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Jacqie Rivera Explores Vulnerability on New Album 'Corazón Desnudo'
Nuevo Features

Jacqie Rivera Explores Vulnerability on New Album ‘Corazón Desnudo’

Jacqie Rivera, the second daughter of the legendary regional Mexican icon Jenni Rivera, has officially unveiled her latest studio album, Corazón Desnudo. Released via Soundflower Inc/Virgin Music Group, the 12-track project marks a significant evolution in her sound, masterfully blending pop-rock sensibilities with the foundational elements of her regional Mexican heritage. As she balances her role as CEO of Jenni Rivera Enterprises with her burgeoning music career, Jacqie views this album as a profound act of catharsis.

“Even though it leans into a different genre, I had to add some of what’s in my DNA,” Rivera shared with Billboard Español. The creative process behind Corazón Desnudo served as a healing journey for the artist, allowing her to process the experiences of the past few years. “It’s not just an album of songs; it’s something I’ve lived through. It reflects the things that have brought me to this point in my life,” she explained.

The album showcases Rivera’s versatility as she experiments with R&B, pop, and Latin rhythms. Her vocal delivery remains both soft and commanding on standout tracks such as “Mi superpoder,” “Pa’ migajas,” and “Cuando cambies volveré.”

A Meaningful Musical Legacy

Perhaps the most poignant moment on the record is her duet with her late mother on a cover of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.” By pairing archival recordings of the “Diva of Banda” with her own contemporary vocals, Jacqie creates a bridge between the past and the present. The song, which the pair once performed together when Jacqie was a teenager, serves as a tribute to the woman who inspired her to pursue music.

“That invitation was incredibly special. I think my mom saw something in me that made her believe I might eventually pursue music,” says Rivera, reflecting on the legacy of her mother, who passed away in 2012. “Even though I also have to be involved in the business now, it inspires me to remember that she would get up at 5 a.m. to organize everything she had to do.”

Breaking Down the Tracks

Below, Jacqie Rivera offers insight into the inspirations behind five essential songs from Corazón Desnudo:

  • “Mi Superpoder”: A pop-rock track with a prominent accordion, this song explores the realization that the love you give to others must also be directed inward.
  • “If I Ain’t Got You”: A sweet, melancholy duet that honors her mother’s memory and their shared love for music.
  • “300 Veces”: An upbeat, empowering anthem about the healing process that follows a difficult breakup.
  • “Cuando Cambies Volveré”: A track featuring a smooth, rhythmic groove with touches of bachata and electric guitar, focusing on the necessity of loving someone from a distance.
  • “Pa’ Migajas”: A raw, pop-rock song about self-worth and refusing to accept anything less than genuine affection.