Motivan2

Personnel: Gabriel Pizarro, Felix Ortiz (vocals).
Audio Mixer: Juan G. Rivera Vázquez.
Recording information: Baby Records Studios; Infinity Music Studios; Music Capos Studios.
Photographer: Martin Betz.
On their debut for WEA Latina, the formidable Puerto Rican reggaeton and pop duo deliver a star-studded sophomore effort loaded with stylistic diversity and guest appearances from top talent. J Balvin assists on the infectious, skitterbeat hit single "Otra Vez," while R. Kelly assists on the smooth, spacy "El Tiempo." The album opener is the hit "Ebrigame," which weds reggaeton, tropical grooves -- including a nod at merengue -- and pop-R&B. The slick production on "Mi Tesoro," with its dancehall rhythm track and seductive pop melody, offers an excellent pairing of the duo with Nicky Jam. Speaking of dancehall, Farruko delivers a gritty rap in the midtempo club anthem "Que Bien Se Siente" that also features some of Zion's best singing on the album. "Dame Tu Amor"'s infectious backbeat is one of the finer illustrations of modern reggaeton, while the blend of their rapping and singing voices reveals why Zion & Lennox have remained important over a decade after their debut. Daddy Yankee helps out on the set's party jam "Cierra Los Ojos," which is guaranteed to get all arms waving. Each man takes a solo turn as well. For Zion, it's the sweet, sexy Tropicalia on "Me Voy," and for Lennox, it's the hyperactive dubwise dancehall of "Predne en Fuego." Though there are a mammoth 18 tracks here, there isn't a filler tune in the bunch. Sixteen years after Zion & Lennox delivered the groundbreaking Motivando a la Yal, they surpass it on the all-killer, no-filler Motivan2. This album uses their core sound in a rainbow of styles that reveal not only why reggaeton remains relevant in the 21st century, but offers proof of an evolution that may signal its next incarnation. ~ Thom Jurek