Los Rehenes became popular in the 1980s with their romantic cumbia and heartfelt ballads. Their music often has a smooth, danceable rhythm, driven by keyboards and a prominent bassline.
They are well-known for songs like "Corazón Mágico," "Llorar," and "Mi Gran Amor y Un Amigo." Their lyrics frequently explore themes of love, longing, and heartbreak, delivered with a direct, emotional style.