Maluma releases highly anticipcated album “Don Juan”
Colombian sensation Maluma stands as one of the most prolific figures in today's music landscape. Making his mark with his debut album 'Magia' in 2012, he has built an impressive discography comprising five albums, two EPs, and a staggering 91 singles. Maluma's reach extends beyond his solo work, as he has collaborated with both prominent and emerging Latin artists, as well as internationally acclaimed stars like Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, and Shakira. His career also boasts four world tours, and he's currently engaged in his fifth one—the 'Don Juan World Tour'—which commenced earlier this year.
Although three years have transpired since the release of Maluma's last studio album, 'Papi Juancho,' in 2020, he has remained active, dropping two EPs—'7 Dias in Jamaica' (2021) and 'The Love & Sex Tape' (2022)—and racking up numerous hits along the way. Finally, the long-anticipated fifth album, 'Don Juan,' has been unleashed by Maluma, preceded by the launch of 10 singles. Notably, six of those singles—'Sobrio,' 'Mamá Tetema' (featuring Rayvanny), 'Junio,' 'La Fórmula' (with Marc Anthony), 'La Reina,' and 'Diablo, Qué Chimba' (with Anuel AA)—have been included on 'Don Juan' as bonus tracks.
Fans anticipating that any of those previously mentioned songs might represent the overall sonic landscape of 'Don Juan' are in for a surprise. Consistent with Maluma's established practice, he effortlessly navigates across various sounds and genres, akin to a musical chameleon, always infusing each track with his unique flair (often accompanied by his signature catchphrase, 'Maluma baby!'). 'Don Juan' serves as another testament to Maluma's status as a worldwide musical powerhouse, demonstrating no signs of reaching its peak. Every release from him carries the weight of an event, attracting the undivided attention of the global audience. Despite its extensive tracklist of 25 songs, 'Don Juan' stands as one of Maluma's most coherent and cohesive bodies of work to date.
The album opens with the Salsa tones of ‘Don Juan (Intro)’, which quickly transforms into a more typical Maluma sound as beats kick in and the star delivers his sing-rap style. The sample that opens the track reappears throughout. That’s followed by recent single ‘Coco Loco‘, a down-and-dirty track that plays into Maluma’s ‘Don Juan’ persona as an insatiable ladie’s man. An early highlight on the record is ‘Balance’, a song that is much more R&B in parts than we’ve heard from the star before. Fear not, the beat kicks in but there’s a 90s R&B influence in the mix across the track.
As is to be expected from a Maluma album, there are guests sprinkled throughout the tracks. Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Jowell y Randy appear on ‘Nomina’ (‘Payroll’), serving up a track that’s destined to blast out of the clubs in Latin America, while rising Colombian star Ryan Castro lends his vocals to the dramatic and intense reggaeton beat of ‘Luna Llena’ (‘Full Moon’), which is classic Maluma territory. On ‘Según Quién’ Maluma is joined by Mexican singer-songwriter Carin León, switching up his sound to a more traditional one and it suits him. It’s always a joy to hear Maluma sing in the more traditional sense and I wish he showcased that a little more.
One of the best collaborations on the record is ‘Parcera‘ (‘Partner’) with Nicaraguan-American producer Gordo. It brings to mind ‘La Jumpa’ by Arcangel and Bad Bunny thanks to its frantic beat and EDM-leanings. It’s another example of Maluma stepping out of his comfort zone and it’s a sound that suits him well. Also worth noting is the just-released single ‘Trofeo’ (‘Trophy’) feat. Yandel, which is a huge reggaeton track that’s among the singer’s most infectious songs to date.
I would give this album 4 out of 4 stars.