Ibiza is a source of inspiration for many artists, and the island holds a special place when we talk about music. Many bands and singers have lyrics inspired by our island. Other songs, even if not inspired by Ibiza, showcase the island’s charms in music videos that are now true historical gems. For decades, our landscapes have been the backdrop for unforgettable songs.
Here are some of the most popular songs on YouTube (these songs have millions of views). It’s impossible not to get mesmerized by listening to and watching the following videos that transport us to the island. An invaluable tourist promotion of Ibiza through music:
Bruno Lomas
I have to admit, this is one of my favorite videos on this list. A great song, fantastic footage by the equally fantastic Valerio Lazarov, and a hippie aesthetic showing different spots around the island give the video for ‘Ven sin temor’ an unparalleled nostalgic vibe.
Lambada – Kaoma
Is there anyone on Earth who hasn’t danced to Lambada? This song literally took over the world in the late ’80s. Despite its Brazilian rhythms, the music video for “Chorando se foi” (the actual name of this song) was filmed at a beach bar on Tagomago Island, according to various sources.
On the Beach – Chris Rea
If you don’t recognize the name of this song, hit play: it’s a classic on stations like Kiss FM. A song about the beach could only have a video filmed in the closest place to paradise: Formentera.
Un Emozione per Sempre – Eros Ramazzotti
This song breaks the stereotype of associating our island with ‘party’ songs. Though it’s unclear why Eros is wearing a Mexican hat in the streets of La Marina, it’s a curious video to watch. The beach of Es Bol Nou also appears in different scenes.
I Turn to You – Mel C
The ex-Spice Girl dances next to the Torre de Ses Portes, at Cap des Falcó, at the Es Paradís club, and in various spots around the island. Visually, the video is stunning. Sound-wise… let’s just say it’s an acquired taste.
Me Gusta Como Eres – Jarabe De Palo
Pau Donés fell in love with Formentera and even bought a house here. But he also wanted the island to be the star of one of his most heartfelt songs.
Peret – Borriquito
A priceless audiovisual document. This video is a snippet from a documentary about Peret. You can find more songs by this artist recorded in Ibiza on YouTube.
Micky – Teach Me to Sing
Micky represented Spain at Eurovision in 1977. This video filmed in Ibiza shows beautiful images, especially the scenes recorded on Paseo Vara de Rey, in front of the Montesol hotel.
Disco Ibiza – Locomía
No joke—this song is an anthem of the 80s that cemented the collective image of what was happening on the island in that decade. The lyrics repeat ‘Ibiza’ 15 times and link it with still-current clichés: Disco, fashion, crazy, sex, sea, party. The video is invaluable promotion: Ses Salines, the bustling port of Ibiza, Dalt Vila, the beaches…
My Friend – Groove Armada
How long does it take to forget a vacation in Ibiza? The post-holiday blues turned into a song:
Get Get Down – Paul Johnson
Unforgettable ’90s melody (WARNING: if you listen, it might stick in your head!). A very surreal video, with an unforgettable scene at the Sant Jordi racetrack.
Enigma – La Puerta del Cielo
Michael Cretu, more known in Ibiza for the controversy surrounding his house than for his music, released this song in collaboration with local singer Margarita Roig. The lyrics in Eivissenc and the song’s atmosphere are unique.
Laura Pausini & James Blunt – Primavera Anticipada
These two international artists filmed this video where it snows in Ibiza! The locations include the streets of La Marina and the Teatro Pereyra.
Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé – Barcelona (Live at Ku Club Ibiza, 1987)
One of the most memorable performances for many Spaniards. In 1987, this Olympic anthem for Barcelona was presented in an unexpected duet: Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé. In a packed Ku Club adorned with a commemorative flag for the 1992 Olympics, this duet gave a very memorable performance… in playback.
The Original – I Luv U Baby
If anyone wonders what the vibe was like in the ’80s at the port of Ibiza, they should spend four minutes watching (and dancing) to this video:
Sigma ft. Ella Henderson – Glitterball
A video packed with the typical tropes of young people on beach and sun vacations in Ibiza… but who wouldn’t be envious!
Sandy Marton – People from Ibiza
This blonde-haired singer was one of the pioneers in getting everyone to talk about ‘Ibiza’ thanks to this catchy tune. Practically any Ibizan who has traveled around Europe has probably had this refrain sung to them.
Vengaboys
It’s impossible to hear this song and not start humming along. In the ’90s, Vengaboys’ eurodance put everyone in the mood to dance with this cheerful chorus about heading to Ibiza.
Wham! – Club Tropicana
The band of the late George Michael shot a fun, refreshing video on the island. ‘Club Tropicana’ should have been called ‘Hotel Pikes,’ as it was in this establishment that the video was filmed.
Blur – Boys and Girls
The British band filmed part of the music video for one of their most famous hits in Ibiza. Es Vedrà and the slides of a well-known water park in Playa d’en Bossa make appearances.
Matinée @ Amnesia Ibiza 2012
One of the most famous parties at the Amnesia nightclub was promoted with a spectacular video. From the boring office in Barcelona to Ibiza. Although it may overdo the clichés a bit.
Pizza in Ibiza – The Midnight Beast
This video sparked complaints in the local press for the image it portrayed of Ibiza. Young British tourists coming for pizza and partying with little respect for the island’s culture. In reality, it’s a faithful and sarcastic reflection of some of our tourists.
Ozuna x Camilo – Despeinada
This video has high production quality, and it shows. Interestingly, although it was filmed in Ibiza, the only scenes not shot on the island are those featuring Ozuna and Camilo. By the way, the beach appearing throughout much of the video is Es Niu de s’Àguila.
Ana Mena – A Un Paso de la Luna
The Malaga-born Ana Mena begins her song exclaiming “From Málaga to the world.” However, the video for her first major hit seems more like a promotional video for Ibiza’s highlights. Dalt Vila and Platges de Comte are the main settings.
Peggy Gou – (It Goes Like) Nanana
Just check the comments section to see how this video, with sounds reminiscent of ’90s eurodance, delights fans.
Pota Lait – Sa Botiga de Dalt Vila
To conclude, a local group that humorously reflects Ibiza’s extensive vocabulary.
Which of these songs best reflects the essence of Ibiza for you? Surely, listening to them will mentally transport you to the island 🙂
By the way, if you enjoy music videos filmed in Ibiza, here’s a small recap of other musical gems: