Find Yourself Through Kali Uchis’ Fourth Studio Album “Orquídeas”
Love is a major staple in Kali Uchis's discography. Whether romantic or self-love, a conviction in the love you choose is the key to growth and ultimate success for Kali Uchis. Her second official Spanish-speaking album, Orquídeas, sees Uchis rediscover what it means to love through sensuality and independence.
The opening track welcomes you into the luxurious atmosphere immediately. Soft giggles bounce from ear to ear as they fade in and out of the foreground. As the giggles grow and get closer the instrumental is also building and eventually bursts into a tasty jersey beat accompanied by a low groaning hum. Instantly captivating in Uchis style. The title, “¿Cómo Así?”, asks the question ironically. She describes being essentially irresistible to anyone. The track toys with ideas of both desire and confidence. She knows she can have anyone she wants and that makes her powerful. The question is never asked sincerely; she already knows the answer.
The album continues familiarly. Reverb-soaked vocals nestled comfortably in glamorous and often surreal instrumentation. Reintroducing the listener to the creativity of Kali Uchis. Each track follows a pattern. When Kali describes her irresistible nature the track has a strong connection to Latin beats while other tracks follow a slower more Uchis-based style. The song “Muñekita” is an example of this. The contrast from the 10th track to the 13th is stark. “Heladito” guides the listener back into the serene and alluring sounds associated with Kali while the tracks before it have a snappier upbeat sound.
Compared to Red Moon In Venus this album is musically similar, but the lyrical content tells a different story entirely. Red Moon in Venus is lovesick yet provides a powerful feminine energy, whereas Orquídeas is the chaotic side of love, loss, and divine femininity. Tracks like “Me Pongo Loca” portray this well. Lyrically it describes a fierceness in Kali, an understanding of her flaws and reconciliation with them.
The record at its core is an homage to Latin culture. Her roots determined the album title as the National Flower of Colombia, Orquídeas meaning Orchid. She dips her toe into a slew of Latin American sounds as well. Uchis bounces anywhere from merengue to bolero and enlists the voices of talented artists such as KAROL G and Peso Pluma.
The orchid is a flower with many meanings in different cultures. As Kali describes the flower as sensual on her website it also represents beauty, refinement, and spiritual growth. These all are what Orquídeas embodies. The final track “Dame Beso//Muévete” likens Kali to a flower that will wilt if she isn’t properly tended to. She’s being vulnerable with her partner in asking for their affection and understanding. That growth comes from true love and comfort. The album seals this narrative with a kiss at the end of “Dame Beso//Muévete”
