Globalization

Globalization

Pitbull's 2014 LP, Globalization, transformed his ubiquitous Mr. Worldwide moniker into a mission statement, continuing down the path of banger and guest-stacked projects, only this time with a multi-national roster of collaborators and crossovers. Chief among them was “We Are One (Ole Ola),” the official song of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which featured Puerto Rican superstar Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian singer and television personality Claudia Leitte in a rapturous call for human unity across borders and dance floors. Injecting throbbing EDM with effervescent pop guitars, the track gets a boost of booming Brazilian batucada drums that blast Pitbull from the beaches of Miami to the colorful hills of Rio de Janeiro. Jamaican rap and reggae legend Sean Paul pops up on “Ah Leke,” shooting off lightning-fast bars over a beat that melds trap kicks with Middle Eastern claps and percussion. And G.R.L.—the Los Angeles pop group comprised of American, British, and Canadian singers—shows up on the country-inflected “Wild Wild Love,” following in the blockbuster footsteps of Pitbull's prior cowboy-themed hit, “Timber.” The Cuban-American dance-music sensation's business acumen is on full display across Globalization. Not only did he score a guaranteed hit on the back of a World Cup partnership but he also struck Hollywood gold with “Celebrate,” the lead single for the DreamWorks animated feature, Penguins of Madagascar. Unusually family-friendly, the song holds true to Pitbull's hedonistic body of work, crafting strobing electronic fun for all audiences. As on previous albums, the production credits are lined with huge names like Max Martin and Dr. Luke. And even R&B star Ne-Yo returns for a soaring Europop collaboration on “Time of Our Lives,” evoking the rousing optimism of their previous joint smash, “Give Me Everything.” While always aiming for radio success, this song underscores another of Pitbull's goals: staying power. Thus the album's most enduring single is “Fireball” (feat. John Ryan), which transcended the airwaves to become a happy-hour classic that heralds incoming drink specials and unbridled nightclub excesses.

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