Ranking All Non-English Songs That Topped the Billboard Hot 100

9. BTS - Life Goes On (2020)

While BTS topped the Hot 100 a few times, Life Goes On remains the group's only Korean single to top the chart, released at the peak of the BTS wave while talking about relevant issues. Unfortunately, compared to the boy band's best ballad material, Life Goes On seems tame, downed in excessive autotune while lacking the septet's charm. (Outdated Full Review)

8. Jimin - Like Crazy (2023)

With less than two months of existence at this post's creation, Jimin's Like Crazy doesn't have hindsight judging it just yet. Nonetheless, its synthwave instrumental has its charm, even if the song fails to do justice to the BTS member's vocal timbre. A stronger melody would have helped as well.

7. Los Del Rio - Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix) (1995)

In an alternate universe, I could see Macarena ranking much higher. The unfortunate fact is that the melody and dance have been done to death at this point, with almost everyone having many memories of doing the choreography at some point or other. If one wants to enjoy the melody with a fresh experience, I suggest trying the 1993 original version.

6. Luis Fonsi - Despacito Ft. Daddy Yankee (2017)

With a few years of breathing room from Despacito's omnipresence, it is a little easier to see the merits that made the song initially such a big head. Luis Fonsi sings over a now-iconic refrain, and the production, even if safe, more than does its part. While there were other Latin pop songs at that time more worthy of this level of success, Despacito has aged better than expected.

5. The Singing Nun - Dominique (1963)

Jean-Paul Marie Decker, better known as The Singing Nun, wrote this song for the Catholic saint Dominic. Tragically, fights with her superiors and her record company over the song's royalty left her broke, her leaving the Dominican Order, and committing suicide. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding the song, it is hard not to feel calmed by the Belgian nun's beautiful French singing and catchy melody.

4. Domenico Modungo - Volare (Nel Blu, Dipinto Di Blu) (1958)

It might sound crazy, but back in the '50s and '60s, it was easier for international artists to gain popular success in America. Volare is a rare song, winning both the first Record of the Year and Song of the Year Grammy Awards, coming in the top 3 in Eurovision, and topping the Billboard Hot 100. This is an incredible trio of achievements, and Domenico Modungo's classic hit is a fantastic track, worthy of acclaim.

Volare is simple, sure, but its timeless melody, assisted by a top-tier performance by Modungo, makes a fun memory enjoyable for nearly any generation.

3. Kyu Sakamoto - Sukiyaki (Ue o Muite Aruko) (1961)

Even more shocking then a Belgian nun or an Italian singer, a Japanese artist topped the Billboard Hot 100. Kyu Sakamoto's short life and tragic end (somewhat of a theme among artists on this list, unfortunately) left an impact on many, and Sukiyaki is certainly a large part of his legacy.

Sukiyaki's simple orchestral ballad sound is just unique enough to create an identity for itself, but at the same time fit right along with the general sound of that era. Kyu Sakamoto's vocal skills and whistle make a track that has lasted so many years and will continue to last for years to come. Sukiyaki is a beautiful ballad unbeaten by time.

2. Falco - Rock Me Amadeus (1985)

Rock Me Amadeus is an example of how weird '80s music could be. Austrian singer Falco's Rock Me Amadeus was an ode to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, showcasing him as a prototype of the punk star, a womanizing, fame-obsessed but talented musician, almost certainly inspired by the real life of Falco himself.

Musically, Rock Me Amadeus merges grand '80s synth-rock and new wave with an early form of rap, culminating in a choir-driven chorus sounding, unlike anything you or anyone else has heard elsewhere. Pair this with energetic live performances and one of the best key changes ever and it is hard not to see what made this song one of the grandest ever.

1. Los Lobos - La Bamba (1988)

It feels somewhat wrong to have Los Lobos' La Bamba here. Not that it deserves to be lower, in fact, that hardly is the case. The reason is that Ritchie Valens' original recording failed to top the Billboard Hot 100, despite arguably being the most iconic Spanish song ever in America. His energy and performance made the original what it was, and is still a classic for a reason.

Ignoring this travesty, Los Lobos' version injects some nice elements into the song, including a fun rock riff, and an energetic performance that would have made Ritchie proud, the tragedy being Ritchie died far too early to hear it. Either way, the melody of La Bamba is famously one of the best in Latin Pop history, and the early Chicano Rock influences only improve it. With a tune like La Bamba, it was inevitable that Los Lobos would top this list.

Image Source: Completist