Hello again and welcome to the second installment of Guerra Musical. Last time I put two salsa songs head to head. This time I think I’ll cover something a little more sensual. I think its time to get a little bachata in our lives. We can all admit that while bachata may not have the elaborateness of salsa, it is probably the most daring of the common latin dances. Let’s be honest, if you have that special someone with you, you definitely want a bachata song to come on…it lets you say so much without saying anything at all ;). So, I’m going to go with two well known favourites for this battle.
The contenders:
1. Ven Tu: Dominic Marte; album “Intimamente” (2004).
For a listen
2. Perdidos: Monchy y Alexandra; album “Hasta El Fin” (2004).
For a listen
The title, Ven tu means come (you). This song is a supplication by a man to his beloved, asking her to come back after being away for so long. This is one of those bachata songs that is instantly recognized by anyone who has ever been exposed to the genre. Its opening cry sets the tone for the feel of forlorn the song portrays and a quick study of the words will show just how much this guy is suffering. Click here for the full spanish lyrics.
A year passes without kissing you
Without giving you love, without hugging you
I know you feel the same
But I’m tired of not being with you
When you call me on the phone
I’m able to feign happiness
But as soon as I hang up
An immense sadness invades my body
I’m tired of the “I love you”
Of the thousands of “I love you”s you write in your letters
Come and tell me face to face
Because I don’t feel anything for paper…
These are the words of someone who is in serious pain. He just wants to hold this woman, be with her and become intoxicated by her love. It is that desire that makes this such an amazing bachata song. The sensual sound goes hand in hand with the desperate pleas of the man. Painful, distant love is not an uncommon theme in bachata music but this song does it extremely well. I especially enjoy how each verse builds to the chorus, as if accentuating the reasons for his plea.
Perdidos (lost) is another song about troubled love. However, unlike its predecessor, this one is more about lovers trapped in a situation and wishing to escape it. As I read the lyrics I kind of want to call it Romeo and Juliet’s bachata. The following translation should show you why. Click here for spanish lyrics.
The two of us are lost on a boat without a destination
Navigating through the forbidden, trapped in the seas of passion
Lost, surrendered without measure
Hidden and in silence
Waiting for the sun to rise on our promised land
It would seem that the desires and passion of their love have placed them in a situation with little room for them to fully love each other. This duo has a large repertoire of songs with the same feel, all of them excellent. This song is a pledge of an ultimate place of bliss and a reassurance by the lovers that things will be fine. This is evident by the distinct male and female parts, and strengthened by the melding of voices in the chorus.
Judging:
Sound of the song
These songs don’t differ very much when it comes to sound. Part of the reason is that bachata doesn’t really have different tempos. Another factor is the emotion of the songs. Both make it hard to separate them on a scale. However, while Ven Tu is a grander sounding song, Perdidos is catchy without being tedious. I like the sound of both, but I’ll give the advantage to Perdidos 4.5-4.
Danceability
Both of these songs are great to dance to, not much need for separation and plenty of places for sensuality. Having said that, the accentuation of Ven Tu gives it a slight advantage for those who like to add a dramatic flair. I’ll give the nod to it for that reason, 4-3.
Musical and lyrical sync
I’ve already stated that these songs are exquisitely synced in regards to music and lyrics. When that is the case, I listen for which song offers a little more. In this case, Ven Tu has a more impacting sound. I just think that as a whole, it makes you feel the plea of the singer a little better than Perdidos. It could also be due to the fact that this man is alone and yearning for his love, giving it an added edge of despair. Either way, edge goes to Ven Tu, 5-4.5.
Verdict
Ven Tu 13; Perdidos 12
What do you think?
Sigan Bailando!
Manuel
