Isla Divina

Singer, songwriter, producer, and Latin music legend Gloria Trevi releases her 13th studio album, Isla Divina, in 2022. Criss-crossing urbano, rock, Tropical, Latin pop, and ballads, the 12-song set includes collaborations with American-born singer and flamenco dancer Timo Nunez, Puerto Rican rapper Guaynaa, and Catalonian singer Monica Naranjo. Trevis motivation for the set was to offer a sustained "... positive vibe to fill hearts with love, peace and hope ... after having lived through two years of the pandemic." Chiefly produced by Eduardo Bladinieres and Gil Elguezabal, other producers include Yo Fred and Armando Avila. Trevi co-wrote most of the songs with longtime collaborator Marcela de la Garza. She also received assistance from Leonel Garcia -- formerly of duo Sin Bandera -- and others. The only song not bearing her writing credit is "Demaisado Fragiles," which was composed by Erika Ender. Though quite diverse, the entire set is remarkably consistent. That said, there are some standouts. "La Recaida," with Nunez, is unsurprisingly flamenco inspired, but Yo Freds production slips cumbia beats, layered nylon-string guitars, strings, horns, and hip-hop and mariachi interludes into the hypnotic rhythms. "Perfume" is a rock anthem with a slamming snare and kick drum, and blasting guitars under Trevis volcanic delivery. "Matematicas" is an explicit rock manifesto about the discovery of and surrender to the celebration of love. Its production owes a nod to the Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band." "Soy Lo Que Soy" romantically weaves together a cumbia beat, electric and flamenco guitars, a ranchera melody, and provocative lyrics. "Ensayando Como Pedirte Perdon" is a 21st century take on the power ballad with cinematic production. Its shattered protagonist passionately addresses her beloved. She remembers their intimate moments while rehearsing an apology for driving him away. The ache in the grain of her alto is devastating. "Demaisado Fragiles" weds Queen-sized stadium rock to mariachi in a ballad adorned in synths, strings, and brass. "El Se Equivoco," co-produced by Yo Fred and Jeon, melds humid cumbia and mariachi in relating the tale of a man who wins the hearts of two women. He chooses the wrong companion, destroying his own heart in the process. "Sangre Caliente" weds dancefloor-burner reggaeton, Latin pop, and carnival music. Set-closer "Grande," co-written and performed with Naranjo, is a pumping Latin disco jam; its narrative is about a protagonist rising from the ashes of an abusive relationship to reclaim her power to live and love again. Trevis considerable confidence on Isla Divina is warranted. Her lyric writing forgoes cliches in depicting powerful emotions and thorny life circumstances. She opens her heart and her mouth to deliver them with conviction, passion, and stylistic savvy. ~ Thom Jurek