Good music transcends culture and language. One such album that does this is Alex Cuba’s sophomore album Agua Del Pozo (Water From The Well). It’s in Spanish, but you need not speak the language to feel and enjoy the music. And if you really want to know what he’s saying, English translations are included with the lyrics.

For those who still think Cuban music means loud rumbas or Buena Vista Social Club, then Alex Cuba has got a surprise for you. His 2006 debut Humo de Tabaco (Tobacco Smoke) won a Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) for Best World Music album. His lyrics and voice are as flavorful as a mojito or a sugarcane-sweet tropical drink on the beach. The native Cuban, who resides in Canada, Alexis Puentes (Cuba’s given name) plays a vintage Gibson guitar, along other instruments, and looks like Sly Stone with the afro and bell-bottoms, adding a new flair to Cuban music.

Agua Del Pozo is a collection of slow grooves, upbeat danceable songs, and lots of soul. Alex Cuba combines Latin American and Caribbean rhythms with Cuban jazz, and adds some funk and pop to the mix, creating a unique listening experience.

The album starts off slow with Amor Infinito (Infinite Love), De Camino (On The Way), Lamento (Lament), and Si Pero No (Yes, But No). The fifth song, the title track kicks off the party. It’s is a dance song with the most enticing lyrics. The chorus translates to: Move your hips, move your waist, spice it up, give it some flavor. The singer begs his girl to do all these things while she retrieves water from the well. Other upbeat songs are Y Que Bongo (What A Bongo), Tu Boca Lo Quita (Your Mouth Takes It Away), and Penita en la Cara (Blushing). While having the English translations are helpful for English speakers, this listener – A Cuban American – felt they didn’t do the lyrics much justice. The Spanish language is so poetic and flavorful, that one English word’s real translation is often a whole phrase or description, or a saying.

Alex Cuba’s Agua Del Pozo could fit into many genres, making it enjoyable to all music lovers. This album will go from being good to being great, and soon becoming a favorite of the listener’s. No Spanish required, only an appreciation for sweet and soulful sounds.