Selena Gomez has made a triumphant return to the top 10 of Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart with her latest collaboration, “Ojos tristes.” The song, which features Benny Blanco and The Marias, debuted at No. 4 on the chart dated April 5th. This marks Gomez’s fifth top 10 hit on the chart and the first for Blanco and The Marias.
“Ojos tristes” is a reinterpretation of the classic 1981 ballad “El muchacho de los ojos tristes” by Spanish-British artist Jeanette. The song, written by Manuel Alejandro, never charted but Jeanette’s global hit “Porque te vas” reached No. 25 on the Latin Pop Airplay chart in 2008. Gomez’s bilingual version of the song combines nostalgic melodies with a modern sound, with Gomez singing in English and The Marias’ Maria Zardoya lending her smooth vocals to reflect Jeanette’s style adapted for a contemporary audience.
The collaboration has propelled Blanco and The Marias to their first top 10 on Hot Latin Songs, after each had previously charted with one entry. Blanco reached No. 22 last December as a featured artist on Myke Towers’ “Degenere,” while The Marias peaked at No. 17 with their collaboration with Bad Bunny, “Otro atardecer,” in 2022. For Gomez, “Ojos tristes” marks her fifth top 10 hit on the chart and her first since “Selfish Love,” with DJ Snake, debuted and peaked at No. 6 in 2021.
“Ojos tristes” has also made an impact on other Billboard charts. The song debuted at No. 59 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also entered the Billboard Global 200 at No. 63 with 19.5 million streams and the Global Excl. U.S. at No. 118 with 11.3 million streams outside of the United States. The song’s sales also contributed to its top 10 debut on Hot Latin Songs, with 1,000 downloads in the United States, earning it the No. 1 spot on the Latin Digital Song Sales chart.
The success of “Ojos tristes” is a testament to the enduring appeal of Jeanette’s music and the ability of Gomez, Blanco, and The Marias to bring a fresh and modern twist to a classic song. The collaboration has also introduced Jeanette’s music to a new generation of listeners, who may not have been familiar with her work before. The song’s debut at No. 4 on Hot Latin Songs is a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability of artists to bridge the gap between different genres and eras.
Gomez’s involvement in “Ojos tristes” also highlights her continued interest in exploring her Latin roots and collaborating with Latin artists. In recent years, she has released several Spanish-language songs, including “De Una Vez” and “Baila Conmigo,” and has collaborated with Latin artists such as Rauw Alejandro and DJ Snake. This has not only expanded her fan base but also solidified her place in the Latin music industry.
The success of “Ojos tristes” also speaks to the growing popularity of Latin music in the mainstream market. In recent years, Latin music has seen a surge in popularity, with artists like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Rosalía dominating the charts and breaking records. The success of “Ojos tristes” further cements the influence and impact of Latin music on the global music scene.
In addition to its chart success, “Ojos tristes” has also received critical acclaim for its beautiful and emotional interpretation of Jeanette’s classic song. The collaboration has been praised for its seamless blend of English and Spanish lyrics and its ability to capture the essence of the original while giving it a fresh and modern twist.
Overall, the debut of “Ojos tristes” at No. 4 on Hot Latin Songs is a testament to the talent and creativity of Gomez, Blanco, and The Marias, as well as the enduring appeal of Jeanette’s music. The song’s success also highlights the growing popularity and influence of Latin music in the global music industry. With its beautiful melodies and powerful vocals, “Ojos tristes” is sure to continue its climb up the charts and solidify its place as one of the top Latin songs of the year.