| Ever since their formation in San Bernardino, CA, Fuerza Regida have been stretching the boundaries of the corrido style, using both traditional and digital instrumentation and incorporating elements from genres like electronic and hip-hop. Today, the superstar Mexican music act shares Pero No Te Enamores, their new album, changing their sound once more, but keeping the same devil-may-care energy that their fans have always loved. On Pero No Te Enamores, which translates to “but don’t fall in love,” Fuerza Regida catapult their corridos from the barrio to the club, weaving in elements of multiple high-energy genres into a singular mix. The group is led in its efforts by velvety-voiced frontman and songwriter Jesus Ortiz Paz, whose appealing rasp helps ground even the most far out flight of fancy with relatable relationship stories and furious flexes. The new album features production from well-known sound architects, including Gordo (fka Carnage) and Synthetic (Lil Uzi Vert’s “Just Wanna Rock”), who help JOP and the rest of the group to get out of their comfort zone and create something new. JOP and Fuerza’s expedition to branch into new territory bears fruit throughout the 15-track album, a journey that pushes relentlessly forward as it dips into a variety of sonic realms. Songs like “SOFIA,” a collaboration with Major Lazer and Alok, and “FVCK,” helmed by the renowned DJ/producer Afrojack, are fist-pumping, stadium EDM bangers, while “VALERIA” and “ALE” display their facility with radio-ready reggaeton. On PNTE, the group expands their relationship with hip-hop, a genre all five members have loved and bonded over since they were teenagers: “FRESITAS,” a duet with Mexican rapper Bellakath, channels Timbaland’s collaborations with Nelly Furtado, even as it layers a tropical beat underneath, and “FREESTYLE” finds JOP trying his hand at Spanish-language drill. The most intriguing addition to their sound is Jersey club, which proves to be surprisingly compatible with Fuerza’s traditional sound, creating a hybrid genre the band calls, “Jersey corridos.” “SECRETO VICTORIA” is the proof of concept, combining a full-band corrido sound with Jersey’s signature five-beat pattern. “KYLIE” is a lyrical showcase for JOP, whose fast-paced rhymes intersect with characteristic club sound effects, and “BRITNEY” is a dancefloor filler that combines corridos, club, and high-octane trap. Pero No Te Enamores ends with a salute to Fuerza’s day one fans, unleashing three of the best corridos of their career to date. The trio, “JESUS,” “BELINDA,” and album closer “PERO NO TE ENAMORES,” are showcases for JOP’s romantic lyrics and serrated singing voice, as well as the band’s well-earned chemistry. Featuring an additional guest appearance from Maluma, whose hometown of Medellín, Colombia was the location of a writing camp that inspired many of the album’s songs, Pero No Te Enamores is available to stream everywhere. |