“Encuentros”: Becky G album marks a new era

Pop star Rebbeca Marie Gomez, known as Becky G, released “Encuentros,” her fourth Spanish-language album, on October 10. The 49 minute long tracklist consists of “XLAS NUBES”, “VISTO CARO”, “DESIERTO” “COMO DIABLOS”, “CRISIS” with Tito Double P, “BANDIDO”, “MERCEDES” with Oscar Maydon, “BESÁNDOTE (feat. Oscar Ortiz)”, “MUCHAS GRACIAS”, “OJALÁ”, “TODO” with Delilah, “ULTIMA VEZ”, “GOMEZX4”, “OTRO CAPÍTULO”, “MUCHO MUCHO MUCHOOO” and “POR EL CONTRARIO (DEMO).”

Known as a crossover artist, Becky G oscillates between singing in Spanish and English. Her 2013 single “Shower” achieved mainstream success and entered the pop scene. Her first Spanish single was released in 2016 with “Sola”. Since then, she has made a major impact on the Latin music genre, winning two American Music Awards, an iHeart Radio Music Award and nine Latin American Music Awards. She has also been nominated for five Latin Grammy Awards.

She described in one interview that singing in Spanish comes “natural” to her and that it gives her strength, even though Spanish is not her native language. Much like icon Selena Quintanilla, Becky G did not Expand their Spanish vocabulary into adulthood. She insists that “just because she was born here and speaks English but sings in Spanish doesn't mean she's not 'Latina Enough.'” Instead, she uses her music and self-expression to find happiness.

It is “Encuentros,” a Mexican-inspired album with mariachi and ranchera tracks “a love letter” to the music that raised Becky G. The album cover itself is also symbolic. Becky G, with her long braid pulled to the side, is seen sitting on a chair against a blue backdrop with the LA skyline behind her, which she reveals was a replica of a picture of her grandfather.

With this new era, Becky G describes “Encuentros” as “a Becky who is at peace with herself, she's more mature, she's discovered these parts of herself and learned to embrace them.” It's about that turn over a new leafwhich explains the title “OTRO CAPÍTULO” (“Another Chapter”). Notably, the name of her second headlining tour is Casa Gomez: Otro Capítulo, which kicked off on October 11th.

“Encuentros” shows all the emotions that Becky G has to offer: sadness, anger, grief and much more. In her track “MUCHO MUCHO MUCHOOO,” she speaks in both English and Spanish – known by others as “Spanglish” – about her gratitude to listeners and the tireless effort and effort to bring the album to life. From one story to the next, the new album is full of life in a rollercoaster ride that lasts just under an hour.

“Encuentros” is now available on all streaming platforms.