Norma

Inspired by evenings spent dancing in Mexico City’s retro-style ballrooms, Mon Laferte’s sixth studio album pays tribute to the golden era of tropical music. It was also recorded in the span of one hour. An astute listener of Latin classics, the chameleonic Laferte can channel the funky muscle of hardcore salsa (a brassy “Por Qué Me Fui a Enamorar de Ti”), the lazy cadence of old-style cumbia (“Ronroneo”), and the wide-eyed sweetness of ’50s bolero (“Si Alguna Vez,” a tender duet with El David Aguilar). Much more than a mere re-creation of times past, *Norma* triumphs on the strength of Laferte’s singing, which is luminous throughout. This love letter to the undying purity of Afro-Caribbean music may very well be the best album of her career.