13 Telenovela Theme Songs That’ll Instantly Transport You To Your Childhood
When you grow up watching telenovelas, all you need is the first few seconds of a familiar theme song to take you right back to the chisme of your childhood friends like Luz Clarita and Teresa. Here are some of the best:
1. “Maria la del Barrio” by Thalía
CREDIT: Televisa/YouTube/Canciones de Novelas
The theme song for Thalía’s final role in the “Trilogia de las Marias” is a salsa anthem for the young and humble Maria. It was an upbeat number from the telenovela that catapulted villain Soraya Montenegro into legendary meme status. ¡Maldita lisiada!
2. “Luz Clarita” by Daniela Luján
CREDIT: Televisa/YouTube/ElManiaque
Who can forget “Luz claritaaaaa”? The lyrics for this theme song revolved around sunshine, love and happiness — much like the telenovela about this adorable orphan.
3. “Esmeralda” by Javier Rodríguez
CREDIT: Televisa/YouTube/Dogland
Oh “Esmeralda,” thank you for creating the soundtrack to watching the eternal television hunk, Fernando Colunga.
4. “Soñadoras” by Sentidos Opuestos
CREDIT: Televisa/YouTube/SoñadorasVEVO
The techno beats! The huge-ass barrette clip in Aracely Arambula’s hair! The front-wedgie bikinis! Everything about the theme song from the “Soñadoras” telenovela screams ’90s – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
You KNOW the moment the first beats of this song kick in, all you want to do is this. #JudgementFreeZone
Credit: howdoiputthisgently.tumblr.com
5. “Agujetas De Color De Rosa” by Curvas Peligrosas
CREDIT: Televisa/YouTube/namcan
If you were a Latina in the early ’90s, this was your JAM. The bubblegum pop lyrics were just as catchy and cheeky as the pink shoelaces on Iran Castillo’s figure skates.
6. “Esa Hembra Es Mala” by Gloria Trevi
Credit: Televisa / YouTube
Teresa’s conniving ways lead multiple men to fall in love with her, made her the perfect muse for Gloria Trevi, whose song features the lyrics “esa hembra te miente, esa hembra es mala, trae veneno en los labios.” ? ?
7. “Carrusel” by Astrid Morales, Jessica Morales and the Cast of Children
CREDIT: Televisa/YouTube/chuyster2010
“La vida es un carrusel,” according to the sweet (yet kinda creepy) telenovela theme song for “Carrusel.”
8. “Te Quiero Tanto, Tanto” by OV7
CREDIT: Televisa/YouTube/Jose Bello
Ok, so if we casually ignore the fact that the relationship from “Mi Pequeña Traviesa” should never have happened in the first place (reality check: Michelle Veith’s character was in her teens when Héctor Soberón’s 30-ish character fell in love with her), the lyrics for this theme song are actually very sweet. Who wouldn’t want someone telling them they are falling in love with them more and more each day?
9. “Vuelve” by Ricky Martin
CREDIT: Televisa/YouTube/SuperConns
“O vuelveeeee, que sin tu la vida se me va” just makes us want to bust out our cell phones (or lighters if you are old-school) and start waving them slowly from side to side. Lyrics like “he intentado encontrarte en otras personas, no es igual” and “nos separa un abismo” are what dream telenovela theme songs are made of. #Classic
10. “Rebelde” by RBD
CREDIT: Televisa/YouTube/325rita
Both “Rebelde” the telenovela and theme song launched the careers of one of Mexico’s most beloved pop groups, RBD. The song was the soundtrack for teen memories in the 2000s, cementing Dulce María, Anahí and Maite Perroni as the #squadgoals for lots of girls.
11. “Dos Mujeres, Un Camino” by Bronco
CREDIT: Televisa/YouTube/hgbg89
Let’s take it waaay back to 1993, when Erik Estrada was cruising off his “CHiPs” motorcycle fame into telenovela stardom, canas and all. Although the song lyrics pretty much tell you everything you need about the telenovela’s plot, audiences could not get enough, making it one of Televisa’s most successful telenovelas in the past 20 years.
12. “Quinceañera” by Timbiriche
CREDIT: Televisa/YouTube/MariaThaliaAndPRO
Even if you have never watched a second of the telenovela “Quinceañera,” believe us, you WILL know the beginning notes of this telenovela theme classic. It has been used millions of times for real-life quince waltzes and grand entrances.
13. “Marimar” by Thalía
CREDIT: Televisa/YouTube/maria la del barrio
Who else but Thalía would rise out from the sea like a Latina Aphrodite and wear leis in one of the most iconic openings of a telenovela? As soon as the queen of telenovelas starts dancing and squeals “Ay!” in the opening notes of the song you’re in for some DRAMA. Bring out the popcorn and get the marathon started!
Which telenovela is your fave? Did we miss one? Tell us in the comments below!
