Every few years, a song comes along that transcends borders, languages, and cultures. They spread across the globe like wildfire. These songs manage to capture the world’s attention in a way that feels almost magical. What’s fascinating is that even though the U.S. music industry tends to dominate the global charts, these global hits are never by American artists.

These five songs took the world by storm

1. Lambada

You’ve probably heard Lambada—even if you don’t immediately recognize the title. This sultry song with its catchy melody became a worldwide hit in 1989, performed by the French-Brazilian group Kaoma. The song’s dance moves were just as famous as the tune itself, and before long, people across the globe were trying to master the “forbidden dance.”

Lambada’s infectious rhythm was irresistible. With roots in Brazilian dance and Latin tropical styles, the track gave listeners a reason to move. It didn’t matter if you didn’t understand the Portuguese lyrics; the song’s energy alone made you want to get up and dance. The chorus, with its easy-to-hum melody, was the cherry on top. You didn’t need to know what the words meant—you could feel the song, and that was enough. For many, it was love at first listen, making it one of those tracks that everyone from kids to grandparents could enjoy.

2. Macarena

Now, who could forget Macarena? It’s nearly impossible to resist doing the signature dance when the song comes on at a wedding or party. This song by the Spanish duo Los del Río was a sensation in the mid-90s, and it’s probably safe to say that anyone who was alive during that time can still remember the lyrics (or at least the dance).

What made Macarena such a global hit? Simple: its addictive rhythm and the dance that came with it. The flamenco-inspired beats combined with a straightforward dance routine made it fun for everyone. Much like Lambada, it didn’t matter that the song was in Spanish—people across the world could sing along to the memorable “Dale a tu cuerpo alegría, Macarena” without even knowing what it meant.

3. Gangnam Style

Ah, Gangnam Style—the song that brought K-pop to the forefront of global music in a way that no one saw coming. In 2012, South Korean artist PSY unleashed this quirky, high-energy track onto the world, and it was an instant hit. The song’s YouTube video was the first to ever hit one billion views, and it was the talk of the town for years to come.

What’s remarkable about Gangnam Style is that it didn’t just ride the wave of K-pop’s growing popularity—it helped create it. The song itself was loaded with energy, and PSY’s larger-than-life personality made it impossible to ignore. The lyrics, sung mostly in Korean, didn’t slow the song’s spread across non-Korean-speaking countries. After all, you didn’t need to understand Korean to shout “Oppan Gangnam style!” while attempting the viral dance moves.

The simplicity of the song’s hook, combined with a thumping beat and a bizarrely addictive dance, made Gangnam Style a worldwide phenomenon. The chorus was catchy and the lyrics repetitive, making it easy for people around the world to join in the fun, whether they understood the words or not.

4. Livin’ La Vida Loca

Ricky Martin’s Livin’ La Vida Loca is often credited with helping bring Latin pop into mainstream Western music, particularly in the English-speaking world. This 1999 hit exploded onto the global stage and became a sensation. With its rock-inspired Latin beats, the song became Martin’s signature track and a defining anthem of the late ‘1990s.

The song’s high-energy party-ready vibe and brass-heavy instrumentation, paired with a relentless drumbeat, gave the song an irresistible pull. Even though the lyrics were in English, the Latin flavor of the track was unmistakable. The chorus was easy to sing along to, and the phrase “Livin’ la vida loca” quickly became part of everyday speech.

4. Jerusalema

Last but not least, we have Jerusalema, a South African track that unexpectedly became a global anthem in 2020. Released by Master KG and featuring vocals by Nomcebo Zikode, the song blends elements of gospel and afrobeat, creating a sound that is both uplifting and deeply soulful. Initially a regional hit, the song soon took off internationally when a viral dance challenge on TikTok propelled it into the spotlight.

Like the other songs on this list, Jerusalema had a rhythmic beat and easy-to-follow hook. Sung in Zulu, the lyrics are simple but powerful, and you don’t have to understand the language to feel the spiritual undertones. The chorus “Jerusalema ikhaya lami” (which translates to “Jerusalem is my home”) has a soothing, melodic quality.

The song’s upbeat tempo and message of hope made it the perfect soundtrack for the challenging times of 2020, and the dance challenge that followed only solidified its global appeal. Much like Macarena, people of all ages and backgrounds could learn the dance and join in the fun, making Jerusalema a truly universal hit.

Despite their diverse origins, all of these songs share a common thread. They have an infectious beat, a simple hook, and lyrics so easy to remember that, even if you don’t speak the language, you’re probably humming them.

Music is one of the few things that can truly unite people across the globe, and these four songs are proof of that. Even if you don’t speak the language, the beats, the hooks, and the sheer fun of these tracks make them unforgettable.