There’s something truly special about stumbling across a new song that just clicks—the kind of tune that instantly hooks you and leaves you craving more. “Estar Contigo,” the second single coming from New York-based duo Ricardo Y Rey made up of Ricardo (Quiñones) and Rey (Reinaldo de Jesus), is one of those wonderfully addictive finds. This track seamlessly fuses the vibrant rhythms of Bomba y Plena with electro-afrobeat, infused with the duo’s signature reggaeton flair with the emotive vocals. “Estar Contigo,” released on February 29, is a catchy song that will make you fall in love and is a beautiful ode to the longing that arises from separation. Stay tuned!
Aside from the infectious introduction to the song, it opens with a question, sung in Spanish of course, that immediately sets the tone for the entire journey: “No sé qué le pasa a mi mente / Cuando te tengo de frente” (I don’t know what happens to my mind / When I have you in front of me). This simple line establishes the central theme of the song: a yearning for connection, a powerful feeling of being overwhelmed with emotions in the presence of a loved one. Ricardo and Rey’s vocals are simply divine. They weave together seamlessly, one voice taking the lead while the other harmonizes beautifully. There’s a raw honesty in their delivery that perfectly complements the vulnerability expressed in the lyrics. They’re pouring their hearts out, making the entire listening experience incredibly captivating. Each note is infused with passion, drawing us in and enveloping us in the song’s spell.
Lyrically, “Estar Contigo,” which translates to “To Be With You,” is an ode to the universal yearning for connection. The duo sings about the overwhelming feelings that arise in the presence of a loved one, the desperate longing to bridge the gap of separation. There’s a vulnerability in their voices, a raw honesty that makes the lyrics all the more powerful. As the song progresses, a sliver of hope emerges—the belief that one day, love will conquer all, and we will be reunited with the object of our affection. This sentiment is captured perfectly in the chorus: “No sé qué voy a hacer / Si no consigo estar contigo” (I don’t know what I’m going to do / If I can’t be with you). It’s a line that instantly connected with me.
But on the other hand, “Estar Contigo” isn’t just about the vocals and yearning. The production is a tropical paradise, a beautiful blend of Latin pop and traditional Bomba y Plena. Acoustic guitar flourishes add a touch of warmth, while subtle percussion keeps the rhythm infectious. There are these bursts of amazing Latin percussion throughout the song that will have us reaching for our imaginary maracas. It’s everything we love about a Latin song—bright, energetic, and full of life. It is masterful, with rich layers of instrumentation that add depth and texture to the melody
“Estar Contigo” is a song that gets under your skin. It’s a perfect blend of catchy melody, powerful vocals, and innovative production. As Ricardo Y Rey themselves say, “Estar Contigo” is “an ode to the longing that arises from separation.” It’s a song about the universal yearning to be close to those we love, and it’s a feeling we can all relate to. As a fan, I can confidently say that Ricardo Y Rey have outdone themselves on this tune, leaving us eagerly awaiting their next musical endeavor. But in the meantime, do yourself a favor and give “Estar Contigo” a listen. You might just find yourself singing along, lost in the beauty of this incredible song.
Listen to “Estar Contigo” by Ricardo y Rey on Spotify or SoundCloud and let us know your thoughts.
You can follow Ricardo y Rey here for more information.
