Three years after Codiciado’s auspicious debut album Golpes De La Vida, the música mexicana star returns with a sophomore full-length that builds upon its predecessor’s themes and sounds alike. A characteristically bold yet often personal set of songs, Así Es La Vida finds the Tijuana native remarking on success while reflecting on personal growth. Previously released cuts such as “Cuando Empecé” and the gratitude-laden opener “SOY GRACIAS A DIOS” join new ones like “Cinco Celulares” and the rousing “Pachamama.” From the balladic introspections of “Cada Día Que Pasa” to the norteño stylings of “Cabrón Yo Puedo,” he tackles this material in a true-to-form manner, something that persists with the album’s guest-heavy second half. Seizing on the opportunity, he strategically uses these collaborations to showcase an even wider range of artistic choices, evident in the country-fried confessions of “Déjame Dormir” with Carín León and the ultimately unapologetic swing of “No Voy A Cambiar” with Xavi.