The album was described as a conceptual and experimental work, in which Nicki Nicole reveals her most intimate side and addresses different musical genres.[5] The artist, in reference to her work, defined it as an opportunity to "show darkness, fullness, happiness and all the points of what one feels and really feel".[5]
The sounds of the album are inspired by bolero, tango, hip hop and electronic music.[2]Alma is characterized by encompassing three abstract concepts: the soul, the heart and the mind.[6] In reference to this, Nicole pointed out that it is called "assemblage point", since when these three concepts are in tune, everything works.[7] Furthermore, the artist mentioned that her work was the product of a healing process related to emotional dependence.[2]
In relation to the album title, Nicole mentioned that it emerged from a time in her life where she felt a lack of connection with herself, her brain and heart where she was shut down.[8] Based on this, he stated that the album "is the representation of his most transparent self".[8] Regarding the cover, he commented that the triangle formed by his hands reflects the meeting point of the three concepts that support the idea of the album.[7]
Reception
Critic's comments
Billboard magazine's Griselda Flores described Alma as "an album that draws on emotions, spirituality and reason".[9] Next, he highlighted that "unlike Parte de Mí, released in 2021, this new set is sonically less experimental, but its lyrics are more raw, mature and intimate" and "Nicki takes fans on a journey of self-reflection".[9] Additionally, he highlighted the opening track "Ya No", saying that it is "a moving yet dramatic piano-led ballad that highlights her striking voice".[9]
In a positive review for the newspaper La Nación, Sebastián Chaves wrote that the album "finds a unity of meaning and a more evident cohesion than in the previous ones; and for the first time, the production seems to have focused on playing in favor of the Rosario singer's style".[10]
On May 11, 2023, Nicki Nicole announced through her social networks that Alma would be released to the digital music market on May 18 of that same year.[12] It was preceded by the publication of two singles and succeeded by one more.
Singles
On March 9, 2023, Nicki Nicole published the song "No Voy a Llorar :')" as the first preview of her album.[13] The lyric portrays great spite and pain of a love that will not be possible.[2] The track, according to fans and specialized media, is inspired by the artist's breakup with her ex-partner, the Argentine rapper and singer Trueno.[13]
The second single titled "¿Qué Le Pasa Conmigo?" was released on April 19, 2023, in collaboration with Spanish singer Rels B.[14] The song is characterized by the sounds of dembow and the lyrics talk about a strained relationship due to a third party in discord.[15] It was presented for the first time live during a musical event at the Foro Sol in Mexico before more than sixty-five thousand people.[16]
His next single was the song "Dispara ***" in collaboration with Milo J, which was published on May 17, 2023, one day before the official release of the album.[17] The lyrics describe the challenges that the music industry presents and the determination one must have to get ahead.[5] The track is a hip hop that is composed on a boom bap basis.[17]
On May 25, 2023, a week after the album's release, the fourth single "8 AM" was released with Puerto Rican singer Young Miko.[18] It is a Latin trap track and lyrically is about the anticipation of a secret meeting early in the morning.[19]
