Kali Uchis’ debut album Isolation is like staying up late at night and hearing her reflect on the mistakes she’s made in relationships, and the confidence she’s gained from them.
The 24-year-old Colombian-American singer first landed on the music scene in 2015 with the release of her debut EP Por Vida. The nine track album gave us a glimpse of Uchis’ signature sultry ballads and infusion of soulful instrumentals and pop beats.
Uchis continues her signature style in Isolation while adding reggaeton inspired tracks including “Tyrant” featuring Jorja Smith and “Nuestro Planeta” where Uchis goes back to her Colombian roots and sings the entire song in Spanish.
Isolation also has old school R&B mixed with bubblegum pop hits that leave us feeling empowered. Uchis’ song “Dead to Me” is about cutting people off and moving on with your life. The song is perfect for blasting on your radio while driving on a summer night.
Uchis also gives us a hopeful chorus with her sunny “After the Storm” featuring Tyler the Creator and Bootsy Collins. “I know times are tough but winners don’t quit, so don’t you give up.”
Uchis’ Isolation is the complete opposite of what the name suggests. Each track is like hearing one of her journal entries on love, daydreams and motivation cooed into our ears.