Kali Uchis “ORQUÍDEAS” Album Review

ORQUÍDEAS

Kali Uchis

• Genre: R&B/Latin Pop
• Date: 10 Jan, 2024
• Content: Explicit
• Track(s): 14
• 2023 @ Geffen Records

Kali Uchis is a Colombian-American singer-songwriter who has established herself as one of the most unique and talented artists in the music industry. With a Grammy win and a no-skips discography that has consistently landed her on Best Of lists, Uchis has a grace and timelessness that is hard to find in today’s music. Born in Virginia to a family of Colombian immigrants, Uchis has always been passionate about music. Despite the expectations of those around her that she would go to college and carve out a good life for herself, Uchis followed her passion and turned it into a successful career.

Orquídeas is the fourth studio album and second Spanish album from Kali Uchis. Released on January 12, 2024, through Geffen Records, the album is a genre-hopping Spanish-language LP that showcases her incredible talent and creativity. With guest appearances from some of the biggest names in the Latin music industry, including Peso Pluma, El Alfa, JT, Karol G, and Rauw Alejandro, the album takes the listener on a celestial joyride from beginning to end. Overall, Kali Uchis’s latest album is a testament to her unique vision and artistry. She has defied expectations and followed her path to success, which shows in the quality of her music. With Orquídeas, she has solidified her place as one of her generation’s most talented and innovative artists.

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Album Art

The album cover showcases a breathtaking work of art featuring the superstar vocalist in an array of vibrant colours that blend seamlessly to create a stunning representation of her humanity. The 29-year-old artist and producer has established herself as a master of aesthetics, carefully curating palettes with soft pastels, playful pinks, and foamy hues. Her clothing choices are bold, confident, and playful, while her visuals are dreamlike and whimsical, evoking a sense of falling asleep in front of the TV or waking up to a beautiful day. The artwork is a testament to her keen eye for detail and ability to create something captivating.

Tracks And Features

The listening experience commences with “Como asi,” and Kali’s vocals immediately draw you in. The song opens with ethereal and supernatural vocals and a haunting laughter that sends shivers down your spine. The sensation is slightly unsettling, but it perfectly introduces the song’s expected sensual and steamy lyrics, characteristic of Kali’s signature style. However, what’s most surprising about the track is the infusion of UK garage music and its irresistible 2-step bounce. Kali has ventured into uncharted musical territory, and it’s exciting to witness her experimentation with electronic music, similar to Kelela’s. Kali’s bilingual rap bars are a standout feature of the song, adding another dimension to the beats and bringing a fresh perspective to the lyrics. Her glistening falsettos, combined with the progressively scattered and feverish drums, create a sense of urgency and excitement, leaving you wanting more. Indeed, “Como asi” showcases Kali’s versatility and creativity and sets the tone for the rest of the listening journey.

The album boasts diverse tracks, each with a unique flavour and featuring talented collaborators from Latin music. The lead single, “Muñekita,” is a sizzling summer track that seamlessly blends the popular dembow rhythm with the outstanding vocals of City Girls’ JT and the dynamic energy of Dominican rap legend El Alfa. The result is a song that will get listeners dancing and singing along.

Another standout track on the album is “Igual Que Un Ángel,” a dreamy and groove-heavy song that features the crown prince of Corridos Tumbados, Peso Pluma from Mexico. The track’s laid-back vibe and catchy melody make it the perfect piece to chill out on a lazy summer day. Kali Uchis’s versatility in mastering new genres is evident in her latest releases. She seamlessly blends nu-disco with Latin American flavours, creating a unique listening experience that is hard to resist.

In “Labios Mordidos,” Uchis showcases her impressive rap skills as she collaborates with modern Colombian trap legend Karol G. The song is a sapphic-suffused masterpiece exploring love and desire themes. The lyrics are powerful and dynamic, and the two artists’ voices blend seamlessly.

“Diosa” stands out for its unique, self-affirming narrative. The song highlights Kali’s impressive ability to push boundaries by combining amapiano vibrations with reggaeton drums. This innovative fusion creates a captivating, empowering sound. Kali showcases her talent for experimentation and willingness to cross continents in search of new sounds. The song is a testament to her artistic vision, grounded in a desire to challenge herself and her listeners. “Diosa” demonstrates her unmatched creativity and musical prowess. The album is a testament to her skill in blending different genres to create a unique sound that is both refreshing and captivating. With this album, Kali proves she is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

The album has some standout moments that highlight the artist’s soulful side. One such moment is ‘Te Mata’, a bolero track inspired by classic regional Colombian music. The song is a true masterpiece that transports the listener to a world of winding mountain roads and crystal-clear waters, and it feels like the soundtrack to a Spanish spy-flick love story. The artist’s vocals are breathtaking and searing, blending seamlessly with tapping hand drums, tranquil strings, and twinkling keys, creating perfect harmony. Another noteworthy moment in the album is ‘Heladito’. Although it’s a fleeting moment, it is still an expertly crafted tribute to Whitehouse/Ronson-tinged neo-soul. The song has a nostalgic quality that is both endearing and captivating, and it evokes memories of the classic neo-soul of the past.

The song ‘Muñekita’ has unique Bhangra bouncs reminiscent of Missy Elliot’s ‘Get Ur Freak On’. The Punjabi-influenced tumbi beats blend perfectly with the dembow vibe, making it a perfect example of uncontrollable dembow. The song features El Alfa’s playful chants of “Chiqui chiqui chaka chaka,” which intensify in speed as the song progresses, and Kali’s catchy lyrics that will undoubtedly make you dance. The music constantly changes, alternating between tempos and getting even more unusual as it progresses, making it the perfect track for a wild and unforgettable night out.

Kali’s Latin pop experiments are undeniably creative, with stylistic switch-ups and layered production that rival even Rosalía’s ‘MOTOMAMI’. Kali has established herself not only as one of the greatest R&B singers today but also as one of the best reggaeton artists in the meteoric genre that’s constantly growing.

There is a remix of Uchis’ 2022 hit, “No Hay Ley Parte 2,” featuring Puerto Rican reggaeton great Rauw Alejandro. The remix is an electrifying track that takes the original song to new heights. The two artists’ voices complement each other perfectly, and the energetic beat will get listeners moving. Overall, the album is a must-listen for fans of Latin music and beyond. Club-ready track that she first teased during her Coachella set last April.

The closing track, “‘Dame Beso / Muévete’,” is a vibrant and captivating addition to her collection. The way it displays Colombian music’s rich culture and traditions invites the listener to join the celebration. The song conjures up images of lively street parties, with confetti raining down from the sky and colourful flags waving in the air. The trumpets blare with infectious energy while the accordions slide and the rhythms rise, creating an irresistible urge to dance. It is a poignant love letter to the music that raised her, evoking nostalgia for the sounds and traditions of her childhood. Despite its serious intent, the track is unabashedly playful and over-the-top, reflecting the artist’s carefree spirit. She incorporates sounds she has never tried, creating a sense of exploration and discovery. The track is impossible not to dance to and will leave you feeling uplifted and carefree.

Album Summary

‘ORQUÍDEAS’ is a seamless and captivating spiritual sequel to Kali Uchis’ previous album. While it may not have the same immediate impact as the previous album’s luscious synth pop and alternate universe James Bond themes, Kali’s versatility as an artist shines through on this record. She effortlessly switches between English and Romance languages, and her ability to seamlessly blend sultry R&B with sunny Latin party pop is impressive. Kali is the driving force behind the project’s cohesion, masterfully melding an eclectic mix of pop sounds into magic. Named after Colombia’s national flower, ‘ORQUÍDEAS’ is a masterful ode to Kali Uchis’ ancestral roots—the project gracefully skywalks across various Latin genres, including dembow, bolero, salsa, and reggaeton. Kali’s sonic ambition is on full display in this project, and it features some top-notch collaborations that only add to its allure. Overall, ‘ORQUÍDEAS’ is a beautiful and captivating project showcasing Kali’s artistry and ability to seamlessly blend various musical styles into a cohesive and impressive body of work.

Tracklist

Stream

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