María (Ricky Martin song)

María is a song by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin. It was released in 1995 as the lead single from his third studio album, A Medio Vivir. The song became a massive international hit, solidifying Martin's status as a global superstar.

The song is written in a vibrant and passionate style, characteristic of Latin pop music. It features a catchy melody and infectious rhythm, making it highly danceable. Lyrically, "María" is a love song, expressing adoration and longing for a woman named María. The lyrics are primarily in Spanish, with some English phrases incorporated in certain versions.

The success of "María" can be attributed to several factors: its upbeat tempo and memorable melody; the strong vocal performance by Martin; and its effective promotion and music video which showcased Martin's charismatic stage presence. The song received extensive airplay on both Latin and mainstream radio stations worldwide.

"María" helped to bring Latin music to a wider international audience, contributing significantly to the growth of the Latin pop genre's popularity in the mid-1990s. Its enduring legacy is reflected in its continued popularity and inclusion in numerous best-of compilations and live performances. It remains one of Martin's signature songs and a staple of Latin music playlists.