Kali Uchis - Sin miedo (del amor y otros demonios) ∞

"La luna enamorada", the first track from Sin miedo (del amor y otros demonios) ∞, immediately sets the stage for a contemplative work: a gently dreamy rhythm and lush production invite wonder. Released on November 18, 2020 by EMI and Interscope Records, this album is Kali Uchis's second studio album and her first entirely in Spanish. Released two years after Isolation (2018) and three years before Red Moon In Venus (2023), it confirms the positive reception of her previous album without completely replacing it. Far from being a simple linguistic transposition, this album appears on the "Best Albums of 2020" lists of the Los Angeles Times and Variety, validating this ambition with international critical acclaim.

A double identity: a romantic drama, intimacy, and a fully Spanish project

The birth certificate of this album is deeply rooted in Kali Uchis's Latin American origins. It's a Latin project that incorporates genres such as boleros, reggaetón, and Latin soul. The dichotomy that defines the album lies between grand drama and pure romantic intimacy, rather than between English and Spanish. This narrative tension structures each track: sometimes we witness grand drama, sometimes we delve into purely romantic intimacy. Kali Uchis's smooth vocals orchestrate this flow between diverse genres with consistency. We are firmly in Kali's world, where lush production envelops a romantic atmosphere that recalls the artist's Colombian roots. Far from simplistic bilingual stereotypes, this album asserts a unique identity where the Spanish language becomes a complete means of expression, allowing Kali Uchis to fully embrace her origins while retaining the distinctive signature that made her famous since Isolation.

Hot 100 chart performance: "Telepatía" – double platinum

The album primarily dedicates itself to the United States thanks to the song "Telepatía." This track marked Kali Uchis's first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking a significant commercial barrier for the artist. The success was so great that the song received a double platinum certification from the RIAA. The music video for the song, which was filmed by Kali Uchis herself in Pereira, Colombia, further enhanced its international visibility. After going viral on TikTok in February 2021, the song quickly rose to the top of global charts, debuting at number 29 on the Billboard Global 200 and number 61 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts on March 6, 2021. In the United States, it reached number 39 on the Hot 100 a week after its initial release and ranked second on the Hot Latin Songs chart. This commercial success validates the album's ambition while also demonstrating how an intimate work can conquer international hit charts.

A fluid genre catalogue of cumbia and reggaeton, without diluting the central lyrical themes.

One of the major strengths of Sin miedo (del amor y otros demonios) ∞ lies in its remarkable ability to juxtapose various genres with remarkable fluidity. The album seamlessly blends funk, R&B, jazz, bolero, cumbia, and reggaeton without ever diluting Kali Uchis's central voice or blurring the sonic identity. This alchemy allows Kali Uchis to fully embrace her Latin roots while maintaining a strong stylistic consistency. Each track contributes to this rich musical universe, where transitions between styles occur with rare assurance. It is this masterful diversity that makes the album so interesting, as it sacrifices no aesthetic in favor of a fleeting trend. Boleros and cumbia coexist with reggaeton in an organic mix that reflects the artist's musical influences from her childhood. It is a work where every sound, every rhythm serves to strengthen the overall vision of the album rather than fragmenting it.

Occasional collaborations PARTYNEXTDOOR Rico Nasty JHAYCO background

While the album features four tracks with confirmed guest appearances, their roles remain secondary to Kali Uchis's main vocals. On "fue mejor feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR," the Canadian artist's presence is described as relatively incidental compared to Kali Uchis's vocals, with her contribution being secondary to the overall structure of the song. Similarly, on "¡aquí yo mando! feat. Rico Nasty," the New York rapper's contribution remains incidental, without ever overshadowing Kali Uchis's artistic direction. As for JHAYCO, her participation on "la luz(Fín)" involves a genuine collaboration, although it remains secondary to the main vocals. These collaborations add an extra layer to the album, but do not disrupt the album's unique identity. This is a mature approach where Kali Uchis maintains control over her work, using her collaborators as elements of nuance rather than structural pillars.

A mixed production, luxurious, shadowed areas, global impact vs. isolation

The album concludes with the track "ángel sin cielo," marking a closing that validates the romantic and dramatic identity built throughout the album. While Sin miedo (del amor y otros demonios) ∞ confirms Kali Uchis's talent and magnetism, some critics note that the production is sometimes less impactful than on Isolation. Voices like Rachel Aroesti from The Observer have suggested that the album could be perceived as a transitional step rather than a true artistic leap. Other sections of the album fail to fully shine, creating areas of ambiguity that temper the overall reception of the work. However, this ambiguity does not diminish the fascination exerted by Kali Uchis, whose voice continues to enchant listeners with delight and imagination. It is an album that opens doors to the future without claiming to complete an already underway evolution.

Technical details

- Release date : November 18, 2020 - Label : EMI, Interscope Records - Tracks : 13 (34 minutes 42 seconds) - Opening / closing : la luna enamorada / ángel sin cielo - Guest artists : PARTYNEXTDOOR, Rico Nasty, Jowell & Randy, JHAYCO - Previous album : Isolation (2018)