Mexican music star Luis R. Conriquez has returned to his roots with Muchacho Alegre, his 12th studio album, leaving behind the corridos bélicos that made him famous in favor of the tumbado sounds.
In this new 16-track production, released Friday (July 10) under K Music, the Sonoran artist pays homage to the young dreamer who, through determination, climbed to the top and became one of the most followed figures of his generation. For this, he invited colleagues like Netón Vega, Peso Pluma, Óscar Maydon, Joel de la P, Tito Double P, Grupo Frontera, Fuerza Regida and Puerto Rican urban star Anuel AA, who adapted very well to the regional genre.
The LP — filled with the sounds of guitars, trumpets and charchetas — opens with the title track, where Conriquez narrates his journey to success. Among other standout tracks are “Qué Gacho” with Netón Vega, “Rosita” with Gabito Ballesteros, “Bandida” with Peso Pluma, a tribute to successful women titled “Salma Hayek,” alongside Grupo Frontera, and solo songs like “Al Chile Pega,” which tackles heartbreak with special nostalgia.
“It took me a year and a half to complete this album because, for the first time, I focused on personally selecting the songs and being fully involved in the production,” Conriquez tells Billboard Español. “We created lyrics and sounds reminiscent of how we started in regional Mexican music. Plus, the collaborations are with people who are very important to me — we’re very close and always support each other.”
Alongside the release of his new album, the performer of hits like “Si No Quieres No,” “Chula Vente” and “Súper Snake” is preparing for his first European tour. The trek kicks off on Sept. 24 in Madrid and includes stops in Barcelona, Bilbao, Berlin and Paris, before wrapping up on Oct. 4 in Amsterdam. “I’m very happy and excited to bring my music to the other side of the world,” he adds.
Below, Conriquez breaks down five essential tracks from Muchacho Alegre. To listen to the full album, click here.
K MUSIC
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“Muchacho Alegre”
It talks about the evolution of Luis R., about how my life has changed thanks to my desire to improve myself. The lyrics portray someone who has achieved their goals by starting from the bottom and working hard. The focus is on motivation, on all the things that can be accomplished with hard-earned money, but also on the effort involved. Musically, the guitars, trombone and double bass merge to create a calm melody; the lyrics carry the weight through their message.
Listen to it here
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“Que Gacho” feat. Netón Vega
This is a collaboration with my buddy Netón Vega, a completely different track from what I’ve done before, although it still retains the essence of my style. The music is fully tumbada, with the guitars playing the whole time, blending his smooth singing style with mine, which is more intense. The song talks about someone who gave everything in a relationship, but for external reasons, it ended, and they decide to return to partying and having a good time because being faithful didn’t work.
Listen to it here
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“Al Chile Pega”
This song, I sing it solo. It’s a heartbreak song, full of pain — something I’m not used to doing, but I liked it and it was worth it because, since it’s not what I usually record, it’s going to surprise the fans. This is a different Luis R., hurt by the memory of someone who was loved but is no longer here, and who hasn’t been replaced by anyone else. The melody is filled with melancholy from start to finish, which gives it even more emotion.
Listen to it here
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“Medusa” feat. Tito Double P
It’s a very crazy track with Tito Double P, very much in his style, and I loved making it with him. His vocal delivery is unique, adding a special touch to the lyrics, which talk about someone who insists on a relationship that has ended; yet, because of how beautiful she is, they know that inevitably the prey will fall. I think the chorus, with a simple “Oh, oh, oh,” is very easy to learn from the first moment.
Listen to it here
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“Hay Con Que” feat. Anuel AA & Fuerza Regida
A great track deserved to be made with amazing artists like Fuerza Regida and Anuel AA. From the moment I had the lyrics, I envisioned it for them, and we managed to bring them together for this collaboration. Anuel adapted perfectly to our tumbado vibe, and of course Jesús Ortiz Paz brought his unique style. This is our essence and it was captured beautifully in both the lyrics and the music, with the indispensable guitars and charcheta.
Listen to it here
