Residente o Visitante

Residente o Visitante

<i>Residente o Visitante</i> arrives less than two years after Calle 13 busted out of reggaeton's oft-repetitive confines with its searing debut disc. But instead of playing it safe, the dynamic duo of Rene Perez and Eduardo Cabra fly further outside the safe zone. <i>Residente o Visitante</i> is dirtier and more diverse than its predecessor, typified by the jaw-dropping intro. It's a solemn chorus of voices simply repeating Spanish expletives. From there, the disc explores political struggle, carnal desire, and the trappings of fame--all anchored by Calle 13's razor-sharp sense of humor. Tango, lounge grooves, and cumbia rhythms collide with reggaeton in ways that shouldn't work, but do so wonderfully. The standout track "Mala Suerte Con el 13" is a dysfunctional duet with Mala Rodriguez that turns love-song cliches upside down--and slaps them on the behind. You'll need to take a shower after the first listen--and immediately put it on repeat. <i>--Joey Guerra</i>