The Greatest Pop Songs That Will Help You Learn Greek

Fell in love with the Greek language during your holidays? Or are you simply trying to woo a Greek? Whatever the reason is, learning Greek may be a tough decision, but don’t worry we are here to help you out. For many students, learning a foreign language is easier with music. Indeed, the melody, rhythm and sometimes even rhymes help the memorization process. Here are some classics of Greek pop music to help you learn the language.

Ελενα Παπαριζου – Πόρτα Για Τον Ουρανό (Helena Paparizou – Porta Gia Ton Ourano)

This song was a 2008 hit for the Greek-Swedish singer. Porta gia ton ouranou (Door to the Sky) was one of the top hits of Paparizou’s fourth album, which marked more of a ‘rock’ vibe than her previous typical pop songs. It obviously struck a chord with the public as the album was certified Gold the first week of its release. The song is upbeat and is a typical impossible love song.

Χάρης & Πάνος Κατσιμίχας – Ρίτα, Ριτάκι (Haris & Panos Katsimihas – Rita, Ritaki)

Sung by brother Haris and Panos Katsimihas, Rita, Ritaki (Rita, Little Rita) is a 1980s hit with an old-time rock and roll feel. An instant feelgood piece, the song starts with a little poem, before moving onto the musical part. It is about a 45-year-old guy looking for trouble who found it by falling in love with an elusive 18-year-old girl named Rita.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJZ20R_5NWM

Τάμτα – Έλα στον ρυθμό (Tamta – Ela ston rythmo)

Georgian-Greek singer Tamta is a popular pop singer in Greece. The song Ela Sto Rhythmo (Come in rhythm with me) has an inviting tempo which will certainly make you stand up and dance. The song is the main theme tune of the popular Greek TV series Letremeni Mou Gitones. Simple and easy, the lyrics of the song will show you that Greek can be learned in a playful way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRd9icV9B9A

Σάκης Ρουβάς – Αίμα, δάκρυα κι ιδρώτας (Sakis Rouvas – Aima, dakrya ki idrotas)

Heartthrob Sakis Rouvas has been around for decades, and this is one of its oldest ballads. Aima, dacrya ki idrotas means Blood, tears and sweat, and is also the name of the singer’s fourth opus, released in 1994. The song depicts the end of a relationship in a poetic way.

Vegas – Πιο Ψηλα (Vegas – Pio Psila)

Sometimes dubbed the “Greek Black Eyed Peas”, Vegas is a band influenced by several music genres such as rock, jazz, soul, funk and hip-hop. Known around Greece, the band has also toured in the USA as well as Australia. The song Pio Psila (Higher) from their third album was the most played song on Greek radio in 2012 and even reached 20 million views on Youtube, making it the second most viewed Greek video on the platform.

Μιχάλης Χατζηγιάννης – Το καλοκαίρι μου (Michalis Hatzigiannis – To kalokairi mou)

The 2010 summer hit by Greek-Cypriot artist Mihalis Hatzigiannis is still a favorite among Greeks. Considered as one of the most successful artists of the decade, Hatzigiannis gave Greece this refreshing summer ballad which might waken some serious Greece envy when you hear it.

Άννα Βίσση – Πες το ξανά (Anna Vissi – Pes to ksana)

Active in the music world since 1973, Anna Vissi hardly needs an introduction. But to all neophytes out there, this woman packs some serious vocal skills and has successfully managed to remain relevant even today. Pes to Ksana (Say it Again) is the story of a lover asking her partner to tell her over and over again how much he loves her.

ΝΙΝΟ – Μπαμ (Nino – Mpam)

Released during summer 2017, Nino’s latest hit, Mpam (“Bam”) is a fun pop song that you should listen to at the pool or beach with a glass of cocktail in your hand. If you can’t, just put it out and simply enjoy. Vibrant and dynamic, this summer hit will definitely bring you a taste of Greek summer wherever you are.

About the author

Ethel Dilouambaka

Polyglot (with a Master Degree in Translation), adventure seeker, professional shower singer and food enthusiast, Ethel enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, usually with a certain amount of eating and drinking involved. Brussels-bred and Athens-bound, she loves traveling around the world, uploading photos on her Instagram feed and daydreaming with a good book in her hands. Want to see the world through her eyes? Find her on Instagram at @heyitsetelle