- El Triste
The song that catapulted him to fame. Written by Roberto Cantoral, El Triste was performed by José José at the 1970 Latin Song Festival, where his performance moved the audience and left the judges speechless. Although it did not win first place, his interpretation marked a before and after in romantic music. His vocal power and emotional charge are still a mandatory reference when talking about ballads in Spanish.
2. The Ship of Oblivion: released that same year, this song consolidated the beginning of an unstoppable career. Composed by Dino Ramos, The Ship of Oblivion combines poetry and drama in a plea for an unforgettable impossible love. The way José José interprets the nuances of pain and hope in this piece is one of the many examples of his talent as a performer.
You can also read: International Day of José José
3. 40 and 20. Released in 1992, it is one of the great successes of his mature stage, 40 and 20 addresses the theme of love between people of different ages, a controversial topic for its time, but presented with elegance and depth. The song marked his return to the top of popularity in the 90s and became an anthem for those who have loved regardless of the age difference.
4. Hawk or Dove: with this song, written by Rafael Pérez Botija and released in 1977, José José established himself as a master of musical storytelling. Hawk or Dove is a confession of vulnerability amidst seduction, a story told with strength and sensitivity that became an immediate classic. His interpretation continues to move those who identify with the nuances of love and self-deception.








