2022s "Provenza" marked somewhat of a clean slate for Karol G. Far from the gloss of reggaetons typical fare, the Medellin, Colombia superstar instead dedicated her first solo release of the year to simple, salt-of-the-earth joy, celebrating the rekindling of old flames amid the light laughter of the summer. "?Que de malo puede pasar? ?Que nos vaya mal? Estoy afuera, sal," she croons from the window of a saffron-yellow Fiat 600, friends splashing blissfully in the shallows; both are electrified by the possibilities of new beginnings. "Provenza" also serves as an apt microcosm of the singers fourth studio album, Manana Sera Bonito. While KG0516 -- with two-year-old hits peppered throughout -- felt a little like a victory lap, MSB has been entirely made to order, a determined roll-out of new ideas, styles, and collaborations. With her place atop the charts concretized, this is the sound of Karol carving out her identity in the limelight -- and it proves her most authentic work to date. Whats most immediately noticeable is how in control of her vocals Karol is here -- she flicks between perreo smooth-talker and harmonic seductress on "Gatubela," breathes sly inflections and layers deep harmonies, slurs into the "beber y beber" loops of "Ojos Ferrari," then lances venom through the sinister "TQG." Her vocals sit naturally and authentically on top of open-air production, a constant presence, subdued when needed but never unremarkable: she is every part the anchor of this album. From this core blooms a range of reggaeton. Karol captures a joyous night on the town on "Besties," coyly crosses lines on "Danamos la Amistad," and conjures blue skies on the projects arcing title track. The genre bends of fan favorites like "La Vida Continuo" find new avenues in dancehall "Karmika," Regional Mexican "Gucci los Panos" and road-trip cruiser "Tus Gafitas," while opener "Mientras Me Curo del Cora" joins Bad Bunnys "Si Te Veo" as an instant karaoke classic, weaving Bobby McFerrins "Dont Worry Be Happy" into an easygoing self-healing anthem. Collaborations form organically with contemporaries, too. Romeo Santos and Quevedo deliver crisp and deep melodies, respectively, Maldy and Sean Paul hammer out calls to the dancefloor, and longtime collaborator Ovy on the Drums adds a sun-washed touch to 11 of the projects tracks. The Shakira-assisted duet "TQG" -- undoubtedly one of the genres biggest moments of 2023 -- sees both stars standing triumphant in singlehood, fanning their feathers atop a throne of their own making. This is an album of wanderlust, of new opportunities, of the here and now. Its vital and authentic, confident yet emotive, and refined in its simplicity. Karol G has produced her best work yet. ~ David Crone

Rovi