18 Best Narcós: Mexico Soundtrack Songs You Need to Hear

The gripping world of Netflix's Narcos: Mexico isn't just defined by its thrilling narrative of drug cartels and power struggles; its soundtrack plays a crucial role in setting the atmosphere and transporting viewers to the heart of 1980s Mexico. Finding the best songs from Narcos Mexico is more than just curating a playlist; it's about uncovering the cultural tapestry woven into the show's very fabric. From haunting corridos that reflect the region's history to electrifying tracks that perfectly encapsulate the era's energy, the music choices are as meticulously crafted as the storyline itself. This list delves into the most impactful and unforgettable tunes featured in the series, offering a journey through the soundscape of a complex and captivating time. Whether you're a die-hard fan revisiting your favorite moments or a newcomer eager to experience the show's atmospheric brilliance, exploring these carefully selected songs will enhance your appreciation of Narcos: Mexico and unlock a deeper understanding of its cultural context. Prepare to be transported.

1. Karma Chameleon (True Blue)

Synth-Pop Sound: Karma Chameleon's instantly recognizable synth-driven sound perfectly captures the 80s vibe, fitting the atmospheric tension often present in Narcos: Mexico.

Boy George's Vocals: His distinctive, androgynous vocals add a layer of unsettling intrigue, mirroring the complex characters and morally ambiguous situations within the show.

Evolving Mood: The song's shift in tempo and tone, from upbeat to melancholic, reflects the unpredictable nature of the drug trade depicted in the series.

2. Hold the Line (TOTO)

Driving Beat: Hold the Line's relentless rhythm perfectly captures the tense atmosphere and escalating stakes often present in Narcos: Mexico.

Lyrical Ambiguity: The song's lyrics about perseverance and holding onto hope resonate with the complex moral dilemmas faced by characters in the show.

80s Vibe: Its classic 80s sound adds a layer of nostalgic grit, contrasting sharply with the brutal realities depicted in the series, creating a fascinating juxtaposition.

3. Devuélveme a mi chica (1985)

Sound: Devuélveme a mi chica boasts a classic 80s Spanish pop sound, perfectly capturing the nostalgic atmosphere often associated with the era depicted in Narcos: Mexico.

Emotional Impact: The song's yearning and slightly melancholic melody evokes a sense of longing and lost love, fitting the themes of betrayal and desperation often present in the show's narrative.

Cultural Relevance: Its inclusion on the soundtrack would transport viewers back to the vibrant musical landscape of 1980s Mexico, adding authenticity to the show's setting.

4. Tuyo (2015)

Haunting Vocals: Rodrigo Amarante's distinctive, melancholic vocals perfectly capture the show's somber and suspenseful atmosphere.

Ethereal Sound: The song's unique blend of bossa nova and indie-folk creates a soundscape that is both beautiful and unsettling, fitting the show's complex narrative.

Emotional Resonance: "Tuyo" evokes a sense of longing and vulnerability, mirroring the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters in Narcos: Mexico.

5. Keep on Loving You (REO Speedwagon - 1980)

Sound: REO Speedwagon's "Keep on Loving You" features a distinctive, melancholic guitar riff that perfectly captures the underlying tension and emotional weight often present in Narcos: Mexico.

Vocals: Kevin Cronin's soaring vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and longing, adding to the song's dramatic intensity and suitability for the show's often tragic atmosphere.

Emotional Impact: The ballad's power lies in its ability to evoke a sense of bittersweet romance, mirroring the complex relationships and betrayals depicted in the series.

6. Baker Street (City to City)

Saxophone Solo: Gerry Rafferty's iconic saxophone solo is instantly recognizable and adds a layer of gritty cool perfectly suited to the tense atmosphere of Narcos: Mexico.

Moody Atmosphere: The song's melancholic melody and Rafferty's vocals create a sense of underlying tension and impending danger, mirroring the show's themes.

Timeless Quality: "Baker Street" transcends its era, fitting seamlessly into the show's blend of 1980s nostalgia and contemporary crime drama.

7. 54-46 Was My Number (1968)

Sound: The reggae rhythm of "54-46 Was My Number" creates a distinctly laid-back yet intense atmosphere, perfectly complementing the show's tense, often violent, scenes.

Vocals: Toots Hibbert's powerful and soulful vocals deliver a captivating performance, adding a layer of emotional depth to the song's already evocative melody.

Contextual Fit: Its mellow yet insistent groove makes it surprisingly effective at underscoring both moments of quiet reflection and escalating tension in Narcos: Mexico, enhancing the show's atmosphere.

8. Tihuanaco

Instrumentation: Alfredo Linares's "Tihuanaco" masterfully blends traditional Mexican instrumentation with a subtly modern edge, creating a soundscape both familiar and intriguingly fresh, perfectly complementing the show's atmosphere.

Mood: The track evokes a sense of brooding intensity and underlying tension, reflecting the dramatic narrative of Narcos: Mexico while maintaining a captivating musicality.

Cultural Relevance: Its use of traditional Mexican sounds provides an authentic sonic backdrop, deeply connecting the music to the show's setting and themes.

9. Corrido a Felix Gallardo (2018)

Artist: Los Jilgueros del Pico Real delivers a powerful and authentic Corrido style, perfectly capturing the raw energy of the narcocorrido genre.

Musical Style: The song features a driving rhythm and instrumentation that creates a gripping atmosphere, ideal for understanding the cultural context of the time period.

Storytelling: "Corrido a Felix Gallardo" offers a compelling narrative, exploring the life and times of a notorious figure in Mexican history; the details within the lyrics are crucial to understanding this era.

10. Mamá Ven a Sentarte Aquí (Diego Verdaguer)

Sound: "Mamá Ven a Sentarte Aquí" features Diego Verdaguer's signature romantic ballad style, perfectly capturing the melancholic yet hopeful undertones often present in narratives surrounding the era depicted in *Narcos: Mexico*. The song’s orchestration is lush and cinematic, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Emotional Impact: The song's heartfelt lyrics about longing and family create a powerful contrast to the often brutal realities portrayed in the series, adding a layer of human complexity to the narrative.

Cultural Context: Released in 1980s Mexico, the song reflects the cultural landscape of the time, subtly adding another dimension to the historical backdrop of *Narcos: Mexico* by offering an authentic glimpse into the personal lives that existed alongside the drug trade.

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  11

  Amor de Mis Amores

  La Sonora Dinamita

  1986

• 

  12

  Guaglione

  Pérez Prado

  1958

• 

  13

  Panfilo En Texas

  Las Ardillitas de Lalo Guerrero

  2018

• 

  14

  Meshkalina

  Traffic Sound

  1970

• 

  15

  Pop Muzik

  Synth Poppers

  1979

• 

  16

  Let the Dollar Circulate

  Billy Paul

  1975

• 

  17

  Vuelve a Mi

  Grupo La Rebelion

  2018

• 

  18

  Chey Chey Kule

  Eugene Wilde

  1984