Music

A Deep Analysis on Selena Quintanilla Peréz's 3 Most Impactful Songs

Remembering the late musician on what would’ve been her 52nd birthday.

10.6K

A Deep Analysis on Selena Quintanilla Peréz's 3 Most Impactful Songs

Remembering the late musician on what would’ve been her 52nd birthday.

This past March, it officially marked 28 years since Selena Quintanilla Peréz died. Though she was only 23 years old at the time of her death, she left her mark on the world. Reaching icon status at a young age, Selena paved the way for other musicians in the Latin music industry and though she is no longer here, her music continues to make an impact. April 16 is a special day — her birthday. In honor of what would’ve been her 52nd birthday, let’s look back at her most impactful songs.

“Dreaming of You”

While “Dreaming of You” is an exceptionally beautiful song on its own, it became even more special because it was released after her death. The track was part of her English-crossover album of the same title, which she began recording in 1994. The LP dropped on July 18, 1995 — a little over three months after she died. At that point, Dreaming of You became the record to have the most copies sold during its first day of release by any female artist.

From a sentimental standpoint, “Dreaming of You” holds a special place for fans, as well as Selena’s husband, Chris Peréz. Chris, who was the lead guitarist in her band, Selena y Los Dinos, previously revealed that the song was a love letter to him. A few weeks prior to her death, Selena asked Chris to “drop everything” and stop by the studio to listen to her record the track, which she had never done before. However, Chris was busy helping her dad on a separate music project. As a result, Chris felt regretful of his decision. “I still feel happy when I think about how Selena was thinking of me when she sang that song,” he wrote in his 2012 memoir, To Selena, With Love. “But I’m also torn by the fact that I didn’t go by her then. Why didn’t I just leave work so that I could listen to what my wife wanted me to hear? The answer is simple: I didn’t realize that my chances to hear Selena singing were nearly over.”

“Como La Flor”

“Como La Flor” is probably Selena’s most popular Spanish-language song. The track, which was the second single from Entre a Mi Mundo (1992), serves as a perfect representation of her overall style of music. “Como La Flor” is an up-tempo Tejano cumbia with undertones of reggae and pop. It helped solidify her as a serious artist in Mexico. “Como La Flor,” which translates to “like the flower,” uses symbolism to represent feelings of loss and love.

Her brother, A.B. Quintanilla III, who co-wrote the song with Pete Astudillo, her backup vocalist in Selena y Los Dinos, was quickly inspired to bring the track to life. “A lot of songs came fast and some came slow; this was one of those that came real fast,” A.B. previously told BuzzFeed News. “It came to me while I was in the shower in a hotel in Bryan, Texas, but in the movie, they put the scene on the bus.”

“Bidi Bidi Bom Bom”

While Selena has several danceable songs, “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” stands out for several reasons. For starters, it’s a feel-good song about your heart beating fast when you see someone you like. Selena created the onomatopoeic phrase to signify the sound of a palpitating heart. Musically, it’s a memorable song as it features her signature Tejano sound along with hints of pop and rock, incorporated by Chris via his guitar solo.

What eventually became one of Selena’s biggest hits, first began as a playful filler song. Before “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” became what it is today, Selena had the idea of a fish swimming freely through the ocean. The song was first titled “Itty Bitty Bubble.” Selena felt like she was on to something and asked Pete for his help on the track. “From it, A.B. said, ‘There’s something that’s forming … Let’s work on this a bit more and let’s put words to what she’s kind of saying,’” Pete said during a 2017 Univison special about Selena. “And from ‘Itty Bitty Bubble’ came ‘Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.’”

 

Read Full Article
Text By
Share this article

What to Read Next

Millie Bobby Brown Makes a Chic Case for "Proposal Nails"
Beauty

Millie Bobby Brown Makes a Chic Case for "Proposal Nails"

Note to self: Make sure your mani game is always on fleek.

Photographer Anna Bloda Captures the Beauty of Maternal Bonds with Premier Solo Photography Exhibition
Culture 

Photographer Anna Bloda Captures the Beauty of Maternal Bonds with Premier Solo Photography Exhibition

“MOTHER-HOOD” magnifies the sanctity of human existence through a maternal lens.

Aesop Welcomes Spring With Woody-Floral Fragrance “Gloam”
Beauty

Aesop Welcomes Spring With Woody-Floral Fragrance “Gloam”

The ninth addition to the brand’s fragrance family.


INTERVIEW: At Home With Sara Fernandez
Culture

INTERVIEW: At Home With Sara Fernandez

“Our homes and experiences are editorial, too.”

'Euphoria's Dominic Fike Recreates His Youth in New Music Video for "Dancing in the Courthouse"
Music

'Euphoria's Dominic Fike Recreates His Youth in New Music Video for "Dancing in the Courthouse"

It’s his first music release of the year.

Erotic Artist Maiya Mulan on Capturing the Essence of Black Pleasure
Sex & Dating

Erotic Artist Maiya Mulan on Capturing the Essence of Black Pleasure

“It’s okay to be soft and live a life based on creativity and liberation.”

Maryland-Based Brand Mingo by Domingo Makes Waves Beyond the DMV With New Collection
Fashion 

Maryland-Based Brand Mingo by Domingo Makes Waves Beyond the DMV With New Collection

The latest line from the apparel brand champions women and pays homage to traditional womenswear.

Pete Davidson Addresses His Penis Size AKA BDE
Entertainment

Pete Davidson Addresses His Penis Size AKA BDE

The comedian sets the record straight after years.

Gray M.C.A's New Exhibition Revives the Works of Your Favorite 20th Century Artists
Art & Design

Gray M.C.A's New Exhibition Revives the Works of Your Favorite 20th Century Artists

‘Styled by Design’ features Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and more.

More ▾
 

Looks like you’re using an ad-blocker

We charge advertisers instead of our readers. Support us by whitelisting our site.

Whitelist Us

How to Whitelist Us

screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Under “Pause on this site” click “Always”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock Plus icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Block ads on – This website” switch off the toggle to turn it from blue to gray.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlocker Ultimate icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Switch off the toggle to turn it from “Enabled on this site” to “Disabled on this site”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the Ghostery icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the “Ad-Blocking” button at the bottom. It will turn gray and the text above will go from “ON” to “OFF”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the UBlock Origin icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the large blue power icon at the top.
  3. When it turns gray, click the refresh icon that has appeared next to it or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the icon of the ad-blocker extension installed on your browser.You’ll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You may have more than one ad-blocker installed.
  2. Follow the instructions for disabling the ad blocker on the site you’re viewing.You may have to select a menu option or click a button.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.