The Context: Having reshaped reggaeton with the critically-lauded Vibras (2018), formed a powerhouse duo with Bad Bunny on OASIS (2019), and explored the relationship between colour and sound on Colores (2020), it’s clear that Colombian superstar J Balvin is beyond just a hitmaker — the reggaeton pioneer has reached living-legend status.
His sixth studio album, JOSE, is a colorful playlist-like piece, a mix of sultry stories and slick reggaeton beats that continues to cement his gifts for melody and vibe. The freedom of a 24-long tracklist gives Balvin ample room to deliver on his signature style (“Vestido,” “Que Locura,” “Suerte”) as well as branch into trap (“Billetes de 100,” “La Familia”), and offer unseen insights into his personal life (“7 de Mayo,” “Querido Río”). Among the highlights are the easy summer groove of “Una Nota/Te Acuerdas de Mí,” the daring revenge anthem “La Venganza,” the intoxicating popeton of “Suerte,” and “7 de Mayo,” a biographical rap that delves into cutting emotional depth.
Read my FULL review over at AllMusic via the button below:
Rating: 7.5/10
Top 3: “La Venganza,” “7 De Mayo,” Suerte”
Genres: Reggaeton, Reguetón, Latin Pop, Popetón, Latin Trap, Ballad, Rap, Spanish-Language
Features: Bad Bunny, Karol G, Dua Lipa, Nicky Jam, Ozuna, Jhay Cortez, Sech, Yandel, Skrillex, Myke Towers, Feid, Zion & Lennox, Ozuna, Tokischa, Maria Becerra, Jay Wheeler, Khalid, Tainy, Crissin, Totoy El Frio, Natan & Shander
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