Fantasmas - Humbe Review

A breath, a sigh, and then a million feelings running deep into your mind and pushing out the memories of what was in the past into the present. Your breath quickens, your heart pulses, and that familiar heartache is forming tears in your eyes again. "Fantasmas" by Humbe is a single, released in November 2023. This song was made in honor of his grandpa’s passing, which became extremely popular on TikTok.

As an individual who was raised on corridos, mariachi, and norteño music, this ballad wasn’t on my 2023 listening list until it became a trend. Upon hearing it, a profound longing stirred within me for Mexico, the place once called home by my parents. It was woven with the past memories of my late grandparents.

Hearing Humbe sing his lyrics in a soft, melancholy tone, “Del gran sueño, No me quiero despertar,” (The grand dream, I don’t want to wake up) brings the unresolved grief of losing a loved one. His words are a soft echo of who we wish to hold in our arms again.

The soft blow of the trumpet brings back the memories of when I used to visit Mexico as a kid, the land I haven’t visited since I was 18 years old. The song then transitions the lyrics into “Tantas fotos llenando los marcos, Mi propio museo” (Lots of photos filling the frames, it’s my own museum). This made me think of when I visited my grandma’s old house in Mexico, because it was filled with photos of her. It felt as if her presence never left her residence, but there was an emptiness that crept within the halls.

The only thing you think of is the overwhelming memories that come to mind. His multiple long “oh’s” jump me back into the longing of what once was, and wanting to embrace those who are gone. His lyrics would say “En esta casa no existen fantasmas, Son puros recuerdos,” (In this household, there’s no ghosts, there are only memories), reminding me that the house I live in now still holds the memories of my late grandparents, even though they’re gone.

A part of me wishes I had this song to listen to back in 2016 and 2013 because it would have helped me process my emotions so much more. It’s not just a grieving song but more of a nostalgic feeling of love and sorrow, added with a sense of blissfulness to know my loved ones aren’t suffering from the diseases they encountered with old age.

I’m also not saying that I don’t grieve for my loved ones anymore, for grief never truly vanishes; it lingers quietly within the body, and it surfaces during awkward moments. Humbe still resonates with me because it’s an artistic outlet to sing along to when he hits the long notes. After all, you can feel his pain in his voice, calling out for his grandpa. For anyone reading this, I hope you’ll give it a listen at least once, even if you’re unable to translate the words; the melody speaks directly to the soul.

Rating: A +

A+