“Multi _Viral,” which hit stores on Feb. 28 of this year, is the fifth album of Calle 13. The Latin duo consisting of Residente and Visitante remain consistent with their witty rhymes. What makes this brother sensation unique is their knack for perfectly combining profound social criticism with catchy melodies.
“Respira El Momento,” opens the album with dramatic tunes and passionate lyrics about life. “El Aguante” has historical references to Pinochet, Hitler and Hussein. One of the verses that really struck us is “Our body can withstand up to fifteen minutes being hung.”
It is refreshing to hear an album that includes lyrics about current problems in the world as opposed to superficial music that doesn’t provide any useful information to its listeners.
The album currently has two videos out: “Adentro” and “Multi_Viral.” “Adentro’s” video, like the song, is extremely powerful. The lyrics include the famous quote: “When tyranny is the law, revolution is order.”
The black and white visuals feature Rene Perez Joglar aka Residente rapping to a story of impotence, injustice, and rebellion. He is so authentic. Listeners can feel the truth. It is a beautiful critique of society’s admiration for “being bad.” The video conveys an influential message to this crowd, by offering them a reality check. Willie Mays even makes a cameo.
We love the album’s diversity. It includes different types of melodies that appeal to various tastes. “Ojos Color Sol” offers a softer and more romantic tune, whereas “Multi_Viral” has more of a rock edge influence, and “Perseguido” is a reggae song with remix in English by Biga Ranx.
-Estefania Garcia-Correa
