Rauw Alejandro’s got a secret
Album Review: Cosa Nuestra
Cosa Nuestra connects you, him, and everyone who presses play, creating a shared experience through its diverse and dynamic sound.

In Tune is The NewsHouse’s weekly album review. Contributors Sarah Dorval and Annie Labarca cover new releases across genres.
Rauw Alejandro’s fifth studio album, Cosa Nuestra, released Nov. 15, provides fans with a blend of old-school salsa and bachata mixed with modern-day trap. The Puerto Rican artist was previously dating Spanish singer Rosalía, who served as part of the inspiration for the album. Notable collaborations include Bad Bunny and Pharell Williams, while smaller artists were also given the opportunity to shine, including the group LATIN MAFIA and Mr. Naisgai. With 18 tracks, the album reaches an hour and 7 minutes by dragging its way to the very end, leaving listeners circling back to their few favorites.
Alejandro lures the audience in with the album’s title track, “Cosa Nuestra,” kicking off with a slow and seductive tango. “Es tan corto el amor y tan largo el olvido” meaning “Love is so short, forgetting is so long” references a poem from Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s collection Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair.
However, the poeticism is quickly lost on his second song, “Déjame Entrar” which dives into direct sexual innuendos while the light drumming island beat in the background tries to keep the lyrics level. Bad Bunny matches Alejandro’s energy by opening on “Qué Pasaría…,” smoothly flowing from rhetorical questions reminiscing on previous hookups to imagining what could happen in the future.
“Tú Con Él” introduces lively trumpet notes and takes on a familiar salsa flavor, reminiscent of nostalgic Latin sounds with lines that echo classics like “Virgen” by Adolescent’s Orquestra delivering a classic, heartfelt narrative. Although instead of the yearning that comes from those songs with lines like “Ya no llores, no me importe tu pasado,” Alejandro details how he was hurt in his previous relationships with the chorus hitting the repetition of “you with him” followed by “Yo sé que jugaste con mis sentimientos” (I know you played with my feelings).
In a playful twist, “Committed” starts with an unexpected declaration: “I’m committing to hitting that booty on the regular,” bringing fun and cheeky energy. Marconi Impara’s sample on “Espresso Martini” is jarring but Yan Block thankfully lands his verse with much more finesse, showcasing the album’s experimentation with sound.
The first sentimental moment comes in “Ni Me Conozco,” where Alejandro taps into his own insecurities with vulnerability. The track ends with a vintage radio sample that mirrors the opening of the album, tying together the emotional journey. “Il Capo” follows with trippy, atmospheric vibes that lead into hard-hitting trap beats, offering an experimental and hypnotic sound.
“Mil Mujeres” presents a curious shift to a techno-influenced, robotic voice reminiscent of a Japanese anime scene, while “Tokyo Drift” is subtly remixed into the background. This track leans into an unexpected futuristic vibe, showcasing Alejandro’s versatility. The mood then takes a mellow turn with “Khé?” as Romeo Santos joins in, his smooth, almost spoken vocal delivery complementing Alejandro’s, creating a moment of relaxed intimacy.
As the album reaches its end, “Se Fue” feels like a throwback to cheesy 2000’s movie soundtracks, while “Pasaporte” delivers a classic, radio-friendly Spanish anthem, evoking nostalgic memories of early 2000’s pop. The trippy instrumental break on “2:12 AM” stands out as a moment of sonic experimentation, adding another layer to the album’s diverse sound palette.
Cosa Nuestra wraps up with a heartfelt thank you to collaborators and fans, reflecting on Alejandro’s journey, including a nod to his upcoming tour. The album strikes a balance between fun and reflective, playful flirtations and emotional depth, making it an engaging, multifaceted listening experience.