Carín León releases Muda today (May 7), an album with which the Mexican music superstar has said is closing a creative chapter where he ventured into experimenting with other rhythms, even taking risks in his quest for artistic evolution. Released under Socios Music/Virgin Music Group/Island Records, the 14-track set spans genres and styles, from ska and soul to norteño and salsa, showcasing his well-known versatility.
“Muda is the representation of my unfulfilled musical desires, what I still needed to do,” the 36-year-old singer said on Tuesday (May 5) during a press conference in Mexico City. He added that he also fulfilled a dream by collaborating with Juanes and Rawayana. With the Colombian rocker, he recorded “Carranga,” a track that blends the cultures of their respective countries. With the Venezuelan trip-pop band, he presents “Bingo,” a lively salsa track.
The LP also includes previously released singles like “La Buena,” in the regional Mexican genre, and “Ruca,” where he surprised fans with a disco music vibe.
As for the album title, León explained that Muda (Spanish for silent but also for change of clothes) has multiple meanings: “It refers to Hermosillo because of the silent ‘h’,” he said. “It also relates to shedding or a change of skin. And it ties into the mouth, a symbol I’ve been using in my previous albums Palabra De Tos, Colmillo de Leche and Boca Chueca.”
Known for hits such as “Primera Cita,” “Te Lo Agradezco” and “Según Quién,” León is set to kick off his North American tour, De Sonora Para El Mundo, on May 20 in Hidalgo, Texas. The 40-date trek includes seven shows at The Sphere in Las Vegas, marking a historic milestone for Latin music.
Below, we present the tracks from Muda — one by one. Listen to the full album on Spotify (starting at 8:00 p.m. ET).
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“Desde Que Te Tengo”
The most romantic and pop track on the album, it’s accompanied by guitars with a performance full of tenderness.
Key lyrics: “Since I saw you, my life started to sound like this/ So beautifully, you started to become a part of me.”
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“En La Misma Cama”
Infused with the musical nostalgia of 1950s rock and roll and a voice charged with emotion, it tells the story of a fleeting relationship that left a lasting mark and unforgettable moments.
Key lyrics: “It was a night — the saddest, the happiest.”
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“Ruca”
Released as the second single, this electro-disco combination makes you want to move like on ’70s dance floors. The song talks about a man who accepts being happy with his woman’s toxic attitude.
Key lyrics: “I let my girl boss me around/ She’s crazy, but that’s how I like her best.”
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“Carranga” feat. Juanes
An unexpected collaboration where Juanes sounds very different from what we’re used to, with this fusion of norteño music and the folklore of the Colombian highlands. The playful language of a womanizing man is the core of this amusing story.
Key lyrics: “That’s my problem with women/ I sing to them, charm them, and they make a fool of me.”
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“Huyo”
The trumpets and soul mark the style of this hidden love declaration that prefers to stop and run away rather than fall into a relationship.
Key lyrics: “I’m feeling a lot and it scares me/ I’d rather call you now while I can.”
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“Doliendo Bastante”
With a rhythmic mid-tempo that blends pop and elements of blues, it transports listeners to the nostalgia of reminiscing about a love that ended, even though it still evokes many memories.
Key lyrics: “It’s hurting me a lot/ I don’t know with what heart, since you took this one with you.”
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“Bingo” ft Rawayana
A delicious mix that unites the best of two worlds, each with its own moment and style. The song, which talks about falling in love at first sight, achieves a fusion that’s very pleasing to the ear.
Key lyrics: “I hit the bingo and didn’t even realize it/ And without meaning to, I’ve fallen in love again.”
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“Tokio”
The touch of tumbado and mariachi might seem to have nothing to do with the title, but it’s quite the opposite. The song talks about a love that, although it lasted a short time, was as big as the distance to a faraway place.
Key lyrics: “After all, we were an express/ An adventure, another Friday of a sure burn.”
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“La Buena”
The first single from the album, with a completely regional Mexican style, cheeky verses and even a rapping flow. The conqueror has been conquered and now wants to prove it to “la buena” (the good one), for whom he’s willing to change.
Key lyrics: “For you, I’m retiring from the wild life/ I’ll let you tame this dog.”
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“El Mejor”
This song adds to the sound of the new regional Mexican style. With trumpets, tololoche, charchetas and guitars, it’s an anthem of self-love, packed with the energy and power of the Sonoran singer’s voice.
Key lyrics: “If it was impossible for you to forget your true love/ In a few words, I was and will always be the best.”
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“Vuelve o Vete”
The intro sets the tone for a theme of heartbreak, confirmed with an R&B rhythm and touches of accordion. Full of emotion and a powerful performance, regret and the promise of a new beginning are at the core of this song’s story.
Key lyrics: “Come back or leave/ I gave you a thousand reasons for both/ I admit that sometimes I was a jerk.”
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“Sustancias y Bebidas”
A bit of ska, reggae and even tango combine in this cocktail of music and emotions, a confession of addictions from someone in pain who has been let down.
Key lyrics: “If a bad woman has passed through your life/ You’ll be just like me/ In a relationship of substances and drinks.”
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“Olvídate”
To the rhythm of ’70s disco, this lament of disdain and heartbreak is the strongest track on the album due to its language and message of pain directed at someone who didn’t know how to value.
Key lyrics: “You have my disdain for making me feel like sh–t/ I don’t want promises full of cynicism.”
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“Ay Lupita”
Cumbia, polka and joy come together in this upbeat song, an essential rhythm in León’s productions, with catchy lyrics that stick in your mind from the very first moment.
Key lyrics: “Ay Lupita, don’t be mean/ Let’s repeat what happened on the first date.”