ROSALÍA, “SAOKO” | Track Review

Grammy-winning Latin pop musician ROSALÍA drops another surefire bop with her first single from 2022, “SAOKO.”

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ne of Latin pop’s most gifted musicians, without question, is Grammy winner ROSALÍA.  She returns strong in 2022 with her first single, “SAOKO”.  The title (and keyword), interestingly, don’t have an English translation; it’s Puerto Rican slang.  Even without understanding the slang, let alone Spanish without the lyrics on hand, “SAOKO” is a surefire bop.

“SAOKO” is ear-catching from the opening tip – infectious to the nth degree. Notably, it distinguishes itself from other Latin pop because of its experimental, innovative spirit; it’s less predictable and less traditional. I love the assertive, aggressive approach that ROSALÍA employs – more of rapped, chanted performance. As always, she’s the main attraction.  Otherwise, lyrically, “SAOKO” focuses on transformation, something the translated chorus highlights especially well:

“I’m my own, I transform

A butterfly, I transform

Drag queen makeup, I transform

Stars raining, I transform

Out of line, I transform

Like sex siren, I transform

I contradict myself, I transform

I’m all things, I transform.”

As far as sound is concerned, “SAOKO” features superb production work by ROSALÍA, Noah Goldstein, Dylan Patrice, and Michael Uzowuru. It incorporates skeletal ideas, keys (including some jazz piano), and of course, a banging beat. Worth noting, “SAOKO” samples the Wisin record, “Saoco” featuring Daddy Yankee.  ROSALÍA pays ode to classic reggaeton which is a plus.

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Final Thoughts  

All in all, ROSALÍA shines once more on “SAOKO.”  It’s short but sweet, featuring compelling production and an infectious performance from the Grammy winner.   I love how ROSALÍA pays ode to classic reggaeton while also showcasing innovative spirit.

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ROSALÍA • “SAOKO” • Columbia • 2.4.22
[: Brent Faulkner, Columbia, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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