KALI UCHIS Vinilo y CD

Review: Following the more contemporary r&b, neo-soul and psychedelic funk flavours of 2023's Red Moon in Venus, a set in which she sung almost entirely in English, Colombian American artist Kali Uchis has decided to return to her roots on fourth full-length Orquideas. That not only means vocals in Spanish, but also a varied sound palette that draws on a wide variety of Colombian and wider Latin musical styles - think reggaeton, demblow, bolero, salsa, Brazilian MPB and bossa-nova. It's a superb, expansive and evocative set all told, with a fine supporting cast of high-profile guest performers including Karol G, Peso Pluma, El Alfa and JT.

Review: Kali Uchis is a globally renowned Columbian r&b and pop songstress who first rose to fame due to her frequent collaborations with alternative hip-hop wunderkind Tyler, the Creator. She has dropped a few great records ever since that bring her unique cultural heritage to r&b and result in hooky tunes, feel good grooves and plenty of great songwriting moments. Her critically acclaimed Red Moon In Venus LP from last year now gets followed up by the lush crooner here. Her Latino-heritage imbued compositions make for a second Spanish-language album, following 2020's Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios), which is well worth hearing.

Review: Inspired by her desire to embody the "femme divine", Kali Uchis' latest full length (her fourth in total) is an inspired meditation on love, heartbreak and honesty that's already been awarded rave reviews by music critics. Listening back, it's easy to see why. Rooted in soul and r&b but as boundary-blurring as her previous work, 'Red Moon In Venus' features some of her most immaculately executed vocals yet, impactful lyrics and an overall sense that the Colombian-American is an artist at the peak of her powers. For proof, check the aquatic, timeless-sounding soul shuffle of 'Moonlight', the rushing disco-pop surge of 'Happy Now' and the simmering, lovelorn brilliance of 'I Wish You Roses'.