After delivering her high-charting debut album
Unstoppable in 2017 and her smash "Ahora Me Llama" breakout single with
Bad Bunny, Colombia's
Karol G gave both fans and industry bosses expectations for her to deliver on. Rather than follow a formula, however, she changes the game profoundly on her follow-up,
Ocean. Certainly, there are smoking urbano jams here, as evidenced by the singles "Punto G," the smash "Mi Cama" (as well as its included remix with
Nicky Jam and
J Balvin), and the trap power ballad "La Ocasión Perfecta." Other highlights include a duet with boyfriend
Anuel AA on the steamy "Culpables," the throwback hip-hop of "Aprendí," the slippery, folkish trap of "La Vida Continuó," featuring
Simon & Simaria, and the midtempo groove of "Crème" with
Maluma. But there's more, too, adding to the wealth of diversity to this attempt at Latin pop domination. The title track is a sumptuous, intimately wrought piano ballad, "Love with a Quality" is a reggae-cum-trap finger-popper with
Damian Marley, and the tender, acoustic guitar-based love song "Dices Que Te Vas" features
Anuel (who knew he could sing?). There is something for almost any Latin pop fan on
Ocean -- all of it is crafted beautifully and honestly delivered. Given its number two chart entry at Top Latin Albums, it appears that
Karol G has given the slip to the sophomore slump. ~ Thom Jurek