If you think that Los Lobos might be a band that wears big hats and plays Mariachi music, you’re in for a big surprise. There were so many options to choose from when trying to find the Top 10 Los Lobos songs, it actually became very difficult.
Some of their music bears the hallmark of Spanish and Mexican rhythms. But this band from East Los Angeles in California is a bit different. They include a variety of genres in their music and are famous for their covers.
Underrated?
That is a word that is often used for bands and singers. Quite often, it is not an accurate description. But, in this case, I think it applies. I will come back to that point a little later.
When answering that question, it becomes more relevant when you consider some of Los Lobos’ recordings. And those across a wide range of styles and genres. They have not only released several critically-acclaimed albums, but they have also made contributions to TV and film soundtracks.
The Wolves
“Los Lobos” is Spanish for “The Wolves,” and their music blends a variety of cultures. They were first formed in 1973 but shot to fame with their version of Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba.” There is an impressive breadth and depth to their original music. It has been recorded by people as diverse as Waylon Jennings and Robert Plant.
The impressive thing is the band is still playing concerts and touring. So, let’s take a look and listen to this “Chicano Rock” band that offers so much more. And, in doing so, choose what might be considered Los Lobos’ Top 10 songs. Sorry if I have missed out on your favorite; there is just so much to choose from.
Top 15 Best Los Lobos Songs of All Time
1 Farmer John
This song has been covered over the years by a range of artists, one of which was Neil Young. It was written by Dewey Terry and John ‘Sugarcane’ Harris. They released the first version in 1959 under the name Don and Dewey.
“Farmer John” is a simple R&B song about marrying a farmer’s daughter. However, it failed to make any impact. The first I knew of the song was when it was included on The Searcher’s first album, Meet The Searchers, from 1963. Theirs was an uptempo quick “Liverpool Rock n Roll” version.
Los Lobos released it on their album, Native Sons, as recently as 2021. They had been playing it live before, and this is a great version recorded live in New York. A great version of an old song that is a pretty good place to start.
2 Oh Yeah
A track now from 1999 and the album, This Time. This is what might be called an “exploratory” album. It feels like an out-and-out Rock record with its structure of 11 quite short tracks.
But it is quite a bit more than that…
This Time was their first album in three years, so the expectations were high. But, they took their fair share of criticism for this album, of which this track is a good example.
One of the problems with a band working together is that you can’t just keep doing the same things over and over. Especially if you are in any way creative as a band or an artist. Ask The Beatles or Bob Dylan.
This is an album where the sounds seem to be as important as the songs themselves. And this track has plenty of different sounds. It is percussion-driven with an almost monologue vocal. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I like it because there is so much going on.
3 Don’t Worry Baby
Back to the beginning now and their first major album release from 1984 entitled How Will The Wolf Survive? Not the song that was written by The Beach Boys in the 60s. This is in-your-face early Rock n’ Roll Boogie. When you saw the first album and the band name, you might be thinking this is going to be a Latin album.
The first track on that album dispelled that thought immediately. “Don’t Worry Baby” goes along at a great space without overdoing it. It was written by Cesar Rosas, Louis Perez, and T-Bone Burnett.
4 That Train Don’t Stop Here
To 1992 now and one of their most respected albums, Kiko. There is a reason why this track is on this list of the Top 10 Los Lobos songs. That’s because there isn’t anything quite like an aggressive walking bass sitting with the drums. It provides the foundation for any song.
This is a lesson for all those who think always playing fast is the key. It isn’t. The bass is a rhythm instrument and is beautifully demonstrated here.
“That Train Don’t Stop Here” just rocks along in a great groove, with some neat guitar and impressive keyboards and a quiet period with just drums, bass, and some guitar. Almost jazz in its style. How good were Los Lobos? Take a listen to one of the most famous Los Lobos songs and hear for yourself.
5 Donna
You would expect that the music of Los Lobos might give some respect to Ritchie Valens. After all, he was the young man tragically killed with Buddy Holly, who opened the door to what was called “Chicano Rock.”
“Donna” is the first of Los Lobos’ Ritchie Valens covers. It was released in 1987 as part of the soundtrack for the film La Bamba. The film is the story of Ritchie Valens, who, at the time, was a Rock n Roll sensation. It is a straightforward cover with no fancy arrangements or input. Just as it should be, a 50s Rock n Roll sound.
6 Viking
Back to the album, This Time, from 1999. Another song that, if you heard it without knowing who was playing, I doubt you’d guess. Even listening back now, I still think of The Surfaris and the surf sound when it starts. Or maybe Sandy Nelson. Perhaps it’s just that corny 60s drum riff.
But this is a lot heavier than that. It is such a large mixture of sounds and ideas with a Heavy Metal guitar sound that sits under those drums. And, a sinister vocal, to say the least, as well as intimidating and slightly worrying. Mariachi bands have never sounded so different. That’s a joke, by the way, this is serious stuff.
7 Anselma
We cannot have a list of the best songs by Los Lobos without including something with a strong Latin style, and this is it. “Anselma” was recorded for an EP called And A Time To Dance that came out in 1983. It was written by César Suedan and Guadalupe Trigo and has that recognizable Tex-Mex feel and beat.
The song was also included on their first album in 1978, Just Another Band From East L.A., years before they got a formal record deal. Good fun, and it is on this list because it is a reminder of who they were and where they come from. But, it is also another genre that they could cross into effortlessly.
8 Come On Let’s Go
I have spoken about this track before when discussing the Top 10 Ritchie Valens songs. I first heard the song when I was very small in the UK by ‘our’ rock n roller Tommy Steele.’ Valens was unknown to the UK until later, and the memory of it lay dormant until the film La Bamba.
That brought it all back. The film introduced me, and I am sure others, to the huge talent that was Ritchie Valens. His 1958 version has been faithfully recreated as if Valens was recording it 30 years after he made the original. But, with modern recording techniques.
It was the first single that was released from the soundtrack of the film. This version went higher on the American chart (#21) than Ritchie Valens original, which only reached #42. But, chart placings are not relevant. “Come On Let’s Go” is a great 50s Rock n Roll track given a new life by Los Lobos.
9 Will the Wolf Survive
When choosing the songs for a list such as this, for a band with so much musical diversity, it becomes difficult. What do you include and why? Of all the songs available to us (they did make 17 studio albums), there are two that just have to be included. And, this is one.
Los Lobos do like to have little sound effects on the front of their songs. If it’s not a “1-2-3-4” count, it’s the sound of a humming amp, or in this case, a wind howling over a plain. This is a song from their first major album release of the same name, How Will The Wolf Survive.
As I said earlier, “wolf” in Spanish is “lobo,” so Los Lobos are The Wolves. Nice little play on meanings and words, but it also may be asking the question.
“Will we survive?”
They had originated from East Los Angeles. That area is to the Mexican community what Harlem is to African-Americans in New York. You could say it is not the most affluent of areas, but it has a defined culture that people who live there are proud of, and rightly so.
That culture is very pronounced in the lyrics of the song, “All odds are against him – With a family to provide for – The one thing he must keep alive – Will the wolf survive?” In some ways, a question is being asked of the men with the money and the record labels. Will the band be “allowed” to survive? Musically simple, but if you think about it, a song with a deep message.
10 La Bamba
There was never any doubt where this list of the greatest Los Lobos songs would end, was there? It just had to be here. Released at the same time as the film of the same name, it was an instant success and is the most popular Los Lobos song ever.
“La Bamba” came out in 1987, and the single went to #1 in the UK and America. But, it wasn’t restricted to the expected success there. It also hit the top spot in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, France, and Ireland. Oh yes, and of course, in Mexico.
A statement in musical circles…
…especially at weddings and other social gatherings. Always played and always getting people on the dance floor, it became an iconic party song. I have the feeling it still might be.
Originally, it was a Mexican folk song entitled “La Bomba.” Although, what that means varies depending on who you refer to. There are many meanings.
It was adapted by Ritchie Valens, but even the words “La Bamba” have varying translations. The best is it is a kind of Latin dance. Like a samba. Whatever, it has become a song with history and is now irreplaceable in 20th Century music culture.
11I Got Loaded
12Cumbia Raza
13La Pistola y El Corazón
14Mas y Mas
15Kiko and the Lavender Moon
Need More Awesome Rock Music?
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Top 10 Los Lobos Songs – Final Thoughts
Earlier, I posed the question, “Were Los Lobos underrated?” By now, the answer should be obvious. Very underrated as a band and as songwriters. Yes, they often showed glimpses of their hereditary culture, but they weren’t afraid to move into other areas.
You can hear them explore more styles with Wolf Tracks – The Very Best Of Los Lobos. But they were more than just a studio band. Their live performances brought critical acclaim, as you can hear in Los Lobos: Live At The Fillmore. So, if you haven’t heard them before, then take the time to listen. You won’t be disappointed.
Until next time, happy listening.
