Eight-member band Motivo, formerly known as 180, has become well known in the San Diego area for its crowd-pleasing performances. Now signed to the Crowne Music Group label, the group has the lofty goal of taking its sound to multiple ethnic demographics.

Motivo shows off the group's nicely-refined sound, with thirteen highly-polished songs that cross the boundaries between English and Spanish-speaking audiences. (Interesting sidenote: all eight members of Motivo are fluent in both languages.) Frontman Jorge Valdez has smooth, emotive vocals, and the various members who contribute vocals can harmonize with the best of them. The production, by a number of high-profile talents, is full of lush r&b influences. This r&b-meets-Latin approach is also employed by The Katinas, whose fans will be intrigued by Motivo.