It's the month of love. As a lover of all things corny myself, I happily indulge in gift-giving, scrapbook creation, and playlist making.
It's only fair to share with you that my views on love are more focused now on present experiences. I like to think in terms of the time we have for certain and have left pining and suffering behind. A global pandemic and its unusual conditions will do you like that I suppose. In any case, I've come to realize my favourite genre to go through a journey of love, from kisses and chocolates to the always too soon to cope with the last goodbye, is Boleros.
The sonic landscape and poetic lyricism really translate the bigness of those feelings. The way one can be enveloped in a moment, a conversation, a shared truth. The best part? Dancing is a very healing exercise. So without further ado, here are the six stages of being in love, as told by my favourite Boleros of all time.
Stage 1: Infatuation
¿Qué se siente que me gustes tanto? - Daniel, me estás matando
The world has light. You feel hopeful and warm. You are a lovestruck fool, and if you’re lucky so are they. I don´t know if you´re the kind of person that shoots their shot, but this is a lovely song to do so, just saying.
This Mexican duo has reignited a new generation´s love for the genre, by taking the classic Bolero soundscape and adding modern tools like synthesizers to add a fresh twist.
Stage 2: The Honeymoon Phase
La Gloria Eres Tú - Tin Tan
This song is a classic. If you´ve ever been on a picnic date you know that moment where you´ve been chatting a while, and the sun is going down, and you look up at them and the light is hitting them just right and their eyes are shining and they smile at you, and you know you´ve found _the one_. Yeah, this song is basically that in audible form.
Although it’s been done by a lot of artists, Tin Tan´s version remains my favourite, as his slightly off-key delivery makes it even more genuine. We can´t all be singers but for the right person, we just might be.
Stage 3: Groundhog Day.
Triunfamos- Los Panchos
There is absolutely nothing wrong with routine, especially when it’s one you create with the person you love. After going through shared vulnerability and misunderstandings and finding common ground, the lil’ world you’ve built together really does feel like a kingdom you conquered. Your shared triumph.
Los Panchos are a national treasure. Two Mexicans, a Puerto Rican, and their talent, were enough to bring back romanticism to a west that had grown fond of war songs and themes. They were so big, they collaborated with some really unexpected artists, but more on that later.
Stage 4: Trouble in Paradise
Noche No Te Vayas - Los Tres Caballeros
This is the song that plays while you´re doing mental gymnastics. For when you´re trying to figure out what else to change, fix, or tweak in order to get back to normal. It´s for when you start to think like a lawyer, coming up with bargains and deals.
The melancholic guitar riff and the breaking voices that plead for more time encapsulate the shortcomings of being an imperfect human trying to relate to another.
Stage 5: Surrender and weep
Y... Qué Hiciste? - Los Panchos y Eydie Gormé
Listen, we have all been there, and in my experience, it´s just easier to accept defeat and go into a cocoon of self-love and compassion for a while. Those last words do hit hard though: "If you tell the truth I will forgive you, and take you in my memories". Brb, crying in the bathtub.
Remember when I said Los Panchos had some surprising collabs? Miss Gormé´s voice is dripping in emotion and class, making it the perfect song to call out that mediocre ex of yours.
Stage 6: Closing the book
No Me Platiques Ya - Los Tres Ases
Once indifference has been reached, you know you are good. No hurt feelings, no desire to murder someone in cold blood, just good old "Huh, we really did that". This song is for when you´re feeling nostalgic, deep in the realization that you can never truly forget, that theirs is a mark that will forever creep up on you, at unexpected times, without your consent, because well, the two of you were once a single thing.