Rising Stars: Bachata

With mega-hits like "Su Veneno," Aventura has taken bachata to a new level of sophistication. Many New York-based groups have experimented with English lyrics — like Xtreme on the supple "Through That Window." Carlos y Alejandra's "Cuánto Duele" delivers a lush combination of male and female harmonies.

You haven't lived until you listen to a steamy bachata version of the Roberta Flack classic "Killing Me Softly" — courtesy of Maricelys. Ander's "Siempre en Mi Mente," on the other hand, channels the songwriting genius of Mexican pop star Juan Gabriel. Grupo Evidence's "Cobarde" is as smooth as silk.

Joe Veras' chest-thumping "No Te Quites la Ropa" ("Don't Take Your Clothes Off") is appropriately melodramatic. Melody reigns supreme on the infectious chorus of Carlos Silver's "Insensible." On the hyper-romantic "Galleticas de Avena," singer/songwriter Enrique Féliz compares his beloved's lips to the sweetness of homemade cookies.

Years ago, the sticky merengue was the Dominican Republic's quintessential genre. Its poor cousin, the bitter bachata (known by many as música del amargue) was frowned upon by the island's upper crust. But in recent years, bachata eclipsed merengue in popularity throughout the Americas. A new generation of performers added a glossy sheen to bachata's swinging bongo beats and spiraling guitar lines. This comprehensive collection pays tribute to a new generation of bachateros who appear poised to conquer the world.