Mora (real name: Gabriel Armando Mora Quintero) surprised fans with the release of his fifth studio album, Lo Mismo de Siempre, on Sunday (May 18) via Rimas Entertainment.
The 17-track set, which was first produced in Miami and then finished in Puerto Rico, was created during an ultra-personal moment in Mora’s life: fatherhood. Though the songs don’t necessarily delve into his personal life per se, it was important for him to move back home with his family to spark his muse and seek the ideal inspiration.
Lo Mismo de Siempre — named in honor of those who say that the Puerto Rican artist-producer is “always doing the same thing” in his music — is truly an ode to the day-one fans.
“None of this was due to luck/ I’ve had a thousand falls, and although they hurt, they made me stronger/ The people made me, and that’s why I’m here with the same people as always,” he chants in the opening title track, over a dark, dramatic synth melody.
The set then navigates through futuristic reggaetón and perreo sounds (yes, true to Mora’s essence), but also some innovative trap, ballads, tropical and house fusions. He also reeled in potent collaborators, including C.Tangana, Young Miko, Sech, Ryan Castro, and Omar Courtz. Lyrically, he sings about love, heartbreak, the loses, the wins, and other relatable topics.
Lo Mismo De Siempre follows the sets Primer Día de Clases, Microdosis, Paraíso, and Estrella — all of which debuted top 10 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart.
Below, Mora breaks down five essential tracks from his new album, in his own words:
“Bandida”
This is one of the first songs I wrote for the album, about two years ago at the first song camp. I wrote this song with the great Elikai, who participated in the composition and production. I think it was one of the first songs where I said, “Damn, this is the path, I’m going well.” It was one of the songs where I always felt that it was 100% right and no song can replace this one. It’s always given me a “Primer Día de Clases” vibe, so I clung to that, and that’s why it’s track No. 2 on the album.
“Droga” (feat. C.Tangana)
Pucho (C. Tangana) and I hadn’t had that moment to sit down and create, but one day he asked me to send him some stuff. I sent him this idea when it was about 50% done, he liked it, we met for a few days in Madrid, and the magic happened. I’ve always been a fan of bachata; it’s a genre I love. I find it quite complete musically, and I’ve always wanted to explore it. I’ll always prefer to work alone, but if there’s someone I don’t mind having in the studio, it’s Cromo. He has a lot of that bachata influence on me.
“Aurora” (feat. De La Rose)
I loved working with De La Rose. I feel like she has such an incredible voice, and I think in a couple of years, she could become one of the best voices in the genre. She’s incredibly talented, she knows what she has to do in the studio, she knows what she wants, and I really didn’t have to do much. She’s always open to feedback, and all I can say is a huge thank you for taking the time to create a song that people loved — because for me, at least, it’s one of my favorites.
“TOA” (feat. Young Miko)
I’ve wanted to work with Young Miko for a long time. I think she brings a new vibe to what I’ve been doing, and I think she’s super talented. I get along really well with her. We’ve been wanting to do something for a while, but it just didn’t happen until now.
Cuando Me Vaya
Yes, it’s obviously a very intimate song, but I think that closeness is preserved by being me. I think it’s a very personal song, and I think for that very reason people are going to identify with it because I’m showing parts of myself that I hadn’t before.
