# The best Celia Cruz songs

The songs that immortalised the Queen of Salsa, from "Bemba colorá" to "La vida es un carnaval". ¡Azúcar!

- 60 votes · 12 items
- Oct 27, 2025 · Felipe Gómez
- https://even.best/en/l/3700/the-best-celia-cruz-songs

## Top 12

1. **Ríe y llora** (6 · ▲6 ▼0) — 2003. Released shortly before her death; it sounds like a farewell.
2. **La vida es un carnaval** (5 · ▲5 ▼0) — 1998. A celebration of life in the face of adversity.
3. **Oye cómo va** (5 · ▲5 ▼0) — Her version of the Tito Puente classic.
4. **Cao cao maní picao** (4 · ▲5 ▼1) — Another gem from her repertoire.
5. **Yo viviré** (3 · ▲5 ▼2) — Her Spanish version of I Will Survive.
6. **Químbara** (3 · ▲4 ▼1) — 1974. With Johnny Pacheco, pure Fania sound.
7. **Bemba colorá** (3 · ▲4 ▼1) — 1966. One of her first big solo recordings.
8. **Usted abusó** (3 · ▲3 ▼0) — One of her best-loved performances.
9. **Burundanga** (2 · ▲4 ▼2) — A duet with Lola Flores.
10. **Guantanamera** (2 · ▲3 ▼1) — 1967. Her recording of the most famous Cuban song.
11. **El yerberito moderno** (1 · ▲3 ▼2) — A classic with the Sonora Matancera.
12. **La negra tiene tumbao** (-1 · ▲1 ▼2) — 2001. Salsa with hip-hop.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.