Salsa has always been music of motion—of survival, joy, and unshakable spirit. On his new album Levántate, Bay Area singer, songwriter, and salsero Carlos Xavier doesn’t just honor that tradition—he lives inside it. The album’s title translates to Rise Up, and that theme of resilience isn’t a slogan; it’s the heartbeat of the entire record. Xavier digs into life’s emotional grit—loss, love, pressure, persistence—and transforms it into dance-floor fire.
Unlike his debut album, Vive Todo Ahora, which introduced him as a promising new voice in modern salsa, Levántate feels personal and intentional. Xavier wrote and curated every track himself, aiming for total authenticity. “This album is one hundred percent me,” he says—and you can hear it. The arrangements are tighter, the songwriting sharper, and the emotional energy higher. He describes the sound as “innovative salsa with heart”—built on tradition but not afraid of evolution.
The album’s collaborations sharpen that vision. On “Bailo Vivo y Gozo,” Xavier teams up with Luis Enrique—yes, the “Prince of Salsa”—in a thrilling blend of salsa swing and R&B pulse. The chemistry is instant, the groove undeniable. Elsewhere, he links up with Los Rakas on “Sentimientos de Papel,” a slick fusion of salsa with Bay Area reggaetón swagger. Rather than forcing crossover moments, Xavier weaves them naturally—each collaboration expanding his sound without compromising his musical identity.
Vocally, Xavier is expressive without excess. He leans into melody with romantic precision, and his phrasing is shaped by classic salsa greats—but he resists imitation. The horns carry as much emotion as the lyrics, while the percussion drives each track forward with a vibrant, live-band feel. And amid the original songs, his salsa interpretations of Pablo Alborán and Felipe Pelaez stand out—not as covers, but as reinterpretations that carry his signature style.
What makes Levántate compelling is not just craft, but conviction. Xavier isn’t chasing trends or algorithms; he’s building legacy. Every track carries purpose—sometimes celebratory, sometimes reflective—but always rooted in the honesty of lived experience. It’s the sound of an artist who has sharpened his perspective and doubled down on his voice.
With Levántate now streaming worldwide, Carlos Xavier isn’t slowing down. He’s already back in the studio shaping future music—but this album plants his flag with clarity: he belongs to salsa, and salsa belongs to him. This isn’t just a comeback or a continuation. It’s a declaration.
Carlos Xavier has risen—and he’s just getting started.
