Acclaimed Nicaraguan-American artist Carlos Xavier excitedly announces the release of his second salsa album, aptly titled “Levántate.” This new album is a powerful invitation to resilience and a testament to Xavier’s unique and evolving sound, cementing him as a leading voice in the new generation of salsa.
“Levántate”, named after the inspiring song written by Carlos Xavier himself, is an album that embraces self-improvement. The title track conveys a universal message of perseverance in the face of life’s adversities, reminding listeners of the importance of moving forward no matter how many times one falls.
The album features luxury collaborations that further enrich Carlos Xavier’s musical proposal. “El Príncipe de la Salsa”, Luis Enrique, joins Carlos on the track “Bailo Vivo y Gozo”, a vibrant and unique track that fuses salsa and R&B rhythms, allowing the voices of both artists to shine with their own light in an irresistible and danceable melody.
The urban influence is present with the participation of Bay Area legends Los Rakas in “Paper Feelings.” This integration of salsa with touches of reggaeton results in a fun song with great commercial potential for Latin music audiences.
Carlos Xavier also pays heartfelt homage to the pioneers of the genre in “No Pretendo Ser,” a song that humbly acknowledges the individuality of each artist and celebrates the diversity of talent and flavor in salsa without the need for comparisons.
Demonstrating his versatility, the album includes salsa versions of hits by renowned artists such as Pablo Alborán, Felipe Peláez and Andrés Cepeda, giving them his personal stamp and the passion that characterizes his interpretations.
Since his debut salsa album “Vive Todo Ahora” in 2019, Carlos Xavier has captured the attention of the industry and the public, getting his songs positioned on important salsa/tropical playlists on Spotify and generating a stir worldwide.
His ability to fuse salsa with influences from R&B, hip-hop and romantic ballads has allowed him to create a fresh and distinctive sound that is born from his very essence.
With deep roots in the Latin vocal style, Carlos Xavier possesses a pure and passionate voice that conveys warmth and emotion in each melody.
Carlos Xavier’s talent has been recognized by prominent figures of the genre, including his colleague and Nicaraguan salsa icon, Luis Enrique. The collaboration in “Bailo, Vivo, y Gozo” represents for Carlos the realization of a dream when recording with one of his idols.
In addition, the prestigious Billboard magazine highlighted him as one of the “15 hidden gems that keep the salsa genre alive”, an achievement that underscores his importance and contribution to the evolution of the genre.
“Levántate” is an album that has it all: motivational messages, stellar collaborations, innovative fusions and Carlos Xavier’s unmistakable passion in every performance. It’s salsa made with the heart, with a fresh and unique sound that only it can offer.
About Carlos Xavier:
Originally from San Francisco, California, Carlos Xavier is a Nicaraguan-American artist who is part of the new generation of salsa talents. With a style that integrates his musical passions for salsa, R&B, hip-hop and romantic ballads, Xavier has managed to stand out in the Latin music scene, gaining recognition on digital platforms and specialized media.
Detailed Review of Songs from the “Levántate” Album:
Excerpts from Carlos Xavier’s songs on “Levántate” present a rich palette of themes and emotions, from the euphoria of love to introspection and strength.
Bailo Vivo y Gozo (feat. Luis Enrique): An exultant celebration of happiness and connection in a loving relationship. It describes a deep union where the couple brings peace and teaches love, generating a feeling of eternal joy and absence of fear. The song identifies with rhythm and movement, feeling “the happiest man” next to the loved one, fusing salsa and reggaeton with the couple’s ability to “stop the world” with their dance.
How is it possible: Explore the pain and confusion following a breakup or drastic change in a relationship. It reflects the difficulty of understanding the end after a significant time, the feeling of a heart “squeezed” by contempt and the inability to resist rejection.
The lyrics question how it is possible not to want to remember a love that was once everything and express the desire to never see the person who caused so much pain again.
Promise: A song that intertwines nostalgia for the past, hope for the future and the commitment to move forward. It speaks of the desire to regain the innocence of love, the hope for happier days and the promise to remember the lessons learned.
A central theme is the promise to make the bond last, letting go of burdens and facing life with authenticity. It contains a powerful statement about having “known how to love” despite criticism.
Day after day: It reflects on the nature of love, the security found in the couple, and long-term commitment. It contrasts the outside world with the peace and security found next to the loved one. It expresses a deep desire to share life together until the end, finding daily joy in each other’s smiles and suggesting that temporary goodbyes imply a future reunion.
Get up: The central anthem of the album, a powerful message of resilience and overcoming. It emphasizes the importance of persisting despite falls and external doubts.
He emphasizes that valuable achievements require effort and that falling is an inevitable part of life, but the crucial thing is to get up again and again, facing the trials and always looking for a way out.
I do not pretend to be: A statement of individuality and respect for salsa’s roots. The narrator affirms his uniqueness and how he approaches things differently. He pays tribute to those who have taught him and celebrates traditions, stressing that there is no need for comparisons as each artist has his or her own talent and “flavor.”
He reaffirms his own path with respect for the “legends” of the genre.
Feelings of Paper (feat. The Rakas): It expresses the frustration and suffering caused by the indifference of the partner. It describes a relationship in crisis where one of the members seems immune to pain and nothing affects him deeply, making everything a problem and causing suffering with his aloof attitude. It reflects the wear and tear of the relationship and the feeling that love is fading.
So Natural: It celebrates a love that feels predestined and effortless. He describes the encounter as something perhaps casual or divine that leads to a shared path. Love is presented as “so natural,” especially when the connection is immense. Naturalness extends to physical interactions and moments together, which are described as “so cute.”
The commitment to be the complement of the couple and to take care of this “so real” love that is not easily found is emphasized.