Puerto Rican superstar Rauw Alejandro has officially entered a thrilling new chapter with the release of his fifth studio album, Cosa Nuestra. This innovative album, dropping on November 15, 2024, is not just another addition to his discography but rather a celebration of his roots and the musical traditions of Puerto Rico. Coming off the highly experimental album Playa Saturno from the previous year, he is now embracing classic Latin rhythms, mergingsounds from salsa to modern reggaeton.
Cosa Nuestra takes its name from the iconic 1969 album by salsa legends Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe, establishing Alejandro's intent to honor his heritage. True to his form, this album unites accomplished artists from across the Latin music spectrum, including heavyweights like Bad Bunny, Romeo Santos, and Feid, alongside superstar producer Pharrell Williams, who contributes to the romantic track "Committed." The collaboration features Alejandro singing both Spanish and English, showcasing his versatility.
Releasing a vibrant 18-track collection, Alejandro is adamant about returning to his Puerto Rican roots, intertwining traditional instrumentation with contemporary beats. Notably, he incorporates live instruments such as the cuatro, maraca, and conga, creating rich soundscapes for listeners at home and fans on the dance floor. Tracks like "Khé?"—featuring Romeo Santos—playfully blend bachata and reggaeton, injecting fresh life and energy.
This project is infused with tropical vibes, allowing Alejandro to explore genres beyond his usually polished style. His previous albums primarily featuring reggaeton and R&B rhythms are beautifully complemented by the jazzy undertones and jazz-infused sonics found throughout this release. It’s as if Alejandro is taking listeners on a sonic tour of Puerto Rico’s musical evolution.
Within the album, fans can expect the infectious energy of songs like “2:12 AM” which exudes feel-good pop vibes aided by Latin Mafia, as well as older favorites like “Touching The Sky” and “Pasaporte,” which continue to cement Alejandro's smooth, electro-funk appeal. His romantic introspective side shines through as he turns the heartbreak he experienced post-engagement with Spanish pop star Rosalía, processing emotions through compelling and mature lyrics.
For Alejandro, the persona presented through Cosa Nuestra is also about evolution. He has introduced 'Raúl Alejandro,' the character representing his evolution from young artist to mature individual, deeply rooted yet dynamically expressive of romance and heartbreak. Reflecting on his ancestry, he expresses admiration for Puerto Rican music’s influence on broader genres, underscoring his pride at being part of such rich cultural history.
Further embellishing the album, the first track, "Cosa Nuestra," has already captured listener’s hearts, filled with emotive guitar riffs and soulful lyrics about longing and love. Alejandro thoughtfully invites listeners to reminisce on the highs and lows of relationships as he explores self-love, personal growth, and the bittersweet revelations about love intermingled with playful lyrics aimed at capturing modern romance.
Collaborations abound with tracks like “Baja Pa’ Aca” featuring Alexis y Fido showcasing nostalgic reggaeton and “Se Fue”—a soulful cover of Laura Pausini’s classic—further emphasizing the breadth of Alejandro’s talent. The inclusion of established artists lends weight to his artistry, reaffirming his status among Latin music’s elite.
Alejandro’s album title translates to 'Our Thing,' perfectly encapsulating the intimacy and shared joy found within the tracks. By the end of the album, he urges fans to join him on this personal and musical voyage filled with love, nostalgia, and pride for his roots.
Through the rise of both spirited and heartbreak-themed tracks, Rauw Alejandro’s Cosa Nuestra is set to resonate not just within the Latin communities but among global audiences, celebrating the essence of true Puerto Rican culture and the vibrant evolution of Caribbean music.
