Colombian-American singer and songwriter Kali Uchis recently dropped her new album sin miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) ∞, and it’s giving me early Y2K reggaeton vibes. The album also brings back a sense of nostalgia to different genres such as latin, jazz, and bolero.
Sin Miedo is an R&B soul-infused Latin album with elements of bolero music. She features artists like Rico Nasty, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Jowell & Randy, and Jhay Cortez. I had a lot of emotions listening to Sin Miedo the first time through. The songs felt nostalgic, sentimental, romantic, but still killer and powerful. Songs like “la luna enamorada,” “vaya con dios,” and “que te pedí//” are so dramatically performed it lets us hear a side of Kali’s voice we haven’t heard a lot of yet. Again, they acquire elements of bolero and even corrido music.
Like the corrido genre, these songs are very poetic and amplified with passion. She hits these high pitch notes in “vaya con dios” that are so heavenly and pleasing to the ear. The beginning of “que te pedi//” sounds like it belongs in a Latin 1950s mystery soap opera or even the next season of narcos. She really gave her fans a mix of different cultures to indulge in along with her more soulful R&B tones; pure genius and executed beautifully. The songs even transition perfectly between each other.
Kali has always had this soft angelic voice, and some people have even called her a “modern Latina Amy Winehouse.” Although throughout the years she has evolved into her own music style. Lately, she has been teasing us with more Spanish singing in her music, so we’re all for a full Spanish album. Sin Miedo still contains the R&B and soul sounds her fans have always loved, but with a Latin twist. Songs like “fue mejor” is a great example of that, and with PARTYNEXTDOOR on the track, you know it’s always fire. As for Rico Nasty on “aqui yo mando,” that was an absolute show stopper and totally epic from the most badass women around.
Being a Kali Uchis fan since her debut EP Por Vida really makes this album special. Songs like “te pongo mal (prendelo)” will make you wanna perrear (twerk) with your friends—after the pandemic of course—but others will lowkey get you in your feels. There’s plenty of chill vibes to go around though. She’s badass, but soft and sensual at the same time. She really made this album sin miedo (without fear).
