On August 29, SM Entertainment digitally released the seventh Super Junior album entitled “MAMACITA.” Super Junior reestablishes their overall relevancy within the crowded sector of K-Pop male groups with their comeback album.  The physical release of "MAMACITA" will occur on September 1. 

Super Junior is poised to celebrate their tenth year since their debut. “MAMACITA” is the follow up to the 2012 studio album “Sexy, Free & Single.” "MAMACITA" incorporates the vocals of the ten members of Super Junior. The album marks the return of Super Junior leader Leeteuk and Heechul, since they completed their military service.  

The overall album is solid, with all of the tracks demonstrating an elevated level of musicality.
“MAMACITA” includes ten tracks including the title track which incorporates elements of Latin music with the K-Pop staple, New Jack Swing.  Blackstreet founding member and producer Teddy Riley is partially responsible for the production of the title track.  The musical juxtaposition on “MAMACITA” makes for a track which is aurally interesting beyond the visual presentation of the video.

There is a humorous aspect of “MAMACITA” which is the incorporation of some Spanish words with Korean and English.

The second song on the album is the sultry R&B track “Midnight Blues.” A strong point for Super Junior has been dance tracks, but “Midnight Blues” provides an opportunity for the group to demonstrate their sexy and soulful vocals. “Midnight Blues” segues into the third track on the album “Evanesce.” “Evanesce” with relatively within the tonality of “Midnight Blues” which works for the track.

“Raining Spell for Love” is more uptempo than the previous two tracks, but continues to highlight the melodic voices of the group. The arrangement of the song is more similar with recent releases by SM Entertainment’s EXO. It is apparent that the two years since “Sexy, Free & Single” has provided for an opportunity to establish a more contemporary sound.

“Shirt” incorporates hip hop, elements of Samba, and pop. Super Junior's Donghae is credited for the lyrics and music on "Shirt."  The breakdown at the 2:30 mark helps to establish the infectious nature of “Shirt.” The track is one of the most energetic on the album beyond the title track.

Another standout track on the album is the delightfully soulful throwback track “THIS IS LOVE.” “THIS IS LOVE” draws inspiration from late seventies disco, while providing another example of the solid vocals within Super Junior. “Let’s Dance” is also a retro dance track. Both tracks provide a delightful departure from the pervasive use of EDM which has tended to dominate K-Pop within the past year.

One of the best songs on “MAMACITA” is “Too Many Beautiful Girls.” It is a reflection of a classic American pop sound with its inclusion of handclaps, truly reflecting the title of the song. The track evokes a visual image of the guys of Super Junior on sandy shores, populated by bikini clad beach bunnies.

The album begins to draw to a close with “Mid-Season.” “Mid-Season” is a mid-tempo track which provides a perfect segue to the tranquil closing song “Islands.”

On “MAMACITA,” Super Junior proves that they are back and ready to reclaim their spot as one of the best male groups in K-Pop. K-Pop fans who have not considered listening to Super Junior in the past will be pleasantly surprised by this album.

Listen to the new album “MAMACITA” from Super Junior HERE.