Artist: El General Album: Is Back

Duration: 0:0-1

Is Back by El General - A critical review of the album

El General, the Panamanian rapper, also known as the Father of Reggaeton, released his album Is Back in 2019. The album contains 13 tracks and features other artists across the Latin music landscape. El General is a pioneer in the Reggaeton genre, and this album takes us on a visual journey through the birthplace of this music genre. In this blog post, we take a deep dive into Is Back and review the album, highlighting the best songs, most innovative parts, and anything that could have been done better.

El General's music brings back a 90s Reggaeton feel with strong rap verses and low-end beats. The lyrics carry a nostalgic feeling of the early days of Reggaeton, and at the same time, they are relevant to today's Latin music landscape. QueSiga La Fiesta is a catchy uptempo track that will motivate you to keep dancing, and Tiradera De Revolú carries old-school Reggaeton vibes with very quotable humorous lines. It is clear the album's theme is a focus on the genres' beginnings and the artists who influenced El General's music.

Although there is a lot of emphasis on bringing back the past, El General shows his versatility as an artist with tracks like Mia, Juguete, and Buena Vibra. These tracks are set in the present day, with El General's signature sound mixed with Tropical House, Dancehall, and even Pop elements. Although there's a feeling of staying true to the genre and the artists that influenced him, El General successfully creates a bridge between the past and the present.

Is Back also features other artists like La Muza, Nando Boom, and Joel & Randu, who are all legends in the Reggaeton genre. Collaborating with these artists further emphasizes the importance of paying homage to the pioneers of the genre, creating a sense of unity among artists. Although the collaborations are a testament to the genre's evolution, some might say that production-wise, there could be more cohesion in the sound, partially due to the varying production of the different artists' contributions.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is Viva La Cuarentena, a track written and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine. The song speaks to the difficulties and challenges that came with the pandemic, and El General delivers a powerful message encouraging people to stay strong through these times. The track's innovative approach makes it stand out from the rest, and it's a look into how artists can make use of their surroundings and experiences to create meaningful music.

Best Songs:

Que Siga La Fiesta, Tiradera De Revolú, Mia, Viva La Cuarentena, and Buena Vibra.

In conclusion, El General's Is Back is a commendable album that brings back feelings of nostalgia while also preserving its unique identity. The album does an excellent job of honoring its roots in Reggaeton while also branching out and exploring other genres. Although the collaborations could have been more cohesive, they prove that the genre is all about unity, and the collaborations' intentions remain meaningful. The album's most innovative track is a testament to El General's artistry, and it shows how creating music during uncertain times can be a powerful thing. Overall, Is Back is a solid project that every Reggaeton fan should give a listen to.