The Bottom Line
Kuky's self-titled debut album brings us r&b tracks, some ranchera tinged, others with a hip hop flavor, all slow and soulfully felt and sung. Produced by Akwid, who also helps with the hip hop on a couple of the tracks, the album is a strong first effort in the somewhat rare Latin r&b genre.
Pros
- Strong debut effort for 'Valley Girl' Kuky
- Latin R&B genre nice change of pace
Cons
- Tracks get a little repetitious, with the rhythm seldom varying
Description
- 14 Tracks of slow, soulful Latin R&B
- Produced by Sergio and Francisco Gomez (Akwid)
- Released on Machete Music
Guide Review - CD Review: Kuky Debut Album
Kuky is Lucero Rodriguez from Granada Hills, CA, a "Valley Girl" who's mother hails from Sonora, Mexico. The name "Kuky" is a high school nickname, given by friends confronted with a classmate of sardonic wit and clownish demeanor.
I've got to admit to having a difficult time taking a debut album from someone named "Kuky" seriously, but once I started listening to the album, it got a lot easier. A fortuitous meeting with Sergio and Francisco Gomez, collectively known as 'Akwid' started her on the road to the album; Akwid not only produced the album but help out on a couple of numbers.
All the songs are sung and written by Kuky. Her music is a slow, often dirge-like R&B, often focusing on "he done me wrong / blue girl" lyrics and highlighting a pleasant and soulful voice. "Mentiras" has a ranchera sound that blended with the r&b rhythm, and they really work well together. "Bailar Y Gozar" and "Let Me See" get a little help from some good rap rifts from Akwid.
After an initial surprise at the style of music, the CD grows on you. It's easy to listen to, presents a definite point of view and is just the kind of music you might want to listen to on a day when the 'poor me's are running you ragged.