Artist: Rauw Alejandro
Album Title: Cosa Nuestra
Genres: Reggaeton, Urban music
Release Date: Nov. 15, 2024
Rating: A
On Nov. 15, Rauw Alejandro released his fifth studio album. Through this album he explores new musical directions while celebrating his Puerto Rican heritage. “Cosa Nuestra” was released under Sony Music Latin. This label has been essential in supporting Alejandro’s rise as one of the leading artists in Latin music. The album features collaborations with high-profile artists such as Bad Bunny, Pharrell Williams, Feid, Alexis & Fido, Romeo Santos and Laura Pausini. The Puerto Rican artist takes listeners beyond his signature perreo, R&B and trap sounds. And in terms of aesthetics, he takes fans on a journey back to 1970s New York, which stands in stark contrast to the galactic concept he presented in his previous work, “Saturno” released in 2023.
“I really like the new album, and my favorite song is ‘Ni Me Conozco’ because it talks about a feeling from [Alejandro] that makes it easy to connect with the song. The phrase ‘I wish there was a time machine’ brings a strong sense of nostalgia, showing how much he wishes he could change his actions, and I really relate to that. I started listening to Rauw Alejandro a little before the ‘SATURNO’ album came out. He’s very important to me because his music always makes me feel happy. There’s never been a time where I felt disappointed by his music. I think he’s the best artist in his genre,” sophomore Liz Martinez said.
Track 1: Cosa Nuestra
Rating: 8/10
Alejandro uses this track as a tribute to his heritage, seamlessly fusing traditional Puerto Rican music with contemporary elements. The song masterfully intertwines salsa undertones, offering a refreshing departure from the reggaetón and trap beats that have characterized his past albums.
By establishing this tone from the beginning, “Cosa Nuestra” sets the stage for a captivating album that not only displays Alejandro’s artistic talents but also encourages listeners to reflect on the intersection of cultural identity and musical evolution. The deliberate blending of innovative and nostalgic elements in the album’s structure illustrates the relationship between musical development and cultural identity. This song then invites reflection on this dynamic relationship and reflects the themes presented in the song’s title.
“This album has definitely been one of his best. I love the artist he brought on like Bad Bunny, Feid and Alexis y Fido. He does a beautiful job incorporating so many styles of music in one song. He almost creates a new genre, ‘Rauw [Alejandro] genre’. My favorite song from his new album is “Ni Me Conozco” in my opinion its the best because I love the melody and the way he sings it has some type of affect on my brain,” freshman Irene Sanchez said.
Track 2: Khé?
Rating: 9/10
The song “Khé?“ by Alejandro and Romeo Santos is a standout track, being the most popular and most streamed song. The song explores the complexities of modern relationships including misunderstandings, lingering emotions and vulnerability. It combines Alejandro‘s reggaeton flair with Santos‘s distinctive bachata elements, resulting in a one-of-a-kind fusion of musical genres.
The two artists explore the contradictions that arise when one acts indifferent and simultaneously struggles with deep emotions. Lines like ‘Why do we lie to each other?’ reflect the frustration that comes from pretending to move on while still making an emotional connection. Other lyrics like “I wrote to you what I felt and I deleted it” creatively highlight the difficulty of being vulnerable, a relatable feeling presented beautifully by Alejandro.
“I think this new album has brought out so many emotional values. I really loved the song ‘Khé?,’ it was one of my personal favorites. I think their voices coordinated so well together. [Alejandro] really did an amazing job at including new elements that aren’t as used in his past albums,” freshman Abigail Alvarez said.
Track 3: Amar De Nuevo
Rating: 10/10
“Amar de Nuevo” highlights themes of reconciliation, longing and rediscovering love, combining heartfelt lyrics with a rhythmic beat that highlights Alejandro’s versatility as an artist. It focuses deeply into the challenges of finding love again after experiencing heartbreak. The track begins with a gentle, reflective tune, inviting the audience into the singer’s fragile state and establishing the foundation for an exploration of healing emotions.
The slow addition of pop and reggaeton influences reflects the development of Alejandro’s narrative, moving from doubt to a fresh sense of optimism. Snippets such as “Teach me how to love again” emphasize the artist’s request for direction in overcoming anxieties related to previous romantic failures. As the song builds toward its conclusion, the rhythm intensifies, reflecting an emotional breakthrough and a sense of empowerment. Ultimately, the combination of words and music expresses not only the battle to move past previous suffering but also the victory of welcoming love once more. This engaging framework contributes to the song’s profound impact and echo, rendering it both relatable and uplifting.
Fans have praised the track’s vulnerability and its ability to connect on a personal level while still maintaining his signature style. It resonated with listeners for its relatable and honest depiction of relationship difficulties, and was hailed as one of the album’s most memorable ballads. Tracks like this are what leave fans eager to get new music from Alejandro.
“I think [Alejandro’s] new album is a way of showing a little of everything; his vocals showed way more in this album than in others and he put a lot of heart and thought into the lyrics. My favorite song would be ‘Espresso Martini’ to vibe to, ‘Se Fue’ [because it] shows emotion or ‘Amar De Nuevo.’ I found out about him from the song ‘Toda’ and after that I heard him everywhere and he ended up in my playlist. His music is really meaningful because he represents Puerto Rican and Latin people and he has a very positive way of spreading his love,” sophomore Laila Chavez.
Fans are captivated by his artistic evolution, the diverse collaborations and the emotional depth showcased throughout the album. While listeners eagerly await his next project, “Cosa Nuestra” offers plenty to enjoy and reflect on, serving as a testament to Alejandro’s importance in Latin music. For now, fans can savor the vibrant mix of genres and heartfelt storytelling that define this standout record.
