[ALBUM Review] ASTROPICAL BY ASTROPICAL (Bomba Estéreo x Rawayana)
- Jasmine Elahee
- Apr 17
- 22 min read
Just before the chaos of Mercury Retrograde took form, ASTROPICAL, the self-titled project was introduced to the world on March 7, 2025.
The beloved Venezuelan singer Montenegro of Rawayana and Colombia’s Li Saumet of Bomba Estéreo have joined forces to form the celestial supergroup ASTROPICAL, a long-awaited collaboration that is as cosmic as it is tropical. Described as a fusion of tropical rhythms, astrology, feminine energy, and spirituality, the project orbits around the zodiac with 12 tracks inspired by each astrological sign.
In an interview with Sigal Ratner-Arias for Billboard, the artists shared that the idea took root in January 2023 when Saumet’s intuition told her clearly, “It’s time to collaborate with Rawayana.” The result is a lush and hypnotic blend of Rawayana’s dreamy melodies with Bomba Estéreo’s signature electro-tropical sound. A concept album made to shine under our very own star this summer.
Not to get ahead of myself, but I thoroughly enjoyed this project. It offers a bold and refreshing take on what a concept album can be. As someone deeply curious about spirituality, astrology, and the sacred links between art and intention, this one scratched my brain.
Instead of following a traditional storyline, ASTROPICAL leans into archetypes. That’s why I’ve swapped out my usual Story & Intent score for an Accuracy score. Each track will be evaluated on how well it captures the essence of its assigned zodiac sign. Some got it spot on. Others, not quite. Either way, this project asked me to listen with more intention, and I was fully here for it.
Song Review Criteria
To better understand our review scoring system, check the scoresheet below:
Category | Description | Max Points |
Instant Impact (First Listen Score) | Did the song grab your attention immediately? | 10 |
Accuracy | Does the song embody the sign it's tied to? We're looking at lyrics, mood, rhythm, and vibe — does it feel like the zodiac it's claiming to be? | 20 |
Energy & Danceability | Does the song make you move emotionally or physically? | 15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | Does the song reflect the artist's authenticity and growth? | 20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | Does the song stand out in its genre, and is it replay-able? | 20 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | What does this song stand for in terms of cultural significance or relatability? | 15 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | How does your perception of the song evolve over time? Does it grow, maintain or face in appeal? | 10 |
Total | 110 |
Album Review Criteria
To better understand our review scoring system, check the scoresheet below:
Category | Description | Max Points |
Concept & Flow | Does the album take the listeners on a journey with a clear concept or narrative? | 25 |
Song Highlights & Consistency | How Strong are the standout tracks, and is the album consistent overall? | 30 |
Artist Vision & Innovation | Does this album push boundaries or showcase the artist's evolution? | 20 |
Audience Connection & Replay Value | Does the album resonate with its audience, and does it have staying power? | 15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | How does the album evolve in perception as a whole over time? Does its appeal grow, maintain or fade? | 10 |
Total | 100 |
For my readers in a rush, check out the table of contents to jump to the songs you care about most!
Now that Mercury is no longer in Retrograde (or "the curry is not in the Gatorade" as my friends and I like to say), Let's jump into the world of ASTROPICAL & get sky racist today🌙!
Sonic Elements & Structure
This album is very interesting in its layout. Before the album's release, I assumed that the songs would be lined up in the order of the zodiac traditionally. However, I am quite content that my assumption was incorrect. These 12 songs are arranged in a smooth sonic progression that allows listeners to experience it with ease. Earth signs dominate the first half, while the second half is occupied by fire, with a balance of water and air signs distributed amongst them. I was pleased to also notice that, each song within their elements contained a similar vibe or theme alongside the tropical sound where certain elements were highlighted or utilized more frequently.
Earth (Virgo, Capricornio, Tauro):
These Earth tracks can be described as grounded, rich, and sensual. They are anchored in the intricate percussion and tactile textures. You can find layered uses of hand drums, tin pans, and congas that create a rolling, hypnotic rhythm. The subtle synths and mellow electric keys add warmth, while the vocals are intimate and often hushed, enhancing the sensual atmosphere. Mid-tempo grooves provide a steady, confident pulse throughout. Collectively Siento (Virgo), Otra Nivel (Capricornio) and Una Noche En Caracas (Tauro) deliver a luxurious, body-focused sound that embodies the grounded elegance of Earth Signs.
Air (Acuario, Libra, Géminis):
Light, Playful, and Social air! These tracks float on bright guitar riffs, syncopated rhythms, and airy synth pads that keep the production feeling light and breathable. You’ll hear jangly electric guitars, soft claps, chime-like accents, and reverb-treated vocals that give a breeze, open-space feel. Melodic basslines and light percussions include: guira, rimshots, and woodblock taps, keeping the groove bouncy without ever becoming heavy. The vocal deliveries are conversational, flirty, and layered, evoking group energy and playful intimacy. Together, Brinca (Acuario), Happy (Libra), and Quién Me Mandó (Géminis) form the album’s social core, easy to dance to and easier to share.
Water (Picis, Cáncer, Escorpio):
In three words, these tracks can be described as: emotive, dreamy, and fluid. The water tracks flow with ambient synths, reverb-soaked basslines and gentle, almost submerged percussion that evoke the feeling of being underwater or lost in memory. You'll hear fluttering flutes, soft maracas, and Afro-Colombian rhythms like champeta in El Lobo (Cáncer) all contributing to a mood that's tender, romantic and occasionally haunting. The vocals across these tracks are drenched in echo and intimacy, pulling the listener into a private, emotional space. Rhythms are slower and swaying, prioritizing mood over momentum. Together, Me Pasa (Picis), El Lobo (Cáncer) and Corazón Adentro (Escorpio) create the album's emotional undercurrent that is hypnotic, cinematic and deeply felt.
Fire (Aries, Sagitario, Leo):
Explosive, Body & Radiant fire signs. These tracks that dominate the second portion of the album are bursts of kinetic energy, driven by sharp snares, deep kick drums, and fast-paced house percussion layered with Caribbean flair. Calentita (Aries) and Llegó El Verano (Sagitario) feature punchy tribal rhythms, whistle tones and commanding vocals from Li Saumet energizes the tracks like a spark to gasoline. You'll hear metallic accents, festive horn stabs, alarms, and precussive breaks that simulate live party energy. Designed to let you burst into energy at the next party. On the other hand, Fogata (Leo) shifts gears with a stripped-down acoustic guitar and tambora-style percussion, maintaining warmth while close the album in a regal, slow-burn fashion. Together, Calentita (Aries), Llegó El Verano (Sagitario), and Fogata (Leo) captures the album's physical core: movement, expression, heat and glow.
Each element group doesn't just reflect the signs, but they are functions of music in our lives. Earth moves the body, Air connects people, Water evokes feeling and Fire drives action in our lives.
When you look at the line up, in ways it is how you could imagine each sign entering into a party. Let's meet these personalities in the next part!
Song-By-Song Breakdown
Brinca (Acuario) ♒︎
We open with Brinca (Acuario), an airy, electric burst of energy that feels like the perfect greeting to this zodiac dancefloor. Right from the first beat, the song blends quirky synth textures, tropical snares, and off-kilter percussion into something both experimental and inviting. It echoes Bomba Estéreo’s avant-tropical DNA, especially in how it plays with electronic chaos and communal rhythm.
For me, the whistle drop in the hook unlocked a nostalgic joy. It shared the same feeling I got listening to bubbly summer K-pop tracks as a kid. The percussion is unpredictable but catchy, with treble-focused chirps and chaotic high-end textures that leave room for Montenegro’s smooth delivery and Li Saumet’s raspy vocals to dance around each other. There’s a clever use of negative space, where the beat momentarily drops out, then slides right back in without disrupting the flow. There is also a trickster move that’s so Aquarius. The song never fully settles, and that’s exactly why it works.
Lyrically, the track leans into unity and freedom:
“Let the music hit you, take your pain away / No importa el idioma, we are all the same / No hay ley en la music”
This line screams Aquarius' idealism, collectivity, and disregard for convention. Even if the tracklist doesn’t follow the zodiac order, it makes sense that Aquarius shows up first. They’re the first to arrive, not to lead, but to vibe to share joy, question structure, and flip the energy on its head. And this song? It captures all of that in one unpredictable, playful, visionary wave.
Category | Score |
|---|---|
Instant Impact (First listen Score) | 8/10 |
Accuracy | 20/20 |
Energy & Danceability | 14/15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | 15/20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | 16/20 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | 13/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | 9/10 |
Total | 95/110 |
Siento (Virgo) ♍︎
The second track enters softly, guided by an ethereal mix of kalimba-like plucks and gentle guitar layered over crisp, organic percussion. Its rhythm is precise and contained, woven with cuíca squeaks, delicate chimes, and spacious key flourishes that make the entire arrangement feel like it’s suspended in glass. The staccato structure and low-frequency hums lend the song a meditative quality, while the smooth vocal delivery leans into Rawayana’s laid-back styling. It feels intentional and clean, not in a sterile way, but in a way that invites clarity and stillness.
Virgos are often seen as structured, observant, and meticulous. This song reflects that energy perfectly, like a glass rose it is delicate in form but thoughtful in construction. Around the 1:25 mark, the bass begins to rise subtly, echoing the way Virgos collect themselves before stepping into motion. It reminds me of watching a Virgo friend take a breath before returning to the center. Also, if you listen closely, there’s a faint background sweep that pulses like a soft inhale and exhale, giving the track a quiet heartbeat that mirrors Virgo’s grounding presence.
Category | Score |
Instant Impact (First listen Score) | 7/10 |
Accuracy | 16/20 |
Energy & Danceability | 13/15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | 16/20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | 13/20 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | 11/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | 9/10 |
Total | 85/110 |
Me Pasa (Picis) ♓︎
This track feels like sitting by a waterfall and staring up at the clouds. Soft, dreamy, and a little distant in the best way. When I first heard Me Pasa (Picis) as a standalone release, I wasn’t mad at it. It felt like a very Bomba Estéreo track: reliable, warm, and easy to sink into. I loved the flutes and the little organic details, like the birds chirping at the beginning and end. But when I heard it in the full album lineup, I found myself surprised it was the lead. Not because it’s bad, it’s just that, in comparison to what follows, it feels more muted.
Montenegro’s delivery in the second verse is lovely and emotionally honest, though a bit more restrained than other performances on the project. That being said, the restraint kind of works. Pisces energy is romantic, introspective, and wholesome, and this track really leans into that. It feels like a Pisces just vibing in their own little world with the person they care about. They’re not asking for much, just company, softness, and space to be.
In the context of the album, it holds a place as a vibe-setter. It reaffirms the relaxed, earthy tone of the first half and creates a space to just sit with yourself for a bit. I don’t reach for this one as often anymore, probably because it came out first, but I still appreciate it. It’s not a standout for me, but it’s sweet, thoughtful, and very much in its lane.
Category | Score |
Instant Impact (First listen Score) | 6/10 |
Accuracy | 17/20 |
Energy & Danceability | 11/15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | 14/20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | 13/20 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | 11/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | 7/10 |
Total | 79/110 |
Otro Nivel (Capricornio) ♑︎
This track feels like a Friday after-work drive to the beach. Laid-back, breezy, and just energized enough to shift your mood. From the jump, I vibed with this song easily. It’s funky in an afro-tropical house kind of way, with just enough bounce to keep you moving. The "oo-oo" vocal textures and wooden block percussion give the beat a tight, clean rhythm, while the little key sparkles in the chorus feel like sunlight off ocean waves. It doesn’t need much. It knows what it’s doing.
Lyrically, there’s no line that sticks out, but that’s kind of the point. This one is all about the feeling. And that feeling? It matches Capricorn's energy perfectly. Capricorns in my life are bold, brave, up for anything, and grounded as hell. They have this subtle authority and don’t need to beg for your attention because you’re already watching. This track mirrors that: simple, confident, and lowkey adventurous. There’s life in it, but it’s never loud. It just moves.
In the album, this is the first signpost that the energy is shifting. It builds tempo after the more reflective early tracks and quietly foreshadows the fire signs coming up. It doesn’t spike, but it elevates. And personally? I love it. It’s one of my top five. It's the kind of track that makes you crave summer and friends and movement without drama. Just good vibes and better intentions.
Category | Score |
Instant Impact (First listen Score) | 8/10 |
Accuracy | 18/20 |
Energy & Danceability | 14/15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | 16/20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | 17/20 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | 13/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | 9/10 |
Total | 95/110 |
Una Noche en Caracas (Tauro) ♉︎
This track is like a gentle barefoot salsa in the hot summer heat: smooth, slow, and built to sway through. When I first heard it, I was immediately caught by the guitars, the steady percussion, and that salsa-adjacent bounce. The muted piano keys and rolling bass drums brought a warm groove that had me moving instantly. There’s something deeply organic about it, and knowing it nods to Rawayana’s Venezuelan roots made it all the more charming. It’s not trying to be flashy, just felt.
Sonically, this one leans into rhythm and texture. The vocal flow glides steadily across the percussion, giving space for the keys and bass to shine. While no lyric in particular stood out to me, the feeling of the track does. It’s more of a full-body experience than a message-forward piece, and in that way, it makes sense for Taurus: a sign that craves comfort, pleasure, and rhythm.
That said, it doesn’t fully match how I experience Taurus energy in real life. The Taurus folks I know are cozy, indulgent, and sometimes stubborn, but deeply present. This track captures that presence and sensuality in tone, especially through its luxurious keys, but feels more like a cultural homage than a strict zodiac expression, which is okay. However, I think it filled the position of this sign rather than embodying it. Still, its vibe is strong.
Within the album, this song acts like a sonic pause. It gently settles you before the energy pivots in the second half. It’s not one I return to often, but every time I hear it, I’m reminded why it’s so pleasant. It holds its own; not loud, not essential, but comfortably placed.
Category | Score |
Instant Impact (First listen Score) | 6/10 |
Accuracy | 13/20 |
Energy & Danceability | 12/15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | 14/20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | 12/20 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | 10/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | 7/10 |
Total | 74/110 |
Happy (Libra) ♎︎
Happy is exactly what the title promises. It’s light, glowing, and carries the kind of soft joy that sneaks up on you when you're walking with someone you love. From the first notes, there's a delicate confidence. Something youthful and pure, like a heart that’s never been jaded. The beginning always hits like sunshine through curtains. It doesn't overwhelm, but it warms.
This track doesn’t rely on lyrical intensity, but on feeling. The vocals are gentle and playful, floating through airy production. Like the other Air signs on the album, Happy uses space wisely. It’s not a busy track. It breathes. There’s a sparkle of glass chimes, little instrumental surprises, and a bounciness that makes it impossible to brood. It’s like being in the clouds, or maybe just in love with life for a moment.
As a Libra song, it’s spot on. Libra is ruled by Venus: love, charm, balance, and joy. Every Libra I’ve met has a way of making you feel like life is fun again. They flirt with the world, smile through chaos, and remind you to enjoy the moment. Even if they’re indecisive, they carry a hopefulness that’s contagious. This track captures that emotional aesthetic. Not too loud. Not too soft. But always aiming to lift you.
On the album, Happy serves as a subtle emotional pivot. It closes off the lighter, grounded first half with grace. It doesn’t announce anything dramatic. It just reminds you that peace exists. I don’t reach for this song often, but when I need a reminder to feel joy, when I need levity, it never misses. I once heard it while walking with my mom and smiled to myself, thinking, joy is needed more in this life.
Category | Score |
Instant Impact (First listen Score) | 8/10 |
Accuracy | 18/20 |
Energy & Danceability | 12/15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | 13/20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | 13/20 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | 11/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | 8/10 |
Total | 83/110 |
Calentita (Aries) ♈︎
The alarm goes off. The drums creep in. Something’s about to erupt. From the very first second, Calentita doesn’t waste time announcing that the second half of the album is here and it’s getting hot. This track doesn’t slowly build. It ignites. With its mix of synthetic wind instruments, house percussion, and unexpected sound effects, the whole thing feels like Miami collided with a neon arcade and then showed up at the beach with a speaker and no apologies. It’s bold, direct, and has that flirtatious look across the bar energy you can’t fake.
Sonically, it’s playful in its details. There’s a raspy,robotic texture layered into the vocals, especially during the chorus buildup. At around 1:20, a video-game-like blip sneaks in and gives the beat a digital wink. Even the deep chant-like repetition of “¿Qué vamo’ a hacer? ¿Y para qué?” in the background adds a kind of casual charm that doesn’t try too hard. It’s cheeky and confident, just like the sign it represents.
And honestly, as an Aries? This song is us. We’re the ones who show up to the party ready to shift the energy. Not for attention, but because we carry the flame that says the night’s only just getting started. There’s no poetic metaphor masking the heat. Just full-on, flirty intention. This song doesn’t ask for permission. It just walks in.
On the album, Calentita is a clear turning point. It breaks the chill and brings the first jolt of fire. The energy pivots sharply here, but not with chaos. It’s a slow smirk, a raised eyebrow, and a promise of movement to come. I’ve got this one on my driving playlist already. It came out right on the Pisces-Aries cusp, and now it feels like my seasonal anthem. The kind of track you roll up to the party with, knowing exactly what kind of night you’re about to start.
Category | Score |
Instant Impact (First listen Score) | 9/10 |
Accuracy | 20/20 |
Energy & Danceability | 13/15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | 16/20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | 17/20 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | 12/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | 9/10 |
Total | 96/110 |
This track crept in with a curiosity I wasn’t expecting. From the very beginning, the beat feels submerged in bubbles, like it’s rising from somewhere deep and emotional. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a song representing Cancer, especially with the title El Lobo, but it began to make sense quickly. It’s flirtatious and mysterious, equal parts intimate and withheld. This isn’t loud seduction. It’s a magnetic pull, whispered through water.
Sonically, the fusion is intoxicating. There are deep hip-hop and drill-style ad-libs that float beneath the tropical rhythm. Layered with that soft, breathy vocal delivery, it becomes something more textured and nuanced than you might expect. The lyrics don’t need to be direct. They’re wrapped in longing, gently expressing the kind of inner distraction and effort that comes with wanting someone. It’s not chaotic emotion. It’s a quiet hunger.
At first, I questioned the wolf imagery for Cancer. But when I thought about the Cancers in my life, it clicked. They are emotional, yes, but also fiercely loving. They’re flirtatious, spunky, social, and endlessly affectionate when they feel safe. The wolf howling at the moon reflects their longing. It’s romantic at its core, like someone who craves closeness but hesitates at the edge. Cancers are not weak in their sensitivity. They’re bold in it. This song gets that.
On the album, this track feels like a vibe that continues rather than pivots. It follows Aries with a sultry ease, shifting the energy into something more shadowed and secretive. It’s danceable, but not bright. It sways with restraint. And honestly, it’s a track I always enjoy when it plays. There’s something about it that feels like hearing it for the first time every time. Like a couple on the dance floor trying not to fall into each other. You can feel the tension, and it makes the intimacy that much sweeter.
Category | Score |
Instant Impact (First listen Score) | 6/10 |
Accuracy | 14/20 |
Energy & Danceability | 13/15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | 15/20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | 15/20 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | 12/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | 9/10 |
Total | 84/110 |
Llegó El Verano (Sagitario) ♐︎
Let’s not waste time. This track? Straight up summer-fueled chaos in the best way possible. From the very first beat, Llegó El Verano kicks the door in with Li Saumet’s fiery flow and refuses to let up. It’s vibrant, fast, and wild. This isn’t a song you ease into. This is a song that dares you to keep up.
The lyrics explode like fireworks. Saumet’s verse saying "El suelo caliente cuando pega el sol... Gózate la vida, gózatela hoy" is a full-body experience. Then comes the travel bar list with lines like "Sin camisa en Ibiza... Todo frito en Puerto Rico" and it’s everything Sagittarius energy should be. Borderless, bold, and way too busy to explain themselves. This is the soundtrack to skydiving out of a private jet into a beach party mid-festival season.
Sonically, this is where house meets reggaetón, wrapped in a tropical riot. The drum patterns come in classic and familiar, but by the time the second chorus hits, Montenegro's rapid-fire verse and the pulsing house beat just take over. There’s no emotional manipulation and no build-and-release formula. It’s pure, ongoing explosion. And it works. It’s messy, fun, and too good to be real.
Out of all twelve tracks, this one feels the most accurate to its sign. Sagittarius is the adventurer, the party starter, the philosopher-daredevil. They want joy, truth, experience, and fire. This song brings all of that and more. On the album, it’s a perfect disruptor. It breaks from emotional introspection and slams the pedal down. But it never feels out of place. It feels like a necessary chaos.
This track has lived rent-free in my head since I first heard it. I seek it out when I need a jolt of energy, a serotonin boost, or just to remember that life is for living. It’s freedom in audio form. Joy with no seatbelt. Fire signs, we won with this one.
Category | Score |
Instant Impact (First listen Score) | 10/10 |
Accuracy | 20/20 |
Energy & Danceability | 15/15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | 14/20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | 17/20 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | 12/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | 10/10 |
Total | 98/110 |
Quién Me Mandó (Géminis)♊︎
This track feels like a thought that slips through your fingers mid-conversation. ¿Quién Me Mandó? opens with a reverbed percussive knock that instantly draws you in, but instead of delivering a direct punch, it lingers, loops, and plays with your attention. There’s something intriguing about how it unfolds. It’s soft but witty, emotional but elusive.
Rather than anchoring the track in a standout lyric, it thrives in its conversational rhythm. The back-and-forth between vocalists mirrors a dialogue, or more accurately, an inner monologue passed between two voices. Each artist reflects the other like fraternal twins; similar in sound, distinct in personality. The percussion textures bubble and crackle beneath it all, creating space and motion without ever rushing the track forward. Like all the Air sign tracks, this one breathes. It feels light but layered.
In terms of zodiac embodiment, this one nails the Gemini essence. It’s curious, clever, and always shifting tone. The production doesn’t sit still, and neither do the thoughts it plays with. It isn’t trying to be grand or dramatic. It’s just exploring what it means to feel, to think, and to try to figure someone else out in the process. It’s a musical conversation with itself.
On the album, this is a clear emotional pivot. Coming after the firestorm of Sagitario, it brings the energy back down to a reflective, more curious pace. It doesn’t dull the vibe, it redirects it. And while it’s not a track you chase down constantly, when it resurfaces, it feels new again. It’s easy to forget, and then fall back in love with. Gemini behavior, really.
This one is a daydream turned into a song. Fleeting but clever. Quietly captivating.
Category | Score |
Instant Impact (First listen Score) | 6/10 |
Accuracy | 16/20 |
Energy & Danceability | 12/15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | 13/20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | 13/20 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | 12/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | 8/10 |
Total | 80/110 |
Corazón Adentro (Escorpio) ♏︎
This track doesn’t sting. It breathes. The moment it starts, Corazón Adentro feels steady, rhythmic, and a bit more organic than some of the others. It sways in this relaxed trance that keeps you grounded but never weighs you down. I knew I liked it right away. The kind of song that feels like a deep exhale.
I love how this track lets each artist's voice bend slightly to the beat while still feeling personal. Saumet’s execution against those treble-layered drums is clean and confident. There’s this tube-like hum in the background that carries the song like a thread through a calm jungle. And while it does echo textures found in other tracks, it holds its own. It’s soft, warm, and consistent, and that’s part of what keeps me coming back.
What stands out emotionally is how this track isn’t trying to be seductive or intense. It’s about connection. Loyalty. That deep knowing. And that makes it feel like Scorpio at its most underrated. Not the dramatic stereotype, but the homebody, the introspective protector, the one who quietly watches and holds space for the people they love. That part of Scorpio rarely gets talked about, but this song holds that energy so well.
As we move into the final stretch of the album, this feels like the vibe-setter for the wind down. It's reflective without being heavy, emotional without being overwhelming. A thoughtful exhale after all the fire and movement. I find myself coming back to this one often, especially when I need something that holds me in place instead of pulling me forward.
It’s not trying to prove anything. It just is. And for a Scorpio track, that quiet power makes perfect sense. This one is a peaceful jungle winddown, and I love what it does for the heart of the album.
Category | Score |
Instant Impact (First listen Score) | 9/10 |
Accuracy | 17/20 |
Energy & Danceability | 12/15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | 16/20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | 17/20 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | 13/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | 9/10 |
Total | 93/110 |
Fogata (Leo)
This track doesn’t need to prove anything. It just lets itself be. Fogata feels like a warm slow burn that wraps you up and sits you down with care. The guitar-forward melody is so beautiful and hypnotic, and it holds the space gently while inviting you to just listen. You can hear the waves, the maracas, the softness in the vocals, and in the second half it blooms even more. Laughter, water, chatter, a little rhythmic build. You feel like you’re there. It makes you want to sit by a fire and just be still with your people.
The line "Mira cómo celebramos" is a moment. It’s filled with appreciation. It doesn't ask you to reflect, it just lets you notice how good it already is. This track doesn’t rely on poetry or pressure. It just gently reminds you that this life has softness to offer. That presence matters. And that’s exactly what makes it so Leo-coded to me. Leos love to be part of the collective, not just the spotlight. And this song shines with that quiet confidence. I think of every Leo I know who brings people together, who lounges in the sun, who shows up just to make the room warmer. This track is that feeling.
As a closer, this is the perfect exit. It doesn’t drop you off abruptly. It carries you. It lets you go with softness and love. There’s a full-circle feeling here. And maybe that’s why I always find myself starting and ending my day with it. There’s peace in it. Joy. Even when it’s mellow, it gives so much.
This is fireside energy after a long day. Talking. Laughing. Being held by the sound and the people around you. The perfect summer night. The Leo who reminds you that light doesn’t have to scream to be felt.
Category | Score |
Instant Impact (First listen Score) | 10/10 |
Accuracy | 19/20 |
Energy & Danceability | 13/15 |
Artist Identity & Delivery | 17/20 |
Uniqueness & Replay Value | 16/20 |
Broader Impact & Resonance | 13/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | 10/10 |
Total | 98/110 |
Production & Creative Credits
Now before I wrap this up, I need to take a moment to shout out the full creative team behind ASTROPICAL, because this album would not hit the way it does without the collective genius behind the boards, the instruments, and the mixing desk.
At the core, you have Li Saumet and Beto Montenegro leading the charge with vocals and creative vision, but behind them is a powerhouse of artists and producers who shaped the sound. José Castillo and Fofo Story not only performed on this project but also handled a lot of the production and engineering. That’s the kind of hands-on artistry you can feel in every detail.
Producers like Édgar Barrera, Casta, IzyBeats, Brandon Cores, Fux Beat, Lil Einyel, Mazzarri, JenneJenne, Orteez, Rob Smyles, and more, all brought their own flavors. From champeta-inspired rhythms to deep house textures, layered percussion to those playful electronic glitches that sneak up mid-verse. Everyone added something that made the album feel cosmic but grounded. Intentional but still easy to dance to.
And then there’s the technical team: Alex De Turk (mastering), Rian Lewis (mixing), Felipe Trujillo, César Sánchez, Carlos Imperatori, and César Santiago Cajigas, who all played key roles across the album’s engineering. Whether it was capturing the softness of a moment, the impact of a kick, or making sure all that texture translated cleanly. They did the work!
This album feels like a shared vision brought to life with full trust, and I love when that happens. Everyone involved truly understood the assignment.
ASTROPICAL Album Score
Category | Description | Max Points |
|---|---|---|
Concept & Flow | Does the album take the listeners on a journey with a clear concept or narrative? | 24/25 |
Song Highlights & Consistency | How Strong are the standout tracks, and is the album consistent overall? | 27/30 |
Artist Vision & Innovation | Does this album push boundaries or showcase the artist's evolution? | 17/20 |
Audience Connection & Replay Value | Does the album resonate with its audience, and does it have staying power? | 13/15 |
Evolving Appeal & Listener Evolution | How does the album evolve in perception as a whole over time? Does its appeal grow, maintain or fade? | 9/10 |
Total | 90/100 |
This album is a beautiful project that I genuinely enjoyed. There’s a clear and thoughtful vision throughout, allowing Saumet and Montenegro to explore the concept freely while still staying focused. I wouldn’t say this album lacks growth, because it doesn’t. It blends the sounds of two of the most recognizable forces in tropical pop today, and the result feels both familiar and refreshing.
What stood out most to me was how each track found a way to represent its zodiac sign without forcing the symbolism. The themes, production, and mood of each song felt intentional. It’s a concept album that doesn’t just follow a theme: it lives in it. There’s quality in the details, and care in how the project unfolds.
In a fun way, this album unfolds how I would imagine the arrival of people at a house party. It starts off with your chill and grounded folks who just want to chill, hang out, and enjoy the snacks (Aquarius, Virgo, Pisces, Capricorn, & Taurus). Then you have your mood makers ready to start the party. They're the friends who came with a drink in hand (or in the system), and are ready to breathe energy into the room (Libra, Aries, Cancer & Sagittarius). Lastly, you have your introverts who are happy to be there, but are secretly waiting for that quieter, more intimate moment after the show. They grabbed whatever last-minute items they could, and are always ready for a good conversation or game (Gemini & Scorpio). Oh! You can't forget that one friend who always comes late (Leo), but you're okay with it, because now that the party is complete, the memories can continue being made! A wholesome expression of personality, enjoyment, and experience. This album is in the shape of a friend to accompany you in your sunniest moments. Doesn't seem too out of the ordinary for a Rawayana and Bomba Estéreo record, huh?
I’m excited to revisit this album in the right setting. Under the sun, on a road trip, or near the water. It’s the kind of project that invites you to be present. I’m grateful Bomba Estéreo and Rawayana brought this vision to life. It feels like it arrived at exactly the right time.
The Final Total Score for ASTROPICAL is an
✨ 8.5/10 ✨
If you haven’t heard the full album yet, now’s your chance. Light a candle, grab your friends, go for a drive, or just sit in the sun and let this album carry you.
If you vibed with this breakdown, let me know:🗣️ Which sign was your favorite representation?💭 What song surprised you most?📈 Did your own zodiac sign hit... or miss?
Drop a comment, share with your astrology playlist group chat, and don’t forget to follow Ritmo & RON for more sonic deep dives.
📸 IG: @ritmoyron
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