Falling in love with somebody thanks to a city, or falling in love with a city thanks to somebody? Both these scenarios are quite likely in Barcelona. The capital has such an appeal that it magnifies moments, relationships and feelings. Many authors have described precisely that magic in their songs. Discover some of them here and embark on a journey around the city’s streets through a universal language.

Barcelona, by George Ezra

The man with two great loves. After Budapest, it was difficult to imagine the artist talk of any other place with the same feeling. Yet against all the odds, shortly afterwards came Barcelona, a song which has you wondering if he has fallen in love with somebody or with the capital, as Ezra caresses the city with every verse.

Gitana hechicera, by Peret

A closing ceremony needs, at the very least, a soundtrack which is worthy of the event. Peret was well aware of this and composed an empowering rumba for the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992. Entitled Gitana hechicera, the song pays homage to the city and its inhabitants, mentioning some key spots. The song was such a success that there have been various cover versions, even by the artist himself.

Barcelona i jo, by Serrat

If you really want to get to know Barcelona, Serrat is a good way to start. The singer-songwriter has a knowledge comparable to when you love somebody and know all their defining traits. He makes his way around the city from one end to another without overlooking any of its details, or, as he himself sings, none of its thousand faces: history and the present, songs and words, strolls, crazy things, fragrances, colours and guises.

Gràcia, by The New Raemon & McEnroe

Ricardo Lezón (the singer for McEnroe), speaking to El Periódico, described the memory of a night in one of the city’s most special neighbourhoods. In that memory he’s with a girlfriend from El Maresme, who he’d only ever spoken to on the internet. She made the most of the singer being in the capital to invite him for a stroll around its streets. He wanted to keep that moment for ever and wrote a song about it. With The New Raemon, McEnroe puts music to an unforgettable first date in Gràcia.

La petita rambla del Poble-sec, by Cesk Freixas

Cesk Freixas fixes his gaze on the neighbourhood of Poble-sec, specifically Carrer de Blai (also known as ‘La petita Rambla’) to present a poem made into a song. The words and the rhythms convey a message of hope and strength which makes an impression. It’s no coincidence then that it was embraced by Barcelona’s inhabitants during the lockdown, at a time when people desperately sought any taste of freedom.

Cadillac solitario, by Loquillo y Los Trogloditas

The Spanish group which enjoyed the limelight in the 1980s spoke about Barcelona on various occasions, which is perhaps no surprise as their composer and songwriter Sabino Méndes is from the city, as is their singer.  Besides Barcelona ciudad and Luna sobre Montjuïc, the author wrote an anthem for old loves we remember with nostalgia. In Cadillac solitario the protagonist addresses somebody from the past from their Cadillac parked at the Merbeyé, a cocktail bar next to Tibidabo which Loquillo used to go to at that time.

Kilòmetre 3, by Ginestà

The Serrasolsas brothers won many people’s hearts over some time ago now, with two voices in harmony and few instruments. The result has given us songs such as Kilòmetre 3, inviting us to a story of sweet and transparent love. The protagonists are waiting at a metro stop and, when they meet, they engage in a dialogue of confessions which combine feelings and walks around Barcelona. Nothing more, nothing less. “That what life is”, as they tell us in the song.

Winds of Barcelona, by Herb Alpert’s & The Tijuana Brass

It goes without saying: the six-time Grammy winners fixed their gaze on 1960s Barcelona to offer an ironic insight into what we don’t perceive in an initial glance. In an instrumental piece, the group projected what the city transmitted, with a trumpet providing a perfect description of the winds which blow around its streets.