[Tango] Famous Tango Songs: Recommended Popular Tracks

El Huracán (typhoon)NEW!Edgardo Donato&Osvaldo Donato

TANGO BARDO – El huracan

El Huracán stands out for its hurricane-like intensity and a rhythm that electrifies the dance floor.

This classic was composed by Edgardo Donato, a pillar of Argentine tango’s golden age, together with his brother Osvaldo Donato.

Recorded in December 1932, the famous version features vocalist Félix Gutiérrez and is still frequently played at milongas around the world today.

As the title suggests, its swirling bandoneon and sharp violin tones are distinctive.

With its very clear, danceable rhythm, it’s an excellent recommendation for anyone looking to seriously begin tango dancing.

Per ViralNEW!Bajofondo

Bajofondo – Pa’ Bailar (Fiesta Tanguera-Electronica)

This track showcases Bajofondo’s signature style, reimagining Argentinian and Uruguayan traditions through electronic soundscapes.

The sharp tone of the bandoneon fuses with a driving dance beat, delivering a breathtaking buildup that instantly lifts the listener.

Featuring guest bandoneon virtuoso Ryota Komatsu—one of Japan’s foremost players—the performance strikes a compelling balance between reverence for tradition and forward-looking innovation.

Included on the album Mar Dulce, released in August 2007, the piece gained attention as the theme song for the Brazilian drama A Favorita.

It’s a must-hear for anyone who wants to savor the melancholy of tango alongside a modern, urban sonic palette.

The Day When My Love Reaches You (El dia que me quieras)NEW!Carlos Gardel

♥︎Carlos Gardel | El día que me quieras

El día que me quieras was composed in 1935 by Carlos Gardel with lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera.

With its romantic melody that beautifully extols passionate love, it is a masterpiece of tango canción.

The song gained worldwide popularity after being performed in the film of the same name, El día que me quieras.

The record, recorded in New York in March 1935, spread across the seas and was inducted into the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001.

It has been covered by numerous singers across genres, so even those unfamiliar with tango will be captivated.

It remains a beloved, timeless standard.

Tango – The Last Days of the Romanov DynastyNEW!Alfred Schnittke

Alfred Schnittke : Agonie – IV. Tango

This “Tango” was composed by Soviet composer Alfred Schnittke, known for his polystylistic approach that combines diverse styles.

Written as part of the soundtrack for the 1981 film Agony, the piece exudes a unique tension: beneath its passionate melody, unsettling shadows flicker, symbolizing the decadent allure of the mystic Rasputin.

Notably, it became widely familiar in Japan after figure skater Mao Asada used it for her short program in 2010.

It’s irresistible for those who relish elegance laced with madness and dramatic development.

Transcending the realm of film music, it stands as one of Schnittke’s signature works.

S’il vous plaîtNEW!Ástor 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.

Redline TangoNEW!John Mackey

Redline Tango by John Mackey

This work was composed by John Mackey, an American composer who enjoys tremendous popularity in the world of contemporary wind band music.

Originally written as an orchestral piece in 2003, it was arranged for wind ensemble the following year, in 2004.

True to its title, which suggests pushing the limits, the piece is breathtaking in its structure, where driving, high-velocity rhythms intersect with a sultry tango.

It also has a deep connection to contemporary dance, and its strong sense of physical dynamism is one of its major attractions.

In 2005 it received the prestigious Ostwald Award and has since become established as a classic tango within the wind band repertoire.

It appears on numerous collections, including the album “Redline Tango,” and is a must-listen for anyone seeking a thrilling musical experience.

Dango Three BrothersNEW!Uchi no Masumi

Dango Three Brothers (Okaasan to Issho) - Sung by NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

First broadcast in January 1999 on NHK Educational TV’s “Okaasan to Issho,” this song took the nation by storm.

It is known for having been planned and written by Masahiko Sato, with music and video by Masumi Uchino.

The unique lyrics about three skewer-dango brothers, fused with a full-fledged tango-style melody, make it a must-hear.

It became a major topic immediately after airing, and the single released in March 1999 quickly sold around three million copies.

Although it originated from a children’s program, it topped the Oricon charts and became a blockbuster etched in Japanese music history.

The wistful vocals by Kentaro Hayami and Ayumi Shigemori make it a perfect song for parents and children to sing along to.