Daymé Arocena – Alkemi (2024) [FLAC 24bit/96kHz]

Daymé Arocena – Alkemi (2024)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 32:55 minutes | 683 MB | Genre: Vocal Jazz, Bossa Nova, Soul, Pop, Female Vocal
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Brownswood Recordings

Afro-Cuban star Daymé Arocena releases her new album Alkemi released via Brownswood Recordings. It is her first album since Sonocardiogram in 2019. When Daymé decided to switch gears and record her fourth studio album in Puerto Rico with the iconic producer Eduardo Cabra (Calle 13), she never imagined that she would end up moving there. From the cosmopolitan smoothness of lead single “Suave y Pegao” – an effortless fusion of jazz, bossa nova and urbano stylings with reggaeton star Rafa Pabön on guest vocals – to the smoldering neo-soul of “A Fuego Lento,” with Dominican singer Vicente García, Daymé’s latest album relies on sacred formats of the past but rearranges them in a conscious quest to redraw the very definition of what Latin pop is supposed to sound like.Daymè Arocena’s first album in nearly four years is a surprising sonic stew of adventurous yet accessible, jazzy Afro-Caribbean R&B. The 32 year-old Afro-Cuban sensation, whose distinctive voice is equally smooth and powerful, wraps herself in slick modern production techniques to craft sensuous neo-soul that doesn’t sound like anything else, near or far, old or new.

Informed by and infused with the religious principles of santeria, Alkemi not only reflects its inspiration through its use of modern sounds deeply informed by centuries-old ones, but the songs themselves are about the power of transformation (especially the closer, “Die And Live Again”). The cover image shows the artist clad in gold powder, appearing to be lost in ritual. This is music to move your body to; it’s not somber or obscure. These are songs you sway and get up off your feet to.

The delirious and joyful “American Boy” will appeal equally to fans of Celia Cruz, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Sade. After heading to Puerto Rico from her then-home of Canada to record this, her fourth studio album, Arocena chose to stay put. The entire album is smooth and absolutely contemporary, thanks in large part to noted producer Eduardo Cabra (Calle 13). “Suave y Pegao” mixes bossa nova and urbano stylings while featuring reggaeton singer Rafa Pabön on guest vocals. This musical prodigy has been a professional singer since she was just eight, so she’s won the right to reinvent herself and represent her heritage by forging new pathways forward. – Mike McGonigal

Tracklist:

1-1. Daymé Arocena – Que se lo lleve el mar (01:30)
1-2. Daymé Arocena – Por ti (03:16)
1-3. Daymé Arocena – Suave y Pegao (04:16)
1-4. Daymé Arocena – Coda (03:56)
1-5. Daymé Arocena – American Boy (03:45)
1-6. Daymé Arocena – A fuego lento (feat. Vicente Garcia) (03:19)
1-7. Daymé Arocena – El amor la esperanza (03:30)
1-8. Daymé Arocena – Como vivir por el (03:24)
1-9. Daymé Arocena – I rather let it go (03:01)
1-10. Daymé Arocena – Die and live again (02:55)

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