J Balvin Returns to Roots with New Album "Rayo"

NEW YORK (AP) — Colombian singer-rapper J Balvin has unveiled his latest album, "Rayo," marking his first release since 2021's "Jose." The album cover, featuring a futuristic chrome-wrapped VW Golf—his first car—serves as a visual distraction from the music's core: a vibrant collection of feel-good, party-ready tracks. Balvin aims to recapture the essence of "romantic reggaetón," a genre that propelled him to fame, with the album functioning as a self-sustaining playlist filled with high-energy club anthems. "Rayo" showcases Balvin's versatility, incorporating new sounds while staying true to reggaetón. The track "3 Noches" experiments with Afrobeats, while "Gato" features Catalan urbano singer Bad Gyal, adding a fresh vocal texture. Throughout the album, Balvin encourages listeners to dance, with lyrics like “Ven y bailemos reggaetón” and “Ponle reggaetón,” emphasizing the album's party atmosphere. Collaborations are a highlight, particularly in tracks like "Origami" with Ryan Castro and Blessd, and "Doblexxó," featuring fellow Colombian artist Feid. Balvin describes these collaborations as a representation of Medellín's reggaetón culture, infused with local slang. The album also includes classic reggaetón moments, such as "Polvo de tu Vida" and "Lobo," featuring Puerto Rican legends Chencho Corleone and Zion & Lennox. While "Rayo" is predominantly an upbeat celebration, it offers a rare moment of introspection with the ballad "Stoker," featuring regional Mexican musician Carín León. As Balvin continues to evolve, fans are left wondering what direction he will take next.