Are you looking for some of the best merengue songs to dance to? Here you will find not only the best songs, but the best merengue bands and albums as well!
Best Merengue Songs
Merengue is a lively and popular genre of music that originated in the Dominican Republic.
What is Merengue Dance?
Merengue dance is a lively and energetic partner dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is closely associated with merengue music, which is characterized by its fast-paced, high energy level, syncopated rhythms and catchy melodies. The dance itself reflects the exuberance and joy often found in merengue music.
Key features of merengue dance include:
1. Basic Step: The fundamental step of merengue is relatively simple. Partners face each other and hold each other in a closed dance position, with their hands connected at chest level. The basic step involves a side-to-side movement with a subtle hip motion, where one foot moves to the side while the other foot is dragged towards it.
2. Hips and Body Movement: Merengue is known for its hip movement, which is a characteristic element of the dance. Partners shift their hips from side to side, emphasizing the beat of the music. This hip movement gives the dance its sensuality and flair.
3. Fast Footwork: Merengue music is often quite fast, and the dance reflects this with quick footwork. The dancers take small, rapid steps to keep up with the tempo of the music.
4. Partner Connection: Merengue is a social dance, and partners maintain a close connection throughout the dance. They often move together in a smooth and coordinated manner, responding to the music and each other’s movements.
5. Turns and Spins: While the basic step is the foundation of merengue, dancers can incorporate turns, spins, and other variations to add excitement and variety to the dance.
6. Fun and Expression: Merengue is known for its playful and celebratory nature. Dancers often smile, make eye contact, and express their joy as they move to the music. It’s a dance style that encourages enjoyment and connection between partners.
Merengue is not only a native Dominican Republic dance, but also widely enjoyed in Latin American and Caribbean communities around the world. It’s often danced at social gatherings, parties, and clubs, making it a vibrant and social dance style that brings people together to celebrate life and music.
Merengue Music Bands For Dance
If you’re looking for merengue music bands that are known for producing tracks perfect for dancing, here are some popular ones to consider:
1. Juan Luis Guerra y 4.40: This Grammy-winning Dominican band is known for its fusion of merengue with other genres like bachata and salsa, creating a unique and danceable sound.
2. Los Hermanos Rosario: A long-standing and influential merengue band, Los Hermanos Rosario has a catalog of hits that are loved by dancers around the world.
3. Elvis Crespo: Elvis Crespo’s hit song “Suavemente” is an iconic merengue track that’s an absolute favorite at dance parties.
4. Johnny Ventura: Known as “El Caballo Mayor,” Johnny Ventura was a merengue legend who produced numerous danceable hits over the years.
5. Sergio Vargas: Sergio Vargas is another Dominican merengue icon known for songs like “La Ventanita” that get people on the dance floor.
6. Eddy Herrera: Eddy Herrera’s music is a staple at merengue dance events. Tracks like “Carolina” and “Demasiado Niña” are known for their dance-friendly beats.
7. Los Toros Band: This band has a long history of producing merengue hits, including dance favorites like “Mi Primer Millón.”
8. Grupo Manía: Known for their high-energy merengue tracks, Grupo Manía’s songs like “Linda Eh” and “Me Gustas Tú” are great for dancing.
9. Los Ilegales: While they are known for their merengue-hip-hop fusion, Los Ilegales have produced tracks like “La Morena” that are perfect for dancing.
10. Los Kenton: Their catchy song “El Baile del Perrito” has become a dance floor classic.
Remember that the best merengue band or song for dancing can vary depending on personal preferences and regional influences. These bands and their songs are a good starting point for exploring merengue music that’s ideal for dancing, and they have made significant contributions to the genre’s dance culture.
Best Merengue Albums For Dance
While merengue music is often enjoyed through individual songs, there are several merengue albums that have become classics and are ideal for dance enthusiasts. Here are some of the best merengue albums for dancing:
1. Juan Luis Guerra y 440 – “Bachata Rosa”: While not exclusively merengue, this album combines bachata and merengue elements in a way that’s both romantic and danceable. Tracks like “Burbujas de Amor” and “Estrellitas y Duendes” are favorites for dancing.
2. Elvis Crespo – “Suavemente”: This album, named after the iconic song, features a collection of merengue tracks that are perfect for getting your feet moving.
3. Los Hermanos Rosario – “Sabor de Mi Tierra”: As one of the most influential merengue bands, Los Hermanos Rosario’s album “Sabor de Mi Tierra” is a treasure trove of danceable merengue hits.
4. Sergio Vargas – “15 Exitos”: This compilation album brings together some of Sergio Vargas’ best merengue songs, including “La Ventanita” and “Marola.”
5. Johnny Ventura – “El Caballo”: Johnny Ventura’s album “El Caballo” features a mix of classic merengue tracks that have delighted dancers for years.
6. Eddy Herrera – “Eddy Herrera en Vivo”: This live album captures the energy and excitement of Eddy Herrera’s merengue performances. It’s a great choice for those looking for a live merengue dance experience.
7. Los Toros Band – “Serie Platino”: “Serie Platino” is a compilation album that includes some of Los Toros Band’s most danceable merengue tracks, such as “Mi Primer Millón” and “Vive Tu Vida.”
8. Fernando Villalona – “Serie Platino”: Another “Serie Platino” compilation, this one featuring the merengue hits of Fernando Villalona, including “Tabaco y Ron.”
9. Rikarena – “Los Dueños del Swing”: Rikarena’s album “Los Dueños del Swing” is filled with high-energy merengue songs that will keep you dancing all night.
10. Various Artists – “Merengue Clásico de Oro”: This compilation album brings together classic merengue tracks from various artists, making it a great introduction to the genre.
These albums offer a mix of classic and contemporary merengue music that’s perfect for dancing. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just want to enjoy the lively rhythms of merengue, these albums are a great starting point.
Best Merengue Songs of All Time For Dance
While it’s challenging to pinpoint the “best” merengue songs, as musical preferences vary from person to person, we can certainly recommend some classic and iconic merengue songs that have made a significant impact on the genre that would be great to add to your merengue playlist.
These popular songs are known for their catchy rhythms and danceable beats:
1. Juan Luis Guerra – “Ojalá Que Llueva Café”
2. Sergio Vargas – “La Ventanita”
3. Johnny Ventura – “Patacón Pisao”
4. Los Hermanos Rosario – “La Dueña del Swing”
5. Eddy Herrera – “Carolina”
6. Los Sabrosos del Merengue – “La Culebra”
7. Elvis Crespo – “Suavemente”
8. Wilfrido Vargas – “El Africano”
9. Fernando Villalona – “Tabaco y Ron”
These songs represent a mix of classic and contemporary merengue hits that have been popular both in the Dominican Republic and internationally. Be sure to check them out and see which ones get you moving to the infectious merengue rhythm!
List of the Best Merengue Songs
Here are even more of the best merengue dance songs to get your feet moving. These are some lively and popular tracks that are sure to get the party started:
1. Los Toros Band – “Dale Vieja Dale”
2. Juan Luis Guerra – “La Bilirrubina”
3. Toño Rosario – “Kulikitaka”
4. Los Hermanos Rosario – “Bonifacio”
5. Sergio Vargas – “La Quiero a Morir”
6. Los Ilegales – “La Morena”
7. Los Sabrosos del Merengue – “El Baile del Perrito”
8. El Cata – “Loca con su Tiguere”
9. Grupo Manía – “Me Gustas Tú”
10. Oro Sólido – “Maria se Fue”
These songs feature the characteristic fast-paced rhythms and catchy melodies that make merengue such an enjoyable dance genre. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just want to have some fun on the dance floor, these tracks will keep you grooving to the beat.
Classic Merengue Dance Songs
Classic merengue dance songs have a timeless quality and are still popular on dance floors today. Here are some of the all-time classic merengue dance songs:
1. Johnny Ventura – “Merenguero Hasta la Tambora”
2. Wilfrido Vargas – “El Jardinero”
3. Fernandito Villalona – “Quisqueya”
4. Oro Sólido – “Ta’ Encendio”
5. Los Toros Band – “Mi Primer Millón”
6. Milly Quezada – “Toma Mi Vida”
7. Los Hermanos Rosario – “Bonifacio”
8. Johnny Ventura – “Capullo y Sorullo”
These songs have played a significant role in popularizing merengue as a dance genre and continue to be enjoyed by dancers and music lovers worldwide. They capture the essence of the merengue style and are perfect for getting people on their feet.
Top Merengue Songs
Here are some more classic merengue dance songs that have stood the test of time:
9. Kinito Méndez – “Cachamba”
10. Cuco Valoy – “Juliana”
11. Milly Quezada – “Porque Me Amaste”
12. Eddy Herrera – “Tu Eres Ajena”
13. Los Toros Band – “Dame Tu Mujer José”
14. Rikarena – “Te Voy a Hacer Falta”
15. Joseíto Mateo – “La Chiva Blanca”
16. Los Hermanos Rosario – “La Luna Coqueta”
These songs have been cherished by merengue enthusiasts for generations and continue to be popular choices for dancing and celebrating the lively Dominican music style. Enjoy these classics on the dance floor!
Popular Merengue Songs
Here are some more classic merengue dance songs to keep you grooving:
17. Fernando Villalona – “Dominicano Soy”
18. Juan Luis Guerra – “A Pedir Su Mano”
19. Rikarena – “El Animal”
20. Los Toros Band – “El Mejor”
21. Los Kenton – “El Baile del Perrito”
22. Kinito Méndez – “El Tamarindo”
23. Los Hijos del Rey – “Besito a Besito”
24. Conjunto Quisqueya – “Linda”
25. Alex Bueno – “Baila Conmigo”
These classic merengue dance songs have been loved by generations and continue to be a favorite at parties, clubs, and dance events. Their infectious rhythms and melodies make them perfect for getting people on the dance floor. Enjoy the music!
More Songs for Other Dance Styles
If you would like to find the perfect song to dance to other dance styles then check out the below links! You are sure to find a fun song in the many dance music options.
