“Orquídeas” was one of two albums that Kali Uchis announced on X, one of which was English and the other Spanish. “Orquídeas” was the Spanish album, with the title translating to “orchid.”
Orchids are commonly known to symbolize love and maturity, which is exactly what this album focuses on. From ballad to ballad, Uchis throws her feelings out into the world and makes it known that all she wants is peace and a healthy love.
Notably, Uchis paired up with Mexican music star Peso Pluma. Together they curated one of the most popular tracks on the record, “Igual Que Un Ángel,” translating to “Just Like An Angel.” In the track, the two discuss unbreakable womanhood in moments of toxicity.
With lyrics from Uchis’ verses like, “You should’ve seen the way she looked, igual que un ángel/Heaven’s her residence y ella no se va a caer/ They just can’t reach her, princesita inalcanzable/ Le rompieron el cora, pero nunca se la perdió, oh,” which translates to “You should’ve seen the way she looked, just like an angel/ Heaven’s her residence, and she won’t fall/ They just can’t reach her, an unreachable princess/ Her heart was broken, but she never lost herself, oh,” Uchis dives into protecting one’s peace and how much strength that takes.
Shortly after, Peso Pluma chimes in with the lyrics, “Ya le juraron amor y le fallaron/ Ojitos secos de todo lo que lloraron/ Pero ella no se rinde, sonríe aunque le duela/ Porque personas como ella ya no quedan,” which translates to “They promised her love and failed her/ Dry eyes from all the tears they shed/ But she doesn’t give up, smiles even when it hurts/ Because people like her are rare.”
The two artists collaborate to create this endearing ballad with rich lyrics, yet the song is also very danceable. This showcases Uchis’ multifaceted talents within the music she creates, as she created a danceable and alluring ballad about heartbreak.
Uchis continues to transcend genres in the track “Te Mata” as she uses hints of bolero-style music while still maintaining a pop-based track. Bolero is a Latin style of music that is known for being slow and romantic. Uchis utilizes guitar notes in the background of the sound, different from many of the other beats we see in the album. Uchis really embraces her Colombian roots with this song while staying true to the pop dance genre we know her for.
“Te Mata” stays true to the rest of the album, though, with Uchis going after whoever used to be in her life. She fiercely cuts off her past relationship in this song, with lyrics like, “Nunca te daré lo que quieres de mí,” which translates to “I will never give you what you want from me.” The title itself translates to “It Kills You.”
This track was everything Uchis’ Latinx fanbase wanted and more. It intertwined Uchis’ heritage with her fiery pop image to create another hit on the album while staying true to the theme of protecting one’s peace.
Out of the 14 tracks on this record, all of them are notable in their own way, yet the themes of ballads and heartbreak are consistent. Overall, “Orquídeas” tells a story — one with ups and downs, toxic love, healthy love, self-love and every love in between.
The album itself is also very sensual. From the beats to the lyrics, Uchis immersed listeners in how she was feeling. The album features a wide range of danceable beats that you would hear anywhere from a club on a busy Saturday night to a student’s study playlist, which shows the range that Uchis has in her music.
“Orquídeas” can best be described as a vivid dreamlike description of Uchis’ love life. It all felt very flowy and illusive. If you close your eyes and listen, you may feel like you’re floating. If nothing else, this record showcased both Uchis’ Colombian heritage and the intense emotions and passion she has felt towards her love life.
