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Reggaeton is more Popular than Rock, Salsa and Merengue #1 de Musica Latina
Leila Cobo Why reggaeton soars above rock As far back as 10 years ago, rock was being touted as "the next big thing" in the U.S. Latin music scene. Spurred on by alternative, provocative bands like Cafe Tacuba and Molotov and the underground appeal of other, edgier bands, music critics nationwide have given more ink to Latin rock and alternative acts than to any other genre of Latin music (unless you count crossover pop stars like Shakira, Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin).
If audiences had not caught on to this wonderful music, it was often said, it was because commercial radio shunned it. But in open defiance of that longstanding belief, the "current big thing" in Latin music isn't rock but reggaeton, a genre that for years lacked not only radio support, but until a couple months ago, mainstream press and TV coverage.
On this week's Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, four of the top 10 titles, including Daddy Yankee's Barrio Fino, at No. 1 for the sixth consecutive week, are reggaeton albums. Four are regional Mexican, one is pop/mariachi, and Juanes' Mi Sangre is the only title that falls in the rock category.
Why has reggaeton worked while Latin rock has remained stagnant, save for a handful of acts?
There are many answers, from lack of label support to the scarcity of radio airplay. But an underlying reason is lack of appeal.
Latin rock too often sounds like British or American rock, but in Spanish. This in itself isn't bad; the music and lyrics can be compelling, in any language.
But in the United States, where fans have the option of not only buying but seeing and experiencing music in English, performed by groups that are promoted via outlets like MTV, the competition is tough.
Latin acts often compete by making more esoteric music, the kind that garners critical raves but isn't embraced by radio or by listeners who can't find a connection with this more elitist sound.
While there are big pockets of support for Latin alternative sounds, notably in California, they aren't enough to push the music from niche to mass acceptance.
Reggaeton, meanwhile, has a unique sound, distinct from the rap and hip-hop made in the United States.
Ahorre April 20, 2005 10:32 PM