“Gasolina” (2004) is the song that introduced reggaeton to the world. Daddy Yankee describes a woman who loves fast cars and nights out, and who runs on “gasolina” — gasoline, energy, the thrill of the party. The call-and-response chorus became one of the most recognisable hooks in Latin music.
It came from the album Barrio Fino and was among the first reggaeton tracks to play on US and European radio, which opened the door for everyone who came after. The Library of Congress later added it to the US National Recording Registry.
The verses are fast, packed with Puerto Rican slang and street talk; the chorus is simple and repeated. Start with the chorus, learn the slang, then try keeping up with the verses.