Kali Uchis
Orquídeas
GEFFEN
ABOVE THE CURRENT
Here’s to Kali Uchis—a hearty congratulations to the Virginia-born, Colombia-bred sultry soul superstar. Sure, she just released an excellent new album titled Orquídeas, but she also revealed she’s pregnant in a badass music video co-starring her longtime partner Don Toliver. Of course, all of this would be far less exciting if Uchis’ Spanish-language fourth album was a dud, but her intoxicating blend of R&B, soul, pop, and hip-hop makes for an exciting listen that bridges the gap between the indie spirit of stars like Victoria Monét and the overtly radio friendly efforts of major label headliners.
With features from El Alfa, Karol G, Peso Pluma, and Rauw Alejandro, Orquídeas dives into Uchis’ Latin roots as she explores disco, ’80s electro, and dembow. Though born in the States, Uchis moved to Colombia in high school and the music she discovered there informs the style of this album. The crucial choice that animates the record is how Uchis decided to honor these sounds: Rather than looking back nostalgically, she updates her favorite subgenres for this new era of Latin music. “It’s always fun to pay tribute to people who pave the way in music culturally, especially when I’m making an album in Spanish,” Uchis shared in an interview with New York Magazine. “So much of what I do in my work in Latin music is based around expanding and giving insight into the types of music I listened to growing up in Colombia.”
Despite this dedication to the music of her roots, Uchis never hems herself in. “Igual que un ángel” features regional Mexican music’s biggest star in Peso Pluma, but the song begins as a lo-fi dance banger. Eventually, the clouds clear and shimmering hi hats and ’70s synth strings give the song its glimmering edge. It’s an unexpected backdrop for Pluma, who excels in this different setting. Rather than indulging in his signature styles, Kali pushes him into uncomfortable territory, and the results are incredibly inspired.
Elsewhere, Kali flourishes when left to lead a track by herself. “Te mata,” my personal favorite cut on the album, is a flamenco-inspired song that features Uchis’ most impressive vocal performance on the record. During a Red Moon in Venus show in Atlanta, Uchis explained the story behind the song: “You know when you let people hurt you and damage you, and then finally you draw boundaries and now you’re the bad person?” The passion in her voice is palpable, a pain that’s overcome by self-confidence and triumph.
The album’s other centerpiece, “Tu corazón es mío,” is paired with “Diosa” in the official video, the same visual that features Uchis’ pregnancy reveal. The sultry piano ballad has some salsa influences, and her blend of Spanish and English gives the song a mercurial quality. The tone of her voice is as important as what she’s saying, before she offers up an ode to her love in English: “And I know sometimes things get difficult,” she sings, before adding: “You know that I'll always be by your side.”
