La Fuerza

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

La Fuerza
Christina Aguilera - La Fuerza.png
EP by
Christina Aguilera
ReleasedJanuary 21, 2022
GenreLatin[1]
Length19:17
LanguageSpanish
LabelSony Latin
Producer
  • Rafa Arcaute
  • DallasK
  • JonTheProducer
  • Yasmil Marrufo
  • Federico Vindver
Christina Aguilera chronology
Liberation
(2018) 		La Fuerza
(2022)
Singles from La Fuerza
  1. "Pa Mis Muchachas"
    Released: October 22, 2021
  2. "Somos Nada"
    Released: November 18, 2021
  3. "Santo"
    Released: January 20, 2022

La Fuerza (English: The Strength) is a Spanish language extended play (EP) by American singer Christina Aguilera. It is the first of three parts which will form Aguilera's ninth studio album and second Spanish language album. The album serves as a follow up to her eighth studio album Liberation (2018) and her second studio album and first Spanish-language album Mi Reflejo (2000). The EP was released on January 21, 2022,[2] and is her first solo EP, after her 2003 split EP with Justin Timberlake, Justin & Christina.

Collaborators for the EP include producers Frederico Vindver, Jean Rodríguez as well as singers Becky G, Nicki Nicole and Nathy Peluso, who are featured on the EP's lead single. La Fuerza was preceded by the release of three singles: "Pa Mis Muchachas" with Becky G, Nicki Nicole featuring Nathy Peluso, "Somos Nada", and "Santo" with Ozuna.

Background[]

"At home I used to listen to music in Spanish. Now, as a mom, having the career I've had, with over twenty years in the industry, I am happy not to have recorded this earlier, because now I've got a better perspective [as an artist]."[3]

—Aguilera, about La Fuerza (2022)

In 2000, Aguilera released her second studio album Mi Reflejo, her first Spanish-language album. The album went on to be ranked number ten on the Billboard's Top 20 Latin Albums of All Time.[4] La Fuerza marks Aguilera's return to Spanish-language music since her second album Mi Reflejo, released nearly 22 years prior and which topped the Billboard Top Latin Albums and Latin Pop Albums charts where it spent 19 weeks at the top of both charts and was later certified 6× Platinum (Latin field) by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), becoming the best selling Latin pop album of the year.[5]

Aguilera began teasing the release of her second "overdue" Spanish-language album two decades later in 2021 noting in a Health magazine interview that:

I'm months away from anything being announced [...] I am reinspired and have reconnected with myself. I've fallen in love with music all over again, which is a really big thing to say, having spent my entire career in music.[6]

Aguilera took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to retreat to Miami, Florida in a COVID-safe writing camp with the intention to pay homage to her Ecuadorian heritage through making her ninth studio album in Spanish. The album was made in four weeks, with the first song made being the album's lead single, "Pa' Mis Muchachas".[7] Aguilera further teased the release of the album in an interview with Insider in September 2021.[8] She revealed that she'd filmed the first two music videos for the singles. To make the album, Aguilera went to Miami where she recorded music with different collaborators.[7] Aguilera revealed that she planned to release the album "throughout the next year in sort of six song increments every few months".[9] In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Aguilera revealed that the album would be released in three pieces, confirming that the first part of the album would be titled La Fuerza and that it would celebrate her power as a woman. She revealed that she'd be releasing music until the end of 2022.[10]

Music and lyrics[]

La Fuerza is a Latin EP, influenced by dance-pop, piano ballads, ranchera, urbano music, cumbia, guaracha and reggaeton.[1][11] The EP begins with "Ya Llegué" (English: "I'm Here") which was described as a "sultry futuristic track" which "gradually turns into a hard-hitting reggaeton".[1] Aguilera samples her 1999 hit single "Genie In a Bottle", changing the lyrics to 'Like a genie in a bottle? Never'".[1] This song is followed by the lead single, "Pa' Mis Muchachas" (English: "For My Girls") featuring Becky G, Nathy Peluso and Nicki Nicole.[1] On working on the song, "Pa' Mis Muchachas" Aguilera noted that the song "serves as an homage to women". She added that, "We wanted to make sure that this was definitely a representation of Latin women who are the strength of a family, the backbone. In the song we mention that I'm a woman that is strong because I was raised by a woman that was strong and so was she before that. It's something that gets passed down by generations. I chose Nathy, Becky and Nicki because of the strength they exude".[12] During an interview with Ocean Drive magazine, Aguilera said "funnily enough, "Pa' Mis Muchachas" was the very first song we wrote and recorded for this album. Right from the start, in my very first session at Maestro Julio Reyes Copello's studio, the energy was undeniably special. The guitar strings, the lyrics, intensity and passion within the song poured out of everyone. I was introduced to Nathy, Nicki and Becky, and there was no doubt in my mind that they were the perfect muchachas for this track."[7]

"Somos Nada" (English: "We Are Nothing"), is a "stripped-down piano-led nostalgic ballad that puts her deep, powerful tone at the forefront".[1] The track was called a "signature" Aguilera song where she "delivers a raw and emotional performance".[1] "Santo" (English: "Holy") follows up as a song about "two people who are hooked on each other".[1] The track features Puerto Rican singer Ozuna whose "crisp, sugary vocals and [Christina's] vocal range make for the perfect perreo that later transitions to a hip-shaking cumbia.[1] "Como Yo" (English: "Like Me") utilizes an experimental Latin pop sound.[13] It is a "club-friendly dance-pop track with thumping beats explores a different side of Xtina’s musical trajectory".[1] The EP ends with "La Reina" (English: "The Queen") which was called the "album's anthem".[1] Aguilera " brings all her powerful, gifted vocals to deliver a heartfelt ranchera that perfectly transmits the popular phrase 'What's a king without his queen?'".[1]

Singles[]

On October 19, 2021, Aguilera began posting clips of the EP's lead single and its accompanying music video on her social media. "Pa' Mis Muchachas" (English: "For My Girls") was released on October 22, 2021, alongside its music video. The song is a collaboration between Aguilera, Becky G and Nicki Nicole, and it features Argentine singer and songwriter Nathy Peluso.[14][15] Aguilera noted that the video is a "first episode of a long story to come [...] This is a celebration of individuality. This is a story about strength, about how to let your hair down. About rediscovering yourself along the way".[16]

The second single, a piano ballad titled "Somos Nada" (English: "We Are Nothing"), was released on November 18, 2021, alongside its music video. The song was written by Aguilera, Mario Domm, Sharlene Taule and Federico Vindver.[17] Aguilera performed the first two singles at the 22nd Annual Latin Grammy Awards, accompanied by Becky G, Nicole and Peluso.[18]

"Santo" (English: "Holy") featuring Puerto Rican singer Ozuna was released on January 20, 2022, as the EP's third single.[19]

Critical reception[]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Atwood Magazine8.5/10[11]
Rolling Stone[20]

Upon release, the album received positive reviews. La Fuerza was named the best album of the week by Billboard Argentina.[21] Reviewing the EP for Rolling Stone, Lucas Villa wrote that Aguilera's "vocal prowess is extraordinary in any language", and labelled its ballads as "highlights", considering "La Reina" the best song on the record.[20] Billboard described La Fuerza as "not only an homage to her [Aguilera's] Latin roots but a project full of passion, innovation, exploration and, of course, powerhouse vocals."[1] Josh Weiner, writing for Atwood Magazine, praised the EP for its quality and gave it a 8.5/10 score. The reviewer opined that La Fuerza "is nineteen minutes of excellent, fully-realized music", and cheered Aguilera for "embracing an exciting new artistic identity". Weiner concluded his review by claiming that "seeing the veteran performer shake things up so drastically in this late phase of her career is massively impressive".[11] Pip Ellwood-Hughes of Entertainment Focus claimed that "hearing her [Aguilera] singing in Spanish again is a joy and this collection of songs is better than anything she’s released in years".[22] Enrique Cerros from NEIU Independent gave La Fuerza a 5/5 score, and noted that it is "a successful comeback for Aguilera, and it can be considered her best work to date".[13] The Tab's Harrison Brocklehurst applauded the EP for its "excellent Latin bangers" and for the reggaeton beats that help Aguilera's voice "truly soar".[23]

Commercial performance[]

La Fuerza debuted at number two on the US Latin Pop Albums chart and at 14 on Top Latin Albums chart with 4,000 album-equivalent units sold of which 2,000 were pure album copies.[24] According to Vogue Portugal, the EP reached number one on the Portuguese Digital Albums chart.[25]

Track listing[]

La Fuerza track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Ya Llegué"
  • JonTheProducer
  • Rafa Arcaute
  • Federico Vindver
  • Afo Verde[c]
  • Jean Rodríguez[v]
3:03
2."Pa Mis Muchachas" (with Becky G and Nicki Nicole featuring Nathy Peluso)
  • Arcaute
  • Vindver
  • Verde[c]
  • Rodríguez[v]
3:36
3."Somos Nada"
  • Arcaute
  • Vindver
  • Verde[c]
  • Rodríguez[v]
3:01
4."Santo" (featuring Ozuna)
3:03
5."Como Yo"
  • Aguilera
  • Vindver
  • Gino the Ghost
  • Juan Morelli
  • Dhalia
  • Arcaute
  • Tobias Wincorn
  • Arcaute
  • Vindver
  • Verde[c]
  • Rodríguez[v]
2:46
6."La Reina"
  • Aguilera
  • Luigi Castillo
  • Santiago Castillo
  • Servando Primera
  • Marrufo
  • Arcaute
  • Vindver
  • Marrufo
  • Verde[c]
  • Rodríguez[v]
3:48
Total length:19:17

Notes

  • ^[c] indicates a co-producer
  • ^[v] indicates a vocal producer

Personnel[]

Musicians[]

  • Christina Aguilera – vocals
  • Federico Vindver – arrangement, keyboards, programming (all tracks), percussion (2)
  • JonTheProducer – arrangement, keyboards, programming (1)
  • Rafa Arcaute – arrangement, keyboards, programming (all tracks); percussion (2)
  • Jorge Luis Chacín – background vocals (2)
  • Kat Dahlia – background vocals (2)
  • Yasmil Marrufo – background vocals (2, 6); bass, guitar (6)
  • Yoel Henríquez – background vocals (2)
  • Matt Rollings – piano (3)
  • DallasK – arrangement, keyboards, programming (4)
  • Luigi Castillo – background vocals (6)
  • Santiago Castillo – background vocals (6)
  • Servando Primera – background vocals (6)

Technical[]

  • Jaycen Joshua – mastering, mixing
  • Federico Vindver – recording
  • Jean Rodríguez – recording
  • Rafa Arcaute – recording
  • Ray Charles Brown, Jr. – recording
  • José Aponte – recording (4)
  • Yasmil Marrufo – recording (6)
  • Felipe Trujillo – engineering assistance (1, 5)
  • Morgan David – engineering assistance (1, 5)

Charts[]

Chart performance for La Fuerza
Chart (2022) Peak
position
German Digital Albums (Official German Charts)[26] 46
Portuguese Digital Albums (AFP/ACNielsen)[25] 1
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE)[27] 54
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[28] 79
UK Digital Albums (OCC)[29] 31
US Latin Pop Albums (Billboard)[30] 2
US Top Album Sales (Billboard)[31] 78
US Top Latin Albums (Billboard)[32] 14

Release history[]

Release history for La Fuerza
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various January 21, 2022
Sony Music Latin [33]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Every Song on Christina Aguilera's 'La Fuerza' Ranked: Critic's Picks". Billboard. January 21, 2022. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  2. ^ Flores, Griselda (January 19, 2022). "Christina Aguilera Unveils Release Date & Tracklist for Her Upcoming Spanish-Language EP 'La Fuerza'". Billboard. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  3. ^ Hansen, Lena; Mangal, Mayra; Utset, Joaquim (March 9, 2022). "¿Quiénes son las 25 Mujeres Más Poderosas de People en Español? ¡Mira el resto de la lista!". People en Español (in Spanish). Dotdash Meredith. Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  4. ^ "Top 20 Latin Albums Of All Time | Billboard". web.archive.org. October 4, 2018. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  5. ^ Roiz, Jessica (October 11, 2020). "Hispanic Heritage Month: Longest-Leading Top Latin Albums Chart No. 1s Ever". Billboard. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  6. ^ Brandle, Lars (April 15, 2021). "Christina Aguilera Is Working on a Spanish-Language Album". Billboard. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  7. ^ a b c "Christina Aguilera Returns to her Roots with a New All-Spanish Album". Ocean Drive.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ Ahlgrim, Callie. "Christina Aguilera teases the release of her new Latin album — but fans shouldn't expect the new music all at once". Insider. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  9. ^ "101.1 The Eagle on Twitter: Christina Aguilera Says New Music's Coming "Very Soon"". Twitter. Retrieved January 16, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ "Christina Aguilera habla de su ambicioso proyecto en español y de su sencillo con Becky G". Los Angeles Times en Español (in Spanish). October 22, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  11. ^ a b c Weiner, Josh (January 28, 2022). "Our Take: Christina Aguilera Makes a Triumphant Return to Latin Music with 'La Fuerza'". Atwood Magazine. Archived from the original on January 29, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  12. ^ Betancourt, Bianca (October 22, 2021). "Christina Aguilera's New Spanish-Language Track, "Pa' Mis Muchachas," Is So Damn Good". Harper's BAZAAR. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  13. ^ a b Cerros, Enrique (March 5, 2022). "Christina Aguilera Embraces her Latin Roots with 'La Fuerza'". NEIU Independent. Illinois College Press Association/Associated Collegiate Press. Archived from the original on March 6, 2022. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  14. ^ "Christina Aguilera stuns in sexy Spanish-music comeback song 'Pa Mis Muchachas'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  15. ^ "Christina Aguilera Releases 'Pa Mis Muchachas' With Becky G, Nathy Peluso & Nicki Nicole: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  16. ^ "Así es Pa Mis Muchachas, la canción de Nicki Nicole, Christina Aguilera, Nathy Peluso y Becky G: letra y vídeo". ELMUNDO (in Spanish). October 22, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  17. ^ "Listen to Christina Aguilera's new Spanish-language ballad 'Somos Nada'". NME. November 24, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  18. ^ "Christina Aguilera to Perform New Single 'Pa Mis Muchachas' at 2021 Latin GRAMMYs | Entertainment Tonight". www.etonline.com. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  19. ^ "Christina Aguilera Teases 'Santo' Collab With Ozuna & New EP 'La Fuerza': See The Photo". NewsOpener. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  20. ^ a b Villa, Lucas (January 24, 2022). "Christina Aguilera Successfully Embraces Her Roots on 'La Fuerza'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on January 24, 2022. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  21. ^ "Billboard Álbum de la Semana: 'La Fuerza' de Christina Aguilera". Billboard Argentina (in Spanish). Sociedad de Editores ABC1. January 24, 2022. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  22. ^ Ellwood-Hughes, Pip (January 27, 2022). "Christina Aguilera – 'La Fuerza' EP Review". Entertainment Focus. Piñata Media Limited. Archived from the original on January 29, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  23. ^ Brocklehurst, Harrison (March 23, 2022). "The 20 greatest Christina Aguilera singles of all time, ranked from worst to best". The Tab. Tab Media Ltd. Archived from the original on March 25, 2022.
  24. ^ Bustios, Pamela (February 1, 2022). "Christina Aguilera Returns to Billboard Latin Albums Charts After Two Decades With 'La Fuerza'". Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  25. ^ a b Andrade, Sara (March 11, 2022). "Christina Aguilera: The X Factor". Vogue Portugal. Condé Nast/Lighthouse Publishing. Archived from the original on March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  26. ^ "Download Charts Album – Aktualisiert am: 31.01.2022" (in German). Official German Charts. Archived from the original on February 1, 2022. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  27. ^ "SpanishCharts.com – Christina Aguilera – La Fuerza". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  28. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Christina Aguilera – La Fuerza". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  29. ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  30. ^ "Christina Aguilera Chart History (Latin Pop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  31. ^ "Christina Aguilera Chart History (Top Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  32. ^ "Christina Aguilera Chart History (Top Latin Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  33. ^ "La Fuerza EP – Digital Download". Christina Aguilera official website. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
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