating a timeless love tale with grace and elegance. The Spanish rendition infuses Williams’s classic with a touch of Latin romance, creating a captivating narrative of love’s enduring journey. “Historia de Amor” becomes a lyrical exploration of passion, heartbreak, and the eternal nature of true love. Williams’s emotive delivery, coupled with the evocative Spanish language, transforms the song into a cinematic experience. “Historia de Amor” stands as a testament to the universal themes of love and storytelling, resonating across cultures and generations. Listen to it here.

11. Kenny Rogers’ ‘Lady’ in Spanish

Kenny Rogers’ 1980 hit single ‘Lady’, written by Lionel Richie, topped the charts and became a favorite of music lovers around the world. The romantic ballad, featuring Rogers’ smooth vocals and Richie’s heartfelt lyrics, continues to be one of the most recognizable love songs in popular music. Interestingly, the song was so popular that it was translated into several languages, including Spanish. The Spanish-language version of the song inspired Rogers to create a Spanish-language album titled “En Español” [1981]. Listen to it here.

12. Glenn Medeiros’ ‘Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You’ in Japanese

Glenn Medeiros’ rendition of the timeless classic ‘Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You’ has been covered in many languages, including Japanese, and has become a beloved favorite in its own right. The Japanese version captures the essence of the original perfectly, sung with great passion and emotion. The song’s popularity in Japan is a testament to the universal appeal of its melody and message. The Japanese and Spanish versions of the song have helped introduce the song to new audiences around the world, cementing its place as one of the most beloved ballads of all time. Listen to it here.

13. ‘Wie Schön Das Ist’ (‘How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)’ in German) by Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s German-language version of ‘How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)’ is a bold and daring move, given his reputation as an iconic English-language vocalist. However, the German rendition, titled ‘Wie Schön Das Ist’, is a faithful translation of the original lyrics, with the same soulful energy and upbeat tempo that made the song so popular. Gaye’s willingness to experiment with his music and take risks is part of what makes him such an enduring icon. While some native German speakers may find Gaye’s accent and pronunciation amusing, others appreciate the effort he put into recording a song in their language. Listen to it here.

14. ‘Solamente lei’ (‘My Girl’ in Italian) by The Temptations

The Temptations are widely known for their iconic soulful sound and captivating performances. While they primarily sang in English, the group also recorded several of their hit songs in foreign languages, including Italian. Their Italian version of ‘My Girl’ retains much of the original’s charm and energy, with the group’s signature harmonies and lively instrumentation. It was a huge success in Italy, where it received widespread radio play and became a fan favorite. The Temptations continued to record upbeat songs in Italian, which helped to further cement their popularity in the country. Their willingness to embrace foreign languages and cultures allowed them to connect with audiences beyond their native English-speaking fanbase. Listen to it here.

15. ‘Mi querido amor’ (‘My Cherie Amour’ in Spanish) by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is a legendary musician known for his soulful voice and timeless hits. Despite primarily singing in English, he has also recorded some of his most popular songs in foreign languages, including Spanish. His Spanish version of ‘My Cherie Amour’ (titled “Mi querido amor”) a beautiful rendition of the original, with Wonder’s trademark vocal style shining through. He effortlessly navigates the Spanish lyrics, delivering them with passion and emotion that’s sure to touch listeners’ hearts. This song is another standout, with the singer putting his own unique spin on the classic tune. His willingness to experiment with foreign languages is a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft. Listen to it here.

16. ‘Sempreverde’ (‘Evergreen’ in Italian) by Barbra Streisand

‘Evergreen’ (also called “Love Theme from A Star Is Born”) is a timeless classic that has been covered in various languages, including Italian. The Italian version of the song is titled ‘Sempreverde’ and was performed by Barbra Streisand, the original artist of the song. The Italian lyrics were written by none other than Mogol, the renowned Italian songwriter and music producer. The Italian version of was well-received in Italy, and it cemented Streisand’s popularity in the country. ‘Sempreverde’ carries the same emotional weight and melody as the original English version. However, the Italian lyrics bring a new dimension to the song. The words capture the essence of the song’s message of love and perseverance, making it a beloved ballad for Italian-speaking audiences. The song’s powerful lyrics and Streisand’s emotive performance have ensured that ‘Sempreverde’ has stood the test of time, just like the English version. Listen to it here.

17. ‘El primer tren’ (‘Morning Train (Nine to Five)’) in Spanish by Sheena Easton

Sheena Easton’s hit song ‘Morning Train (Nine to Five)’ was released in 1979 and quickly became a chart-topping hit in the United States and the United Kingdom. The song’s catchy tune and relatable lyrics about a working woman’s daily routine struck a chord with audiences around the world. In addition to the English version, Easton also recorded a Spanish version of the song, titled ‘El primer tren’. Despite her noticeable accent, Easton’s fans were delighted with the Spanish version, which demonstrated her versatility as a singer and her willingness to connect with her Spanish-speaking fans. Listen to it here.

18. Barry Manilow’s ‘Copacabana’ in Portuguese

Barry Manilow’s hit song ‘Copacabana’ was released in 1978 and quickly became a worldwide phenomenon. The catchy tune and colorful lyrics about a nightclub dancer named Lola captured the imaginations of audiences everywhere. In addition to the original English version, Manilow also recorded the song in several other languages, including Portuguese. The Portuguese version of ‘Copacabana’ is similarly titled and features Manilow singing with a heavy Rio accent. The lyrics have been translated into Portuguese, but the song retains the same upbeat rhythm and melody as the original. The Portuguese version of ‘Copacabana’ was well received in Portuguese-speaking countries and helped to further cement Manilow’s popularity in those markets. The song’s catchy tune and danceable beat continue to make it a popular choice for parties and dance floors around the world. Listen to it here.