Querido Mundo,
Ani Cordero's second release as a solo artist, falls musically somewhere between the vintage Latin stylings of 2014's
Recordar and the more rock-oriented output of her longtime bands
Cordero and
Pistolera. Like the critically lauded
Recordar, which saw the New York singer/songwriter reinterpreting classic songs of the nueva canción movement,
Querido Mundo is a sort of conceptual album, or at least one that revolves around a few central themes. This time around,
Cordero has composed a set of her own protest and love songs, confronting political and social issues in both the Latin and global community. A child of Puerto Rican immigrants, her devotion to representing her Latin American heritage has been a defining element throughout her career, and her growth as both a songwriter and performer are well represented on this vibrant set. Pulling no punches,
Cordero leads off with "Corrupción," a pointed track aimed at not only the corruption of Puerto Rican politics, but of governments worldwide. Likewise, on the near-chanted "Me Tumba" she sings of police brutality, using an hard-edged delivery and twangy, fuzzed-out guitar solos over an insistent rhythm. The brighter, more hopeful "Voy Caminando" and the sweetly defiant "Vida Atrevida" are also highlights on this excellent collection that mixes anger, love, confidence, and poignancy in equal measures. ~ Timothy Monger