REVIEW: MAU Y RICKY - HOTEL CARACAS

Venezuelan-born duo Mau y Ricky's 2024 album "Hotel Caracas" is a powerful musical tribute to their homeland amidst its ongoing humanitarian crisis. The album blends heartfelt acoustics and vibrant dance beats, reflecting Venezuela's rich culture and resilience. Standout tracks like "Muriendo de Miedo," "David Beckham," and "Fetiche" showcase the duo's vocal and songwriting prowess. As the world often overlooks Venezuela's struggles, "Hotel Caracas" serves as a poignant reminder and love letter to their roots. Rated a perfect ten, this album has captivated listeners, highlighting Mau y Ricky's exceptional talent and deep connection to their heritage.

©MAUYRICKY

It seems that these days we cannot get a break from heartbreak. With so many humanitarian crisis and violence going on, it is hard to keep track of which country needs help. With certain countries taking precedence over others in the media, some countries have slipped through the cracks. This is mainly due to financial interests of other countries, and soured relations.

One country that is facing a huge humanitarian crisis is Venezuela. With over 7 million Venezuelans are estimated to flee Venezuela due to hyperinflation increased crime, and political issues; we are seeing the world stage and media turning their back on Venezuela. This hits very close to home due to me being half Venezuelan; my father being born and raised in the capital of Caracas. Traveling there since I was little made me fall in love with the country, the food, the scenery; making me proud to call it my second home.

The musical duo Mau y Ricky, also born in Caracas, Venezuela but raised mainly in Miami, Florida have been making great music for years now, with such hits such as “Mi Mala”. In 2024, Mau y Ricky came out with their second full length studio album Hotel Caracas. From the first song “Muriendo de Miedo” which is an acoustic song with produced beats that has an incredible outro that is an ode to classic Venezuelan/Latin American music with the vocals in harmony and the acoustic guitar, I was truly moved from this album. With fun dance songs such as “David Beckham” to moving loving songs such as “Fetiche” and “Amarte Tanto”.

I give this album a 10 out of 10, and has been on repeat almost everyday since the release. This album overall is an amazing showcase of Mau y Ricky’s talents, vocal and songwriting abilities. For me this was a much needed love letter to Venezuela, and how even though the world has forgotten Venezuela, we as Venezuelans have not.