Music has provided an outlet for Latin musicians to address mental health issues through song. For example, earlier this year, Residente released his autobiographical “René,” where he talks frankly about depression and dark moments in his life.
Marking Mental Health Awareness Month (observed in May), we’ve compiled a list of songs that raise mental health awareness or bring forth any personal struggles–plus, songs about finding the light at the end of the tunnel after inner turmoil.
Residente “René”
The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and rapper released an introspective song with raw lyrics about depression and dark moments in his life. Writing the personal track was “therapeutic,” he previously told Billboard. “When I fall into depression, I tell my problems to the window of the plane. Stress has me sick, I haven’t slept in 10 years,” he sings.
Bad Bunny “Estamos Bien”
Bad Bunny released his “Estamos Bien” empowering anthem with a special message on social media: “Many times we’re sad and we don’t know why and it’s simply because we forget about the simple things in life. I’m human just like you! And even though I’ve done many big things there are smaller ones that I have yet to achieve. And it’s those smaller things that give happiness,” he said.
Logic & Juanes “1-800-273-8255” feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid
Juanes joined Logic for the Spanish remix of his powerful track. The song’s title is the phone number to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. “There are people in this world that are trying to get through difficult situations and most of them probably are alone — probably they don’t know what to do,” Juanes told Billboard. “Music is always going to be that way to connect with ourselves and the rest of the world, and just find some help through art because art is such a powerful weapon.
Kendo Kaponi “Resistencia”
Kaponi’s new song “Resistencia” takes listeners on a journey about his life in prison and the depression he suffered behind bars. “Court didn’t understand my position and they sentenced me to prison. Christmas in depression and segregation,” he raps.
Diego Torres “Color Esperanza”
“I know that the windows can open. Changing the air depends on you and it will help you and it’ll be worth it,” sings Diego Torres in his song “Color Esperanza” which has become an anthem of hope and resilience.
Francisca Valenzuela “La Fortaleza”
Chilean singer-songwriter Francisca Valenzuela released a diary-style album which includes “La Fortaleza” as the closing track to the set. “Everything that has happened has gotten me to where I am now. I look forward and bury the guilt. I leave, pack my bag and take a deep breath. I don’t look back,” she sings. The song is about knowing self-worth and understanding you are enough.
Kany García “Remamos” feat. Natalia Lafourcade
The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter teams up with Natalia Lafourcade for the beautiful and powerful song “Remamos” which talks about a new beginning, leaving behind what has brought you down or hasn’t allowed you to be your true self.
