[Tango] Famous Tango Songs: Recommended Popular Tracks

S’il vous plaîtÁstor Piazzolla

Astor Piazzolla S. V. P. and Sentido Unico

This work takes its name from a French word meaning “please,” and carries with it a refined Parisian aura.

Recorded by Astor Piazzolla during his 1955 stay in Paris, the piece is striking for its harmonies and sharp rhythms that transcend traditional tango.

The bandoneon’s timbre, tinged with melancholy, presses forward with an intellectual resonance.

Although this period still marked a transition toward his innovative style, the piece is regarded as an important work that foreshadows what would later become Nuevo Tango.

Rather than a flashy dance number, it has a depth that makes you want to listen closely.

It’s a richly flavored track, perfect for sipping a drink alone on a quiet night.

Symphonic Dances: II. TangoFukuda Yosuke

Symphonic Dances – 2.Tango (2006) by Yosuke Fukuda

Among the many wind band works by composer Yosuke Fukuda, one piece that enjoys especially fervent support is this work from the suite Symphonic Dance.

Commissioned by the JASDF Central Air Band and composed in 2006, it pursues a gritty, razor‑edged Argentine passion rather than elegance.

The contrast between the alto saxophone’s melancholic melody and the knife‑like sharpness of the rhythms is breathtaking.

In May 2007, it was also released on CD in a performance by the Philharmonic Winds Osaka, and it has been loved beyond the confines of the wind band world.

For those seeking dramatic development and fiercely soul‑stirring music, this is an irresistible piece.

Black Cat TangoMario Pagano

Osamu Minagawa – Black Cat Tango

Composed by Mario Pagano, who was active in the postwar Italian popular music scene, this work became a children’s song beloved around the world.

It was performed at the 11th Zecchino d’Oro in March 1969 and is characterized by its lively rhythm and charming vocals.

In Japan, adapted lyrics drew great attention, with sales reaching 2.6 million copies.

The song humorously portrays a child’s dissatisfaction at being given an animal of a different color than the one they wanted, using witty lyrics and a catchy melody.

The original song, “Volevo un gatto nero,” has a comical worldview that can be enjoyed across generations.

With a nostalgic, instantly singable familiarity, it’s also a recommended track for those encountering tango for the first time.

Rodríguez PeñaVicente Greco

Rodriguez Peña

This work, created around 1911 by bandoneon player Vicente Greco, who supported the dawn of Argentine tango.

When it premiered at a salon in Buenos Aires, an enthusiastic anecdote tells that the audience, overwhelmed by its brilliance, hoisted him onto their shoulders in praise.

Originally named after the street of the venue where it was first performed, it has long been cherished primarily as an instrumental without lyrics.

Featuring a classic rhythm and a memorable melody, it has remained a standard number recorded by many masters, including the Juan D’Arienzo orchestra.

A historic piece that helped propel tango into high society, it carries a nostalgic yet exhilarating lift to the heart.

It’s an ideal track for those looking to delve deeper into tango or seeking a passionate dance number.

NocturnaJulián Plaza

Anibal Troilo – 1963 – Nocturna

Despite a name that evokes the stillness of night, “Nocturna” stands out for its buoyant rhythm.

It blends the urban sophistication characteristic of Julián Plaza with the snappy tempo unique to milonga, making it a track that sets listeners’ hearts dancing.

Contrary to its title, the piece is structured with an energy that seems to wrap the dance floor in heat.

Recorded by the maestro Aníbal Troilo’s orchestra in August 1961, it remains beloved and undimmed more than half a century later.

Julián Plaza also worked on music for films such as La tregua, and that cinematic sensibility comes through in this composition as well.

It’s a recommended work for those who, when night falls, want to immerse themselves in a passionate mood.

Thine eyes of blackFlorian Hermann

“Thine Black Eyes” — Yoichi Sugawara & Alfred Hause

Florian Hermann, a German composer active in the Russian Empire in the late 19th century, left behind elegant salon music.

This famous piece, which spread in March 1884 with newly added lyrics, is based on his original waltz “Hommage.” Its world of wistful melodies and passionate development has been cherished across a wide range of genres, including tango and jazz.

Solidified as a global staple after the renowned bass Fyodor Chaliapin made it one of his signature numbers, it has often been used in films and television to evoke an exotic atmosphere.

It remains a timeless song—perfect for evenings when you want to feel old-fashioned romance or immerse yourself in deep emotion.

Tango of the Night (Tango Notturno)Otto Borgmann

“Tango Notturno” — Alfred Hause Orchestra

It is the theme song of the German film “Night Tango,” composed by Otto Borgmann.

It has often been performed by leading tango orchestras such as the Alfred Hause Orchestra and has become a representative piece of Continental Tango.

The Japanese singer Yoichi Sugawara recorded it and it became a huge hit.

The melody and rhythm of Continental Tango seem to fit naturally with the Japanese language, so many Japanese singers besides Yoichi Sugawara have sung it, making it a classic tango that is very familiar to Japanese audiences.