It's been a quite a journey for the "new-age" bachata group from the Bronx. I remember in early 2002 hearing on the radio a bachata song unlike any other. It featured both female and male vocals and a piercing bass guitar was throughout the entire song. The song was catchy, and an anthem to teenage love. That song was Aventura's Obsesión from their sophomore album, We Broke the Rules.
It is true that Aventura had been producing very poetic and meaningful music prior to Obsesión, but that track put them on a pedastal in regards Dominican music, and made Aventura the voice and sound of a younger generation who appreciate the music of their patria.
That being said, although Aventura has stayed atop their alternative bachata throne since 2002, their subsequent albums after W.B.R. haven't been as cohesive. Love and Hate (2003) had some classic tracks such as La Pelicula, Hermanita, and Te Invito. God's Project featured many collaborations with artists such as Antony Santos (the vanguard of the bachata genre) and Tego Calderon (one of the faces of reggaeton). And K.O.B. (Kings of Bachata) (2006) served as a reflection on their trayectoria and ability to entertain crowds, improvise, and have fun during concerts.
But, The Last (2009) is the culmination of all that Aventura has come to be throughout the years. This album does almost everything right. In terms of bachata, it definitely does not dissapoint; tracks such as Su Veneno (which plays into the pun of Romeo {the lead singer} and his Shakespeare counter part), El Malo, Dile al Amor, Tu Jueguito, El Desprecio, and Por Un Segundo all share different sides of an amorous relationship. But as always, Aventura has always been a pioneer in defining bachata. These songs aren't typical to the genre, their beats and bridges aren't like those of Yoskar Sarante, Zacarías Fereira, or Frank Reyes (all who are great bachateros with a more traditional sound).
That being said, this album isn't without its flaws. I commend Aventura for their initiative for seeking collaboration. In this album, they did so with Akon and Wisin y Yandel in All Up 2 You, Wyclef Jean and Ludacris in Spanish Fly, and Arturo Sandoval in Soy Hombre. The first two, in my opinion, are my least favorite tracks. Whenever bachata groups try and go pop, it comes out as awkward. (Like when salseros try and sing reggaeton) Like I said, I commend them for their initiative, but for me, they should have just stayed with the formula that works.
On the other hand, songs like Soy Hombre (featuring a jazz solo from Sandoval on trumpet), Su Vida (for those rock fans out there), and La Curita (Aventura's first salsa track on a major album, it is bliss to the eardrum, and makes me wonder why they hadn't released salsa hits beforehand).
All in all, the tragedy regarding this album is (if rumors are true) that it is indeed the last. Even if Anthony (Romeo) Santos decides to continue a solo career, the chemistry that Aventura has had with their fans, from their time as Los Tinellers to their satiric skits, I just don't foresee any other incarnation doing it quite the way this group does it.
But even if it is the last, I am glad that they went out with such style, poise, and left us with lyrics and rhythms that teenage girls and boys alike will be reciting for years to come.
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