Admittedly, I could write you a list of 25 artists off the top of my head that should make it on to your Bachata playlist. However, if you’re new to the genre, I want to slim down the selection and let you experience 5 of the greatest Bachata artists of all time, in my opinion. And yes, picking just 5 was brutal, but here they are…
1. Luis Vargas
Luis Vargas holds the #1 spot on this list because he’s also my personal favorite. Why? Admittedly, his stellar guitar playing caught my ear first, but over the years I have grown to love his music in new and different ways. For one, his songs are always energetic, even when slow. There are no weak songs in his collection - none. Vargas has an emotive, passionate voice that makes me want to clutch my heart every time he sings. And his quick, fun, and attention-grabbing intros are every DJ’s dream. I can use his songs anywhere in a set and that’s a beautiful thing. Whether it’s Bachata or Merengue, Luis Vargas’ songs are a hit.
2. Anthony Santos
Anthony Santos is the usual #1 winner for most other people. His songs from the 90s are iconic and legendary. Some of these songs have so much energy, playfulness, and hypnotic melodies, you never want them to end. I, personally, have been late to meeting up with friends because Anthony Santos’ music came on in the car and I couldn’t turn the engine off until the song was over. His music is said to define the sound of the modern Bachata era of the 90s when the music started incorporating electric guitars (thanks to Blas Duran) and guitar effect pedals (thanks to Luis Vargas & Rafael Montilla). Fun fact: this Bachata mega-star got his start as the guira player for Luis Vargas before eventually splitting and becoming a star in his own right.
3. Raulín Rodriguez
Funny enough, Raulín Rodriguez followed Anthony Santos’ steps in a way. He started off as a guira and guitar player for Anthony Santos and later went on to create his own music. Raulín is deeply loved by many for his own music style and extra romantic lyrics. His early work has a distinct sound that makes many of us nostalgic for our own good old days. His newer music is equally great and has a more full music experience as the recording quality has improved. Regardless of the date on the song, Rodriguez will play with your emotions and get you singing full volume on the dance floor. (Let’s hope your dance partner doesn’t mind.) Fun fact: Raulín is also known as one of the most humble Bachateros and is known for spending time with his fans.
4. Yoskar Sarante
Yoskar Sarante was one of the first artists I heard when I was first introduced to Bachata. With his unique voice, beautiful lyrics, and quality instrumentation, his classic songs “Guitarra” and “Llora alma mia” burrowed deeply into my heart right away. Over the years as I’ve gotten to know more of his music, I’ve discovered how much variety is in his collection and yet, all of them tug at your emotions and somehow get you singing along involuntarily. Sadly, Yoskar Sarante died in January 2019 to pulmonary fibrosis, but his music will live on forever.
5. Romeo Santos
If you haven’t heard of this superstar, I’m wondering how you even found this blog at all. When I began listening to Bachata, Romeo Santos was the lead singer in Aventura, a band that made huge waves in the Bachata world, modernizing the sound once more and adding elements of smooth R&B singing into Bachata. In 2011, he went solo and propelled himself instantly into greater stardom. Over the years since he has pushed his sound by collaborating with rappers, R&B artists, Reggaeton artists, and other Bachateros. He is no stranger to experimentation and many modern Bachata dancers have fallen in love with these new sounds. Though in 2019 he threw everyone for a loop by putting out an album featuring only the classic Bachateros and one collaboration with his former band, Aventura. Not only was this probably his greatest album yet, he guaranteed his home in all of our hearts for life with its release.
Follow Romeo Santos on Spotify Here
Listen & Comment
Tell me in the comments below your absolute favorite song from each artist! I want to see which songs pull on your heartstrings the most.