The genre of Mexican regional music has undergone significant transformations in recent months. One of these transformations includes the emergence of new subgenres reflecting deep sociocultural changes in the country.
One of the most debated subgenres is corridos tumbados, also known as corridos bélicos.
The controversy of corridos tumbados
While they have gained international popularity, they have also drawn scrutiny from the Mexican government due to lyrics often referencing organized crime and lavish lifestyles.
Critics argue that these songs promote a culture of violence, leading some cities to impose laws restricting their public distribution.
Political figures like Claudia Sheinbaum advocate for raising awareness about the themes in corridos tumbados rather than banning them outright. This opens the door for new artistic expressions within traditional Mexican music, such as corridos militares, which offer a more positive perspective.
Corridos militares: a more positive alternative
One of the key figures in this movement is Eddy Barrón, a composer and musician dedicated to honoring the Mexican Army through his songs. With a background in the military, Barrón provides an authentic portrayal of a soldier's daily life.
His career took off in 2021 when he began sharing content on TikTok, quickly gaining recognition for his patriotic and emotional messages.
His popularity grew to the point of filming his first official music video in Culiacán, Sinaloa—a city often linked to crime—where he captivated both civilian and military audiences.
Barrón's songs have a profound impact. 'Volvería a ser militar' narrates the emotional journey of enlisting, while 'Con Sansón a las Patadas' directly responds to the challenges posed by organized crime against the armed forces.
One of his most powerful pieces, 'A los caídos,' pays tribute to fallen soldiers, contrasting sharply with the narratives found in corridos tumbados.
As corridos militares gain traction, more civilians are embracing the genre, seeing it as a way to bring about change in Mexico.
While some argue against any musical style that touches on illicit activities, others defend these cultural expressions as a means of portraying complex social realities without necessarily endorsing them.
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