“Gasoline,” the Puerto Rican reggaeton anthem that helped propel urban music onto the global stage, is recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the top 100 reggaeton songs of all time. This track, a watershed moment for the genre, is celebrated for its raw energy, catchy hook, and the way it fused street-level storytelling with a carnival-ready rhythm that could cross borders and dialects alike.
The moment captured in the song’s rise comes from a period when Daddy Yankee was cementing his status after nearly a decade of underground prominence. On the album Barrio Fino, a title that has become a shorthand for reggaeton’s early sparkle and gritty roots, Gasolina stands as a centerpiece that helped translate Puerto Rican street culture into a global audience. The magazine’s analysis highlights this as a turning point that broadened attention beyond its hometown scene, framing reggaeton as a worldwide phenomenon rather than a localized movement.
The analysis notes that in 2004 Daddy Yankee was already a proven innovator in the reggaeton underground, yet he was focused on a bold next step. While preparing Barrio Fino, he drew inspiration from the bustling streets of San Juan and from experiences that reflected everyday life in Puerto Rico. In one vivid moment described by observers, a man’s shout, “How do you like gasoline!” became more than a passing utterance. It resonated as a rallying cry and a sonic spark that helped shape the song’s confrontational, high-energy vibe.
Collaborations played a key role in Gasolina’s impact. Songwriter Eddie Ávila (Eddie Dee) and the producer duo Luny Tunes helped craft the explosive production that fused punchy percussion, infectious rhythms, and a call-and-response chant that audiences could sing along to in large arenas and intimate clubs alike. The result was a song that could ignite dance floors anywhere—from San Juan’s neighborhoods to clubs across North America and Europe—while still conveying the authenticity of reggaeton’s urban origins.
The ranking that places Gasolina among the top reggaeton tracks sits within a broader list that includes other groundbreaking songs. For instance, Ivy Queen’s collaborations and solo work, including hits from her 2003 era, are noted nearby on the chart. Tego Calderón’s early solo work, such as selections from El Abayarde, also occupies a prominent spot, underscoring how the early 2000s produced a diverse spectrum of artists who collectively raised the profile of the genre.
The list continues with Don Omar’s debut and the joint efforts of Yandel and Wisin, who together helped anchor reggaeton’s mainstream appeal. The evolution from intimate, club-oriented performances to large-scale, festival-ready arrangements is visible across the entries. Gasolina’s success helped encourage a generation of artists to experiment with bilingual lyrics, urban storytelling, and high-energy production that resonates with fans across North America and beyond.
In addition to the leading names mentioned, the roster of notable contributors extends to contemporary stars who have carried the genre into new directions. The presence of artists such as Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Sech, and a host of enduring reggaeton and Latin trap talents demonstrates that the movement remains dynamic and globally relevant. From classic bangers to modern crossovers, the catalog reflects a tapestry of voices that keep reggaeton fresh, relevant, and accessible to listeners in Canada, the United States, and other countries where Spanish-language music has found a large and devoted audience.