8

Romance abounds on 8, an EP-length love story courtesy of Lenny Tavárez. Coming off the joint album SUPERARTE with Justin Quiles, the Puerto Rican singer behind countless collaborative cuts takes a wholly solo vocal approach to this focused song cycle apparently drawing upon his lived experiences. Commencing a narrative journey set largely, though not exclusively, to the familiar rhythms of reggaetón and R&B, he begins with “SATISFExXxO,” its erotically charged lyrics evoking the throes of passion as well as the immediate aftermath. Further sexual situations characterize the slo-mo thump of “MI GALLERY,” though later moments like “PA’ LO BONITO” evoke the shift to something deeper with a sincere salsa flair. Throughout, he navigates a regret-laden breakup on the throwback “MODO AVIÓN” and pushes toward steamy reconciliation on the poetically explicit “MAR Y ARENA.” Up to and through the fairly graphic finale, “JUICY,” Tavárez fuses his physical lust with emotional gravity in a way that feels as meaningful as he intends it to feel.