On Becky G’s two preceding albums, 2023’s ESQUINAS and 2024’s ENCUENTROS, the self-described “200 percenter” seized upon the chance to express her love for, and proficiency within, música mexicana. About a decade removed from early hits in both English and Spanish, such as “Shower” and “Mayores,” those passion projects may not have been what her fans were expecting. Yet judging by the success of singles like “CHANEL” with Peso Pluma, they assuredly connected on another level with other Latinos located in the US, Mexico, or worldwide. With the release of BARAJA BENDITA, Becky doesn’t merely return triumphantly to the pop-music space but rather arrives as an even stronger artist as a result of those prior genre endeavors. Working with hitmaking producers like Botlok and Deputy, songs such as “CNTRL” and the polyrhythmic standout “CHULA” burst out of the speakers with flirtatious feels and irresistible hooks. Love-in-the-club themes hit with strobe-light intensity on cuts like “5’5” and “OASIS,” while deeper connections and increasingly intimate thoughts form as the album progresses. Still, no matter where Becky’s lyrics venture, via the conciliatory kisses of “MAL TIEMPO” or the tempting situationship switch-up of “UNSEND,” the music mainly stays well within view of the dance floor. Whether expressing her after-hours intentions on “TQM/ILY” or getting downright possessive on “2AM,” the beat consistently throbs with passionate urgency. Conflicted kiss-off “PERREO TRISTE” brings her back to reggaetón with a slinky, slo-mo groove, the tempo rising substantially on the subsequent and insistent “EPA.” Our Favorite Moment: While most of these songs are primarily in Spanish, we get a glimpse of seminal “Becky from the Block” energy on the ferocious English-language deep cut “GLITCH.”