Esencia

A seemingly overnight success, Mexican pop singer-songwriter Humbe first broke out while still barely into his twenties. Bolstered by highlights “EL POETA” and “Te Conocí en Japón,” 2021’s appealing and affecting *ENTROPÍA* captured an uncannily cool artist making meaningful waves with a receptive young audience. The follow-up effort *AURORA* arrived later that year, further demonstrating his pop prowess via cuts like “AMOR DE CINE.” Yet there’s a clear progression to be found on his latest album, *ESENCIA*, with its alternative and R&B vibes on prominent display. From the downtempo grooves of the emotional “sanvalentín:(” to the jazzy accents of “TU VALOR,” he reveals more of a range than previously indicated, something further amplified by his vocal potency amid the lush atmospheres of “mamá” and the sleek R&B of “serotonina.”