Yes, you heard right: J Balvin´s long awaited album Colores is finally here. Featuring only ten tracks and just two collaborations from his go-to- producer Sky, and Nigerian artist Mr. Eazi, this crazy color-themed production concept proves once again why Balvin is nothing but a risk-taker. From the visuals, to the rhythm of each track, every song - with the exception of Arcoiris(Rainbow) - is named after a color; and every color sounds different to the rest.
Creative directed by the famous Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, the cover of Colors features ten cartoonesque flower characters, each representing a song and color on the album. “This cover represents dreams because I always wanted to work with Takashi Murakami. Five years ago, I drew a flower and didn’t know he would end up collaborating with me. And what better way to show color than flowers? It was meant to be,” Balvin shared in a post on his Instagram account.
Uncertain whether or not to drop the album in midst of all the pandemia crisis, the album was finally released on March 19. “The only mission of the album is to bring color, hope and happiness because music is life,“ said the artist on his IG.
Colores is the sixth solo studio album and comes almost two years after the release of his full-length album Vibras. Balvin has made it loud and clear that he is Colombian and proud! Self-proclaiming himself as El Niño De Medellín, so much so that the first three songs on the album represent the colors of the Colombian flag; Amarillo (Yellow), Azul (blue) y Rojo (red).
But if there’s one thing to credit the Colombian reggaetonero for is that he has no boundaries; culturally, artistically and in the world of fashion. His colorful flow and spirit, his refreshing and unique twist to everything he sets his mind to, continues to reiterate why he is a global phenomenon.
Whether Blanco, Morado or Rojo were your favorite colors thus far, we finally present to you the rest of the color palette. Spreading nothing but positive and colorful Vibras, here is the ten-track album that promises to uplift your spirit during these difficult times:
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AMARILLO: For many it's the color of hope, for Balvin Amarillo (Yellow) symbolizes the color of joy. Directed by Colin Tilley and produced by Sky and DJ Snake, this upbeat song will have you connect with the sound of vocal imitated trumpet noises, within the first few seconds. And although the world may know him as J Balvin, only a privileged few know the real Jose. Speaking to Apple Music, the Colombian superstar said he is not one to complicate his life, hence the lyrics of the song “No me complico…” “That’s why it’s the first song of the album, because as soon as people listen to it, I want them to feel connected with the color and the power of the song”. This video, which couldn’t have come at a better time, has already surpassed 23 million views on Youtube, since it was first released on March 19.
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AZUL: Inspired by the colors of the Caribbean Sea, and written with the help of Justin Quiles and Bull Nene, the smooth guitar strums (performed by Michael Brun) go hand in hand with the lyrics; an indepent woman who knows how to live life and enjoy her freedom. “She does things her way and she can’t be controlled” - Balvin. Hopefully this song will keep you away from getting the blues during the lockdown.
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ROJO: It might be a tragic love story, but that doesnt mean J Balvin doesn't want people to dance to it. Inspired by the movie Ghost, this novela-type video clip shows Balvin take on the role of fatherhood: “It’s about dying to have my kid and my girl and finally my girl has given birth to my little girl, and I die on my way to the hospital,” the artist said on an instagram post . “I’m there with my loved ones I want them to know that I’m taking care of them even though they don’t see me. It’s a true love story,” said J Balvin.
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ROSA: Rosa, or pink in spanish, is described by Balvin as a “sexy color”. This sensual tune was produced in collaboration with American DJ/Producer Diplo, whose electronic tones manage to evoke the emotion of a femme fatale; a girl you are so attracted to that makes you lose your cool. Let us remind ourselves that this isn’t the first time the American producer teams up with Balvin, as they previously worked on the single Que Calor ft. Major Lazer.
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MORADO: Associated often with royalty, Morado (Purple) was exactly the color the Colombian artist had in mind when he first heard the song; As for the visuals, he also brought to life the king and the castle vibe. This classic reggaeton song will have you tra-tra-tra, perreando!
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VERDE ft Sky: Showing himself as an artist for the very first time, Sky jumps on this track with Balvin proving that not only can he write and produce, but he can also sing AND rap. The snappy chorus guarantees and the balafon sounds will make you get up your feet and shake a leg. Speaking to Apple Music, Balvin stated that this was a very special collaboration with his brother and right hand in music. “This is pure 100% reggaetón,” he said.
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NEGRO: It’s bound to be one of the top favorites, and it certainly is for J Balvin too. With a more street style approach, Balvin makes it clear that he can definitely “spit some bars”. The perreo beat and it's catchy tempo, in the words of Balvin “make you want to grab a bat and head out to the streets”. Taking him back to the origins of reggaeton with its malianteo, the beat reminds him of the days of Hector El Father, and the true essence of reggaetón, which was what made him fall for it in the first place.
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GRIS: It's certainly not a flashy color but this mid-tempo song was written with the help of Haitian Producer Michael Brun and Bull Nene. The lyrics ta about when you try to be the best for your partner, yet they don’t see any value in it. They don’t stop judging you for the mistakes you made in the past.
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ARCOIRIS ft. Mr. Eazi: It's the exception to the rest of the color-named tracks, where reggaeton meets afrobeats once again. Arcoiris, or Rainbow song, represents all the colors of the album. And believe it or not, this song was actually written before Como Un Bebe (ft. Bad Bunny), which was the first collaboration between the Colombian star and Nigerian artist Mr. Eazi. But, that’s not all folks! the song also samples the famous Cuban classic Chan Chan from Compay Segundo; to sum it all up a multilingual fusion of latin, African and Caribbean influence.
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BLANCO: And if you don't know, now you know… El ¨Niño de Medellín¨, was “For real, Made in Medellin!” This infectious song - and video - was the first single of the album to be released. Four months in, and its received a staggering 170 million views.
