Bachata songs may be the 'music of bitterness,' but they're also the music of romance -- well, usually unsuccessful romance. It is a fitting backdrop to those moments when you are feeling hopeless and blue but the music is often so pretty that it somehow is never depressing.

Here's a playlist of some of my favorite bachata songs. Feel free to sing along!

1. Hector Acosta - "Me Voy": Hector Acosta left the popular Los Toros Band in 2006 to form his own orchestra, a move that gained him an even larger following. The first album of this venture, 2006's Sigo Siendo Yo, generated the fan favorites "Me Voy" and "Primavera Azul." "Me Voy" featuring Anthony "Romeo' Santos from Aventura, also appeared on 2008's Mitad Mitad. 

2. Einllo - "Te Buscaria": Einllo is a Dominican/Puerto Rican singer, currently from New York via New Jersey. He's primarily a salsa singer although this bachata appeared on his debut album, Eternamente.

3. Aventura - "Mi Corazoncito": Currently the biggest name in urban bachata, Aventura has had over 20 hits emerge from their six studio albums. "Mi Corazoncito" was the big winner during the 2008 awards season takng home 'best song' at Premio Lo Nuestro, Billboard Latin Music and ASCAP Latin Music awards. 

4. Yoskar Sarante - "No Tengo Suerte En El Amor": A well-known name among bachateros, Yoskar Sarante is involved with nueva bachata, sometimes called 'bachateo' which is a mix of reggaeton and bachata. Whether a track is Dominican reggaeton, bachata or bachateo, the themes are almost always romantic.

5. Angel Y Khriz - "Carita De Angel" (Version Bachata): Although Angel & Khriz are billed as a reggaeton duo from the Luny Tunes stable of artists, their reggaeton is from the Dominican Republic which means there's lots of musical mixture with other music from their home island and they often perform the same tune in different styles. This is the bachata version of "Carita de Angel." 


6. Monchy & Alexandra - "No Es Una Novela": Dominican Monchy & Alexandra have almost single-handedly (or double-handedly) brought bachata to the top of the charts -- well, at least they were the first because Aventura has taken over the #1 spot. There were a lot of disappointed fans when the duo broke up in 2008. "No Es Una Novela" is arguably their biggest hit but it just never seems to get old, no matter how often its played on the airwaves. 

7. Alex Bueno - "Agarrense de las Manos": Dominican singer/guitarist Alex Bueno has been recording Dominican music since 1979. He's fought personal demons and drug problems during some of those years but his voice and music remain pure and popular. 

8. Daniel Moncion - "Decidi": The songs of Daniel Moncion have been performed by some of the most popular bachateros icluding Frank Reyes, Monchy & Alexandra and Alex Bueno. "Culpable" was the big hit from Moncion's sophmore album Decidi but I like this one better.


9. Erick Escobar - "Secreto de Amor": "Secreto de Amor" is a ballad that was originally written by Joan Sebastian. It lends itself well to the bachata format and is sung here by Erick Escobar. 

10. Domenic Marte - "Yo Me Equivoca": Another Dominican/Puerto Rican musician from the East Coast (Lawrence, MA), Dominic Marte composes much of his own music. His 2004 debut album Intimamente earned him an "Artist of the Year' nomination at both the 2005 Premio Lo Nuestro and Billboard Latin Music awards.

The famous Miami rapper Pitbull will take some of his best dance songs to the show that the Marlins have prepared to celebrate their franchise rebranding. On November 11, the day the Florida Marlins will officially become the Miami Marlins, the popular MLB team will unveil its new logo and uniform. Both events, the unveiling ceremony and Pitbull's concert, will be held at Miami's new ballpark.

Pitbull is one of the top Latin Urban artists and the owner of popular hit songs such as "Give Me Everything" and "Rain Over Me," two singles that are currently placed on the top 10 of Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart. The rebranding event will take place one day after the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, the biggest Latin music event of the year where the Cuban-American rapper is competing for two awards in the Urban category.

Some of today's most popular artists and hits in Latin music belong to the so-called Urban genre. Although this music category is still largely related to Reggaeton and Hip-Hop, there is a new wave of sounds that is departing from the classic Reggaeton of the early 2000s.

Modern Latin Urban music is defined by a new crossover style that combines Reggaeton and Hip-Hop with other genres such as Latin Pop, Dance, Salsa, and Merengue.

The Origins of Reggaeton

Reggaeton was born by itself as a crossover style influenced by Reggae, Rap, Hip-Hop, and Caribbean genres such as Salsa, Merengue, Soca, and Puerto Rican Bomba. Pioneers of this genre include artists like Rap singer Vico C from Puerto Rico and Panamanian Reggae icon El General.

Many people, in fact, considered El General as the absolute Father of Reggaeton. His music, which initially was treated as Jamaican dancehall music, became known as Reggae in Espanol or Reggaeton because of the combination of Reggae beats with Spanish language lyrics. Throughout the 1990s, El General became a sensation thanks to songs like "Muevelo," "Tu Pum Pum," and "Rica Y Apretadita".

Reggaeton Fever

The music of Vico C and El General left a good foundation for a new generation of artist influenced by the beats of Rap and Hip-Hop. This generation flourished in the 2000s with the works of people like Tego Calderon, Don Omar and Daddy Yankee. These artists were among the most influential names of the Reggaeton fever that captured the world during that decade. Some of the best Reggaeton songs of that time included singles like Don Omar's "Dile" and Daddy Yankee's worldwide hit "Gasolina".

From Reggaeton to Urban Music

Towards the end of the 2000s, Reggaeton was moving into a new direction. Some of the artists who helped define the Reggaeton fever started to incorporate new sounds to the classic Reggaeton beat. These artists as well as newcomers in the field, brought all kinds of musical influences to their productions. From Rap and Hip-Hop to Salsa and Merengue, it was evident that there was a new kind of music that needed to be placed in a bigger world than that of Reggaeton.

At the beginning, it was not easy to categorize this emerging phenomenon. However, the term Urban soon became the favorite word to deal with this kind of music. This evolution was, in fact, acknowledge by the 2007 Latin Grammy Awards. That year, the ceremony honored Calle 13 with the first ever Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Song.

Since then, Latin Urban music has grown into a very popular genre within Latin music. Although this genre is still closely related to Reggaeton and Hip-Hop, Urban music has become the perfect word to define the music of artists like Calle 13, Pitbull, Daddy Yankee, Chino y Nacho and Don Omar, among others.

What Is Latin Urban Music?

Trying to define Latin Urban music is like trying to define Latin music: It is almost impossible. However, we can say that Latin Urban music is still largely defined by Reggaeton, Hip-Hop, and Rap. Probably the best way to get a feeling for this genre is by taking a look at some of the songs that belong to it. The following are some of the most popular hits of Latin Urban Music:

• "Danza Kuduro" - Don Omar
• "La Despedida" - Daddy Yankee
• "Atrevete te te" - Calle 13
• "Niña Bonita" - Chino y Nacho
• "No Pidas Perdon" - Mala Rodriguez
• "Give Me Everything" - Pitbull
• "Estoy Enamorado" - Wisin y Yandel
• "Hay Un Son" - Orishas
• "Mi Cama Huele A Ti" - Tito El Bambino
• "La Vida Es Asi" - Ivy Queen

President Barack Obama has appointed Colombian superstar Shakira as a member of the Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. The White House supported this decision highlighting Shakira's humanitarian record through her Barefoot Foundation as well as her work with the World Bank on educational programs.

The Commission, which was created by President Obama early this year, provides advice to the President and Education Secretary Arne Duncan on educational issues related to Hispanic communities in the US. The Latin music star was honored by the decision and shared her own words in the White House blog saying that "investing in the educational achievement of this vulnerable population will not only help determine the economic future and competitiveness of this nation, but can serve as a model for the world. I am grateful to have an opportunity to support and inform such important work," Shakira stated.

Bachata sensation artist Prince Royce is about to release the song "Las Cosas Pequeñas," the first single to hit the market from his upcoming album Phase II. The new single will make its debut on Latin radio stations on January 16th, and it will be available on iTunes on January 24th. The video of this song, which was recorded in New York City, will be also released at the end of this month.

After achieving triple platinum status in the US and Puerto Rico with his debut album Prince Royce, the Bachata singer is very excited about Phase II. The new production will hit the stores on April 10th. Stay tuned for more information about one of the most anticipated albums of the year.

Throughout history, music has been used as an effective channel to confront political systems. Latin music is not an exception to that rule. Very often, in fact, Latin music has been used to describe and contest the abuse of power. This is particularly true for a region where inequality has shaped a big chunk of societies in the Americas. The following is a selection of Latin music songs dealing political oppression, Imperialism, immigration and drug trafficking.

Political Oppression

Latin America's political history has been marked by many struggles. Among them, the dictatorships of the 20th century left many sad memories in the region. Latin music, however, has been always used as an instrument to oppose this kind of oppression. The dictatorship that dominated Brazil for most of the 1960s and 1970s, inspired various singers to use music as a way to fight the regime.

Chico Buarque de Hollanda, one of the most famous Brazilian singers in history, was among those who used music to fight political oppression. "Apesar De Voce" (In Spite of You) is one of the best songs he wrote during that time. In this song, the subject 'You' refers to the regime, and the track repeats several times that in spite of the regime ('You'), tomorrow will be another day.

Imperialism

In the history of Latin America, the word Imperialism has come to define the political influence of the US in the region. This influence, which started at the beginning of the 20th century, was particularly strong during the Cold War period when several dictatorships were somehow supported by the US in order to tackle Communism in the region.

One of the songs that relates to this topic is "Tiburon" by Ruben Blades. In this track, the Panamanian artists talks about a shark that is ready to attack in the waters of the Caribbean. The lyrics of this song become a call for the whole region to fight this intrusive tiburon (shark).

Immigration

Social conditions in Latin America have forced many people in the region to look north for a better future. This flow of people towards the US has been anything but smooth. Very often, the newly arrived are illegal immigrants who are trapped between their illegal status and their desire to realize the American Dream.

Several Mexican music artists have gathered enormous crowds in the US because of their music, which very often reflects on the frustrations illegal immigrants experience in the US. One of the most popular hits regarding this issue is "La Jaula De Oro" by Los Trigres del Norte, which tells the story of an illegal alien in the US who feels trapped in a golden cage.

Other Latin music singles dealing with the topic of immigration, in a more global perspective, include Manu Chao's hit song "Cladestino" and "Sur o No Sur" by Kevin Johansen. Musically speaking, both songs are great. While the former deals with the lack of identity that bear people who are not legally accepted in rich nations, the latter depicts the eternal ambivalence that exists between leaving one condition to move into another.

Drug Trafficking

Although illegal drug trade is not entirely a political issue, I decided to add it here just because of the political repercussions it has had in local politics all over the region. Many countries in Latin America have been affected by drug trafficking. In particular, Colombia and Mexico have suffered from tragic episodes provoked by drug wars. Besides these episodes, drug lords have created a lifestyle that has influenced different communities in the region.

"Chica De Cartel," one of the songs produced by the Colombian Salsa band Guayacan, tells the story of a girl that ended up involved with drug dealers. It describes the behavior of a young girl who uses her charms to get the favors of the bad guys. In other words, this track deals with the moral corruption provoked by drug dealers in different cities across the Americas.

More recently, some Mexican music artists have created a new style of Corrido whose lyrics are inspired by the lives of famous drug dealers. This controversial style, which is known as Narcocorrido, has become quite popular, and some of today's top Mexican music artists have been actively involved in the production of these kind of music.

Tracks like "Cartel De Tijuana" by Lupillo Rivera or "Muerte Anunciada" by Los Tigres del Norte are just two of the songs dealing with drug trafficking in the region. Because of this, several artists have become victims of their own creations, and some have been killed by drug dealers who did not like a particular song. Many singers and bands on this field defend the Narcocorrido saying they are just describing the real world.

Hello Everyone,

Finally!!! Group classes are starting this week.

Here is the schedule for this week...

1. New Group Classes for Adults are now up.

TONIGHT!!! New Bachata Class @ Houston Dance Factory (SW Houston)
TUE. - New Salsa Class @ Houston Dance Factory (SW Houston)
WED. - New Salsa Class @ The Dance Studio (Humble)
THU. - New Salsa Class @ Houston Dance Factory (SW Houston)
FRI. - New Bachata Class @ Houston Dance Factory (SW Houston)
SAT. - New Salsa Class @ Houston Dance Factory (SW Houston) & New Salsa Class @ Club 06/Escapade 2006
SUN. - New Salsa Class @ Houston Dance Factory (SW Houston)

For more info click here: http://www.salsaeddy.com/group-class.html*

Note: * Unlimited is an extra $30. Also, we offer unlimited for Bachata Group Classes too. No more couple rates for Bachata. Last but, not least, New Beginner Salsa Class Saturday Nights @ Club 06 @ 8pm. Then stay & socialize with me & my other students.

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2. New Dance Programs for Kids are now up.

A. Ballet & Jazz Group Lessons...

Every Wednesday - Starting @ 5PM: Ballet & Jazz (Ages: 6 - 12)

Every Saturday - Starting @ 10AM: Ballet & Jazz (Ages: 6 - 12)

Every Saturday - Starting @ 11AM: Ballet Only (Ages: 2 - 4)

The total cost $40 for 4 classes or $100 for 3 months per child.

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B. Contemporary Modern Group Lessons...

Every Wednesday - Starting @ 6PM: Contemporary Modern (Ages: 13 & UP)

Every Saturday - Starting @ 12PM: Contemporary Modern (Ages: 13 & UP)

The total cost $40 for 4 classes or $100 for 3 months per child.

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C. Hip Hop Group Lessons...

Every Tuesday - Starting @ 6PM: Hip Hop For Kids (Ages: 6 - 11)

Every Wednesday - Starting @ 6:30PM: Hip Hop For Teens (Ages: 12 - 17)

Every Saturday - Starting @ 11AM: Hip Hop For Teens (Ages: 12 - 17)

Every Saturday - Starting @ 12PM: Hip Hop For Kids (Ages: 6 - 11)

The total cost $40 for 4 classes or $100 for 3 months per child.

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D. Salsa Group Lessons...

Every Saturday - Starting @ 11AM: Salsa For Kids (Ages: 6 - 11)

Every Saturday - Starting @ 12PM: Salsa For Teens (Ages: 12 - 17)

Last day to join the Winter Semester is January 28, 2012!!!

The total cost $40 for 4 classes or $100 for 3 months per child.

For more info click here:
http://www.salsaeddy.com/dance-program-kids--teens.html*

Note...
* Kids must have uniform. More info on the website.

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3. Remember I'm open for privates. If you are interested & want more info click here: http://www.salsaeddy.com/private-lessons.html

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4. Places to go out dancing this week. Come join me @ the following
places...

Tuesday - Avani Lounge (5711 Hillcroft Ave)
Wednesday - Cafe Europe (2711 Fountain View Dr)
Thursday - The Horn (6025 Richmond Avenue)
Friday - Plaza 59 (5901 Hillcroft Avenue)*
Saturday - Club 06 / Escapade 2006 (11925 Eastex Freeway)
Sunday - Fox Hollow (4617 Nett Street)

Note...
* Guest DJ Spiky will be playing this Friday @ Plaza 59

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5. Do you know about my other websites...

www.salsaeddy.com
www.houstondancefactory.com
www.djsalsaeddy.com
www.houstontropicalradiostation.com

That is all for now, thank you for your time.

Big Hugs & God Bless.

SalsaEddy

PS. Look me up on Facebook under "Salsa Eddy".

Besides being one of the best Salsa singers in history, Ruben Blades has transformed Salsa music into a meaningful experience. Throughout his professional career, this Panamanian artist has written powerful lyrics dealing with topics like inequality, oppression, criminality, and the meaning of life. The following songs contain some of the best lyrics Ruben Blades has ever produced.

10. “Prohibido Olvidar” The lyrics of this song are powerful. "Prohibido Olvidar" is a timeless single that deals with the negative memories dictatorships left in Latin America. However, this song encompasses a global appeal. It is, in fact, a reminder for all of us to never forget what happens when political power falls in the hands of oppressive and corrupted regimes. It is not allowed to forget! This is what this song is all about.

9. “Maestra Vida” is a single that deals with the school of life we all have to go through. It is a reflection of the things that we see but we do not understand. The lyrics describe life as a temporary trip full of opposite experiences. This song is about what life gives you and what life takes away from you. "Maestra Vida" is one of the most iconic songs from Ruben Blades.

8. “Decisiones” This song is about decisions. From the girl who does not know what to do after finding out she is pregnant to the drunk man who decides to get into his car because he believes he is a better driver with alcohol, this song is about the price we have to pay for our actions. This uplifting song is one of the most popular hits Ruben Blades has ever written.

7. “Pablo Pueblo” The story of "Pablo Pueblo" is the story of an average poor man who struggles with his life and the conditions of his own existence. "Pablo Pueblo" describes an internal conflict that moves between frustration and hope. It is a touching song thanks to the poetic lyrics Ruben Blades incorporated into this single.

6. “Pedro Navaja” This is probably Ruben Blades' most famous song, and one track that has been considered by many one of the top Salsa songs ever written. Part of the appeal of "Pedro Navaja" relies in the fact that despite the tragic story it tells, the song is almost funny. It deals with a tragic episode between a prostitute and a thief in the streets of a big city, who kill each other for money. In the end, a drunk man finds the two bodies, takes the money, and walks away singing the main message of this song: Life is full of surprises.

5. “Te Estan Buscando” This is another song that deals with the issue of criminality in big cities. "Te Estan Buscando" (They are looking for you), is a warning to those who take the wrong way in life. It also describes the tension that arises when law enforcement agents move into the ghetto. The slow melody, which is defined by some amazing trombone playing, is plain fantastic.

4. “Sicarios” is probably one of the toughest songs Ruben Blades has ever written. It describes the deadly ritual that goes along with the mission of a sicario (hired assassin) who gets ready to shoot someone from his motorcycle. The figure of the sicario, which evolved in Latin America mainly through drug related violence, has affected countries like Colombia and Mexico. The lyrics of this song describes that sad reality.

3. “Tiburon” This song has lots of inner messages on it. In this case, this tiburon (shark) is more than animal here. This track deals with Imperialism in the Americas and with the uncomfortable presence of a powerful being in the Caribbean. If you listen carefully, this shark refers to presence of the US in the region. "Tiburon" is a call for an entire continent to defend its sovereignty.

2. "Plastico" is one of the most popular songs by Ruben Blades. Its irony makes a mockery of all of those who are trapped in a superficial life where the only thing that counts is money, fashion, and fake relationships. "Se ven las caras pero nunca el corazon" (You see faces but never the heart) is the sentence that defines this wonderful single.

1. “Ligia Elena” at first, the lyrics of this song may seem to tell a funny story. However, the funny part goes away quickly when you start to connect the lyrics with the real life. Racism has been a taboo in Latin America for many years. However, it does exist and very often it goes in connection to social class exclusion. "Ligia Elena" tells the story of a rich white girl who falls in love with the 'wrong' person. This is as good as it gets in terms of Ruben Blades lyrics.

To read his lyrics go to: http://www.rubenblades.com/letras. Enjoy.