Lauren Jauregui Embraces Her Cuban Roots With Sultry 'Lento' Video

Lauren Jauregui is reintroducing herself. Soon after kickstarting her solo career with soulful, contemplative cuts like "Expectations" and "More Than That," the 23-year-old has returned with what's being billed as her first official single. And yes it was well worth the wait.


"Lento" (which means "Slow" in Spanish) is a sensual, bilingual bop that's all about getting lost in an entrancing rhythm and wanting to "go slow, a little bit slower." She opens the song in Spanish, although shifts to English for a second verse in which she brushes off bad energy: "I keep to myself, I don't need to be bothered / By your negativity, don't actually bother / Level that tone, I ain't your daughter / Bitch, I was raised by Caribbean waters." That leads into an euphoric, aspirational bridge in which she pleads for someone to, "In-exhale one time / Align you breath with mine / Under an open sky, we fly."


The accompanying video, directed by Dawit N.M., Is a suitably sultry affair that centers around a nighttime bonfire at the beach. As Jauregui's voice glides over Tainy's production, we visualize her feelin' the music in a shimmering gown as bodies dance around her. It also makes good use of slow-motion effects to up the glam factor — because going "slow" is what it's all about.


Ahead of her new single's release, Jauregui reflected on the tough times several are facing in the wake of the continuous COVID-19 pandemic. She told fans, "I had suggested to give you this first taste of what's coming for some time. There was truly no way any of us could have prepared for what is happening now, so I hope you receive 'Lento' with as much grace and love as is intended. I hope dancing to it accommodates your spirit feel joy, as you spend time with your loved ones and continue to cultivate love in the face of fear and uncertainty."


Though "Lento" marks Jauregui's first official solo single of 2020, she hasn't exactly been quiet. In February, she contributed the smoky "Invisible Chains" to the Birds Of Prey soundtrack, then lent her powerful pipes to Tainy and C. Tangana's "Nada." And it also sounds like that creative streak is just getting began — "Lento" marks a new chapter for Jauregui, who has more new music on the horizon as well as a long-awaited debut album in the works.