When it comes to Latin American music, there’s one genre that is essential to know about: rock en Español. You may not care for salsa, like the drum-heavy beats of reggaeton, or get what all the fuss is with bachata these days, but rock en Español is a classic style of music that isn’t going anywhere. Learn the essentials, and you’ll be ready for just about any party, karaoke bar, disco, or impromptu get-together with newly made friends while you’re traveling in Central and South America.

Whether you’ve got plans to travel to Colombia or not, you can learn a lot by looking to this country for musical inspiration. Some of the greatest Spanish pop and rock legends come from Colombia, including some you’ve probably heard of in the U.S., like Shakira, and others most definitely worth listening to, like Aterciopelados and Juanes. No matter what, if you consider yourself more than just a vacationer, but rather a true Latin American traveler, it’s time to not only listen to these awesome rock en Español favorites, but to commit them to memory:

Shakira: Inevitable

In the late 1990s, before Shakira became a top-selling artist in the U.S., she rocked Latin America with hits in her native language. With lyrics like “You don’t have to say it. You’re not returning. I know you well.” you can guess what this one’s about. Shakira’s incredible vocal talents are on full display in Inevitable, and you’ll probably convince yourself you’re talented at belting out rock songs about shattered love once you’ve learned this song, too.

Juanes in Concert [Photo Credit: Creative Commons, livepict.com]

Juanes is loved by men and women alike thanks to a charming allure of movie star yet rugged good looks and smart lyrics that allow for various interpretations. In one of his greatest hits, La Camisa Negra, he sings “Que maldita, mala suerte la mía aquel día te encontré.” I’ll let you translate that one for yourself.

Aterciopelados in Concert [Photo Credit: Creative Commons, Joe Mabel]

Aterciopelados, led by the always mesmerizing Andrea Echeverri, is known for producing a unique mix of catchy and socially charged songs. From heartache to environmental activism, they cover it all in an unmistakable way that always stands out from other music that’s playing on the radio. El Album is one of their most well-known songs and has essentially been considered a classic from the time it was released in the late 1990s.

Los de Adentro: Una Canción

This hit from 1999 is perfect for all the guys who want their turn at singing a ballad about expressing your feelings and painfully accepting the fact that the woman you love is never coming back. With its somewhat upbeat sound and fast pace, you might not realize you’re singing about something sad if your Spanish is in less-than-perfect condition.

Shakira with Alejandro Sanz: La Tortura

Shakira’s a serious force to be reckoned with–especially her Spanish language songs–and when you pair her up with other major talents like Spain’s Alejandro Sanz you’re bound to get pure magic, which is just the case with La Tortura. He says “I know I haven’t been a saint, it’s just that I’m not made of cardboard.” She says “A man doesn’t live on bread alone, nor do I live on excuses.” And all you know is this staged argument makes for great music.

With the rock en Español genre evolving to include categories like folk and alternative, we can’t predict what the future will bring. Fortunately, we can rejoice in the great music–like the songs I’ve presented here–that Colombian artists brought us in the late 1990s and early 2000s. You know what to do if you’ve got a Latin American trip on the horizon. Practice your Spanish, and most importantly, practice your Spanish rock songs.