The Colombian-American Queen of Bops gives us her second studio album and first album that is largely in Spanish featuring collaborations with PartyNextDoor, Rico Nasty, Jowell y Randy, and Jhay Cortez. Lovely, sultry, and danceable tracks to pour your feelings out to along with some aguardiente y limón. Es musica para el amor de sí mismo, meaning Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) does a great job at teaching us how to put our worth first and letting us know it’s okay to cry while still feeling sexy.

“Telepatía” gives us a song that embodies what I want to call daydream pop. Why? Simple. It sounds like what daydreaming about your crush with a melting ice cream in your hand and bubblegum popping feels like. This song, which happens to be my favorite on the album if I had to choose just one, is literally about how to get sexy telepathically, which in these days of quarantine, I know we can all relate a little. The beats and mixing of the track itself remind me of the song “Tomorrow,” produced by Kevin Parker and released on Isolation in 2018.

The next track that caught my attention and that I kept on loop for a good while is “Vaya Con Dios.” It sounds like an anthem about heartache that can easily be deemed an instant classic with its big band influence and lo-fi hip hop beats. Basically, this is the song that plays in the part of the novela when the girl who tried to steal your man dies in a terrible accident – or when you’re walking away from the two of them in stilettos with an explosion going off in the background and you just so happen to gently peek out of your sunglasses in that moment to give one guilty wink because you definitely did it. I’m not sure if that’s a concept yet for one of Kali Uchis’ music videos, but if it isn’t, it totally could be.

Anyways, back to Big Band Bad Girl Music – that is exactly the Latin-American crossover Kali is invoking with this album that features a plethora of R&B sounds, fiery reggaeton, and even steamier boleros. “Vaya Con Dios” isn’t the only moment in the album Kali plays around with a more classic take on Latin music, but also on the album’s opening track, the aphrodisiac that is “La Luna Enamorada,” and “Qué Te Pedí” where she pays homage to La Lupe and Tito Puente, both staples in the world of Latin soul and jazz, respectively.

“Quiero Sentirme Bien” offers us slow-tempo 90s R&B with some hazy vocals and rhythms that remind us of Mariah Carey classics – think “We Belong Together” and “Touch My Body.” Similarly, the collaboration with PND on “Fue Mejor” is one that is full of chemistry and a refreshing style to hear Kali Uchis’ express her talent in. It’s a very different sophomore album to her more psychedelic neo-soul work on Isolation, but I have been listening nonstop as that is exactly the kind of Latina I am myself, sometimes I’m feeling one way and sometimes I’m feeling another.

It is inspiring and impactful to see a Latina that is so reassured in her own sexuality and artistry, but at the same time vulnerable in her music. From the same energy and vibe as Bad Bunny’s “Yo Perreo Sola,” “Aqui Yo Mando” and “Te Pongo Mal” remind everyone to demand respect first and foremost. “Si me vas a hablar, háblame con respeto/Después que te bloqueo, comienza el bellaqueo,” she sings while backing the healthy habit of setting your foot down and blocking that which isn’t good for us.

Overall, it is very exciting to see another Latin-American win in music and in their career. Alongside Haitian-Canadian record producer, Kaytranada, Kali has been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Dance Recording category for “10%,” which with the way I feel about the Grammys the past few years, is the only nomination I’m really rooting for because that song is dope through and through. From her music to her fashion – I hope to see Kali Uchis grow some more in 2021. Go stream Sin Miedo now – it’s dreamy, empowering, and pleasant to listen to in any mood, on any day. This album simply demands a thorough listen Without Fear (of Love and Other Demons.) You can start by listening to my favorite track “Telepatía” above.