Colombian Latin/reggaetón superstar “Maluma baby” returns with another enjoyable, well-rounded, potential hit single, “HP.”  

“Ella no está buscando novio / Quiere salir a joder (Ey-yeah) / Quiere olvidarse de ese bobo / Porque el cabrón le fue infiel (Oh-no-no-no).” Yeah… Following his signature intro (“Maluma, baby”), Hunky Colombian reggaetón musician Maluma kicks single “HP” off with the aforementioned ‘coro’ (the chorus).  Prior to the intro, the tone of the record is set with a moody sound, thanks to being set in a dark minor key. The form of “HP” keeps things easily accessible and straightforward: chorus, verse, pre-chorus, chorus.  There is also an outro that is a variation on the chorus.

Speaking of the chorus, for those in the camp that believe Latin pop/reggaetón is ‘wholesome’ or at least ‘inoffensive’ due to a lack of understanding Spanish, well Maluma – rather Google Translate – shuts down that myth.  The aforementioned Spanish chorus translates as follows:

“She’s not looking for a boyfriend, she

Wants to go fuck, she

Wants to forget about that fool

Cause the bastard cheated on her.”

Hmm, “wants to go fuck” isn’t exactly family table conversation in many households, at least it wasn’t in mind, unless you wanted a good old spanking.  Anyways, moving on, once “HP” settles in, an infectious reggaetón beat anchors things down, adorned with a sleek assortment of synths. Maluma serves as the focal point, with his marvelous vocals.  He sounds solid when he’s singing longer, more melodic passages, as well as shorter, more rhythmically aggressive melodic lines. As evidenced by the chorus, and perhaps more specifically on the verses, Maluma sings about a woman scorned who wants to make her ex, who cheated on her realize just what he lost.

Final Thoughts 

“Maluma baby” just keeps on doing his thing.  Did I already mention he also has the looks (and sex appeal) working in his favor – just had to slip that in… Perhaps “HP” isn’t a game changer in Latin music, let alone pop, but it’s another well-rounded affair by the Colombian superstar.  He’s much more gifted than just being a handsome face.

Maluma • HP [Single] • Sony Music Latin • Release: 3.1.19

Photo Credit: Sony Music Latin