Operating at an exceptionally high level in the past few years made Rauw Alejandro a bona fide Latin music superstar. His proverbial star shone brightly on 2023’s SATURNO and the corresponding PLAYA SATURNO, each showing how innovative the one-time R&B reggaetonero had become. Given the retro-futurist musical vision executed on that pair of projects, his decision to open his subsequent album Cosa Nuestra with the Afro-Cuban song stylings of its title track feels all the more bold in intention. Indeed, just as he’s explored and expanded upon sounds beyond the reggaetón and trap that earned him early acclaim, he appears eager to broaden and mature further at this notable stage in his career. Those concerned that Cosa Nuestra would prove a strictly old-school affair have no need to worry. Apart from a fairly faithful rendition of salsa romántica staple “Tú Con Él”—its lyrical theme echoing the romantic ones he regularly delivers—Alejandro is chiefly interested in progression as opposed to nostalgia. As suggested by early singles “Déjame Entrar” and the poppy pair “Pasaporte” and “Touching The Sky”, his heart and his sweat exclusively belong to the dance floor and the boudoir. That translates to the feverish club hybrid “Mil Mujeres”, the polished trap of “IL Capo” and the refreshingly intimate “Amar De Nuevo”. Whether reuniting with his “Party” pal Bad Bunny on “Qué Pasaría...” or making a new friend in Pharrell Williams via the bilingual tropicalia of “Committed”, Alejandro engages in some truly marvellous world-building here. In particular, the collaborative moments reflect his evident love for both past and present, drawing in seminal reggaetón duo Alexis & Fido for the rugged throwback “Baja Pa’ Acá” one minute and grooving with bachata king Romeo Santos on the atmospheric slow jam “Khé?” Refining a technique that previously served him well, he frequently shape-shifts along with the beat. This comes through in inventive ways on the deceptively silky “Espresso Martini” with guests Marconi Impara and Yan Block, as well as the springy pop-rock of “2:12 AM” with LATIN MAFIA. By the time listeners reach the closer “SEXXXMACHINE”, they’ll assuredly be wondering where he could possibly take them next.