Afrodisíaco

Released in late 2020, Afrodisíaco serves as the definitive debut studio album for Rauw Alejandro, marking his transition from a rising mixtape artist to a global Latin pop phenomenon. While his earlier work flirted with various urban styles, this album solidified his 'R&B-meets-Reggaeton' signature sound. The project is notable for its massive list of collaborators, including Tainy, Anuel AA, J Balvin, and Rosalía (uncredited on production/songwriting), which helped bridge the gap between commercial reggaeton and avant-pop. Musically, it is a departure from the 'hard' perreo of the era, favoring melodic hooks and vocal versatility. The album's success was propelled by the 'Tattoo (Remix)', which became a cultural touchstone and won a Latin Grammy. Critics praised the album for its cohesive 'vibe' and Alejandro's ability to incorporate 80s synthwave elements - a precursor to the full-blown concept of his follow-up, Vice Versa. It stands as a landmark in the 'New Generation' of reggaeton, prioritizing pop sensibilities and high-fashion aesthetics.