Corridos have been a cornerstone of Música Mexicana for generations, telling stories rooted in everyday life. Now, a new chapter is taking shape: motivational corridos, or corridos motivadores. Drawing on themes of resilience and ambition, these songs are resonating with younger fans, offering both comfort and motivation.
Unlike other modern corrido styles, such as tumbados, motivational corridos focus on hard work, progress, and optimism. They center everyday people and their aspirations, often sticking to traditional song structures and the signature sounds of northern Mexican music, while also making subtle updates that speak to a new generation of listeners.
“What sets motivational corridos apart is how they use language to inspire and reimagine the traditional corrido narrative through a more emotional lens,” says Alejandro Grageda, Head of Music at Spotify Mexico. “These songs are connecting in a powerful way with listeners who want music that mirrors their own experiences.”
Voices of resilience
The artists driving the motivational corridos movement come from all corners of Mexico, each using the genre to capture what it means to keep going, no matter where you start.
Antonin Padilla, who once worked at a car wash, describes how corridos inspired him:
“When I was working at the car wash and dreaming of pursuing music full time, it was corridos from Grupo Marca Registrada that kept me grinding. Sometimes, it’s not even about the lyrics matching your life exactly—the motivational vibe just lifts you up and keeps you moving.”
Raúl Beltran has developed his own approach, which he calls metaphysical corridos:
“I created corridos metafísicos to carry motivation and encouragement in the lyrics, so people can believe in themselves and go after their goals. Life is built on what you think, what you say, and what you listen to.”
Grupo Selectivo finds inspiration in their own story of perseverance:
“Our motivational stories come from our own experiences. Grupo Selectivo is a group that started from the bottom—we’ve been chasing this dream for years.”
Kane Rodriguez sees firsthand how motivational corridos encourage listeners to strive for more:
“These self-improvement corridos come from seeing how people react to the music. When they feel motivated to earn more and keep working, that’s what inspires me to keep making these songs.”
For Los Chavalitos, authenticity is key:
“The stories in our corridos are our own. We write more than 90% of our music, and it’s all based on what we’re feeling and living through. We want people to know that life brings both sweet and bitter moments, and you have to enjoy them all—always valuing what you have and doing your best to move forward.”
Music that brings people together
Since 2023, Música Mexicana has shifted toward lyrics that are more introspective and resonant. As artists around the country began focusing on personal stories and messages of self-improvement, motivational corridos steadily grew—earning spots on Spotify playlists like La Reina: Éxitos de la Música Mexicana, Corridos Perrones, Ruteando, Rancho Viral, and MEXCLA. Now, with the launch of our new Corridos Motivadores playlist, these songs have a dedicated home.
This subgenre stands out for its authenticity, offering music that encourages, uplifts, and reflects real life. Motivational corridos are helping listeners find meaning in everyday challenges and creating a sense of belonging.
At Spotify, we’re proud to support the evolution of Música Mexicana, where pride, sensitivity, and the drive to move forward are louder than ever.
Stream our Corridos Motivadores playlist to discover the artists and stories at the heart of this movement.
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