Colombian Reggaeton superstar, J Balvin, released his new studio album titled JOSE last week. The album’s release marks almost two years from his last studio release, the critically acclaimed “Colores.” JOSE, named after J Balvin’s legal name, features other popular Reggaeton artists such as Yandel, Jhay Cortez, Zion & Lennox and Ozuna. The album also features artists from different genres such as Dua Lipa, Skrillex and Khalid.
The album shows maturity in J Balvin’s style and a successful combination of his earlier works along with his collaborations with Bad Bunny, another famous Reggaeton artist. J Balvin’s song collection can be separated into songs and albums that sound like his album “Energia,” which is known for its relaxed, carefree feel, and others that are like “Oasis,” his album with Bad Bunny, that could be referred to as “Hispanic trap.”
JOSE manages to combine both styles, something that Balvin has not been able to accomplish before. “Colores,” his previous album, introduced a new sound to the Balvin discography while also maintaining elements of what made him unique JOSE preserves these nostalgic styles and delivers an album with all the right ingredients.
Songs like “Te Acuerdas de Mi” with Yandel, “Billetes de 100,” “La Venganza” and “In Da Getto” with Skrillex provide the right feel for a night in a Miami club. Balvin proves on these tracks why he is so well respected in Miami, a city known for its nightlife.
“Vestido,” “Bebe Que Bien Te Ves,” “Pa’ Guayarte” with Ozuna and “Otra Noche Sin Ti” one of the headliners of the album with Khalid, remind fans that it was his unique, softer Reggaeton style that set him apart from others in the genre that were focused on louder, faster music. Balvin returns to his roots and summons memories of “Sigo Extranandote” and “Snapchat.”
Tracks that stick out on the album are “Que Mas Pues?” with Maria Becerra and “Perra” with Tokischa. “Que Mas Pues,” one of the singles on the album, offers high bpm and a catchy chorus with vocals from Balvin and Becerra. As always, the bassline is phenomenal. But what makes it different from other Balvin collabs is Maria Becerra’s appearance. Becerra’s vocals give the track a wistful beauty. “Perra” is unique for different reasons. Embracing the title, Tokischa takes charge of the track and makes sure that the chorus will stay in your head for days to come. Even though it lacks the gracefulness of the previously mentioned track, “Perra” is the one I listened to on repeat. The track is completed by a small monologue by Tokischa, perfecting it. It is a secret weapon for any DJ.
JOSE may just be the best J Balvin album to date. It has a little something for everyone. People who liked “Vibras,” “Oasis,” “Energia” and “Colores” will find at least two tracks to put in their playlists for years to come.
