Carlos Vives has unleashed his new studio album, El Último Disco, Vol. 1, a 10-track set that includes collaborations with Juan Luis Guerra, Nina Pastori, Sergio George and Josemi Carmona.
Though its title is open to many interpretations, it actually represents a return to roots and basics.
“This is not a farewell; it is a return to what truly matters: love, the land and our identity,” the Colombian singer-songwriter tells Billboard. “This album was crafted in that spirit — like those debut records by unforgettable bands. It was recorded live in the studio, alongside musicians of exceptional caliber who are unafraid to sing of beautiful love and of their people.”
Crafted with the traditional rock-infused cumbia and vallenato sounds that made Vives a global powerhouse, El Último Disco is also charged with romantic lyrics about wooing someone like in the old days as heard in opening track “Te Dedico.”
In the Juan Luis-assisted “Buscando el Mar,” the two Grammy-winning acts are inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude for a metaphorical journey filled with nostalgia, hope and connection. The song also marks the final recording by Vives’ longtime and late accordionist Egidio Cuadrado, who passed away in 2024.
But contrary to the album’s title, which translates to “the last album,” Vives is not going anywhere.
“I have no plans to retire; on the contrary, I want to continue singing about beautiful love and for my people,” he assures. “In a world of change, this album is a celebration of true music — of the essence that unites us. I want every song to be a personal message, a light that illuminates the heart of anyone who listens.”
Stream El Último Disco, Vol. 1 below:
