I got my first vaccine shot yesterday and to say I’m relieved would be an understatement. I know it’s not done. I know I still need to get another shot and I know that, even then, the pandemic rages on but something about getting that first shot really gave me a newfound sense of optimism that I have so desperately needed. Unfortunately, it also gave me a wicked sore arm and exhaustion that I just can’t shake but, again, optimism. So with this new optimism, I’m ready to check out some new music so let’s start with Matias Poro’s album ‘I’m Not Ok With U’.

This twelve-song album kicks off with “Dame Luz” and I was instantly transported into a whole other world. I don’t know where that world is because the blend of genres in this opening track is all over the place but I love my new surroundings. I instantly regretted not keeping up with my Spanish classes as this song is sung in Spanish but, the feeling that Matias is able to convey in his smooth vocals transcends any language barrier. “Élite” continues to showcase Matias’ smooth and oh so beautiful voice. The beat is still very Spanish inspired as it was in “Dame Luz” but there’s an infectious beat in this one that makes it feel a bit more commercial in all of the right ways.

Matias seamlessly switches into English for “Fast”. Although a different language (and one that I can understand), the overall vibe of this track really doesn’t change. The flawless transition had me absolutely stunned and in awe. Being able to finally understand the lyrics without using a flawed Google translator, I’m realizing that not only is Matias’ voice beautiful, so are the words. The way the album slows down for “Got U” just enhances that beauty. Although the beat is slower, something is a bit quicker in Matias’ voice which is a cool element and something I wasn’t quite expecting.

“Fool” is the first track that really showcases how quickly and seamlessly Matias is able to switch between languages. I feel like most musicians try to stick to one language for an entire song or album but not Matias. The way he slips in a portion of Spanish in this beautiful track, again, had me in awe. Although this track is a bit slower than I typically go for, there’s something so warm and cozy about it that made it an instant favorite of mine. This is seriously the perfect soundtrack for a candle, bottle of wine, favorite blanket, and cuddles with your loved one (or your cats).

Things amp up a bit for “For Sure”. The track starts with an announcer telling you that “This is the end of side one of this record. Please now turn it over for the second side” before the album shifts into something a bit more upbeat and radio-ready. “For Sure” is the first track that I’ve really noticed an electronic-based drumbeat. This beat and the intrigue of this being the “second side of the album” had this track flying by and, in no time, it had been replaced by “Toy”. “Toy” continues with this more radio-ready vibe and also brings in a female vocalist by the name of Laila. The way Matias and Laila’s voices melt together is amazing and I hope I get to hear more of Laila throughout the rest of this album.

Up to “Nothing”, the majority of the words on this album have been light-hearted and full of love but a bitter edge starts to come to fruition in “Nothing” and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love it. Sure, Matias does the love song this so well and his voice is perfect for it but there’s something about the way he presents this new edge that I just can’t get enough of. That edge continues to come out for “Lucky Motherfucker (featuring Lun Scar & Imperium, The First). There’s an undeniable sense of aggression in the vocals of this track (as if the song title didn’t get that away) and I found myself completely lost in it. It isn’t just the vocals that had me lost but also the instrumentation. There are elements that are very commercial like I heard on the first half of the album but there are also darker elements that really stood out to me. 

Just like previously on ‘I’m Not Ok With U’, Matias seamlessly switches back to Spanish for “No Puede Amar” and brings back some more of that traditional Spanish vibe that kicked the album off. Although I was loving the energy of the bitterness felt in the past few songs, it was refreshing to return to this more traditional vibe. “Pqnotevas?” continues with the more traditional sounds and also slows the album back down to the love song vibe from the beginning. Another absolutely stunning track, I found myself completely lost in Matias’ voice.

“Take Me Out Of My World” closes this album out absolutely perfectly. It takes the love, the energy, the bitterness, the catchiness, the beauty, and everything else heard previously on this album and wraps it all into this final and amazing track. Although this was unlike anything I’ve ever reviewed before and not something I would have normally listened to, I found myself begging for more when it was said and done. What a beautiful album from a beautiful musician.

My Favorite Track(s): “Fool”

For Fans Of: Smooth Vocals; Love Songs; Bilingual Magic

Daydream-ability: 5 out of 10

What My Cats Thought Of It: Artie kept trying to jump from the back of the couch to my desk because he wanted to spill my cup of water; Autumn slept upstairs

How Badly I Want To See This Performed Live: 6 out of 10

My Overall Rating: 7 out of 10

Check Out Matias Poro Here:

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Check out ‘I’m Not Ok With U’ HERE! 

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