It’s the time of the year when everyone catches a case of listitis. You start seeing Best Of roundups everywhere you click, especially in the world of music and arts (including our very meticulously curated Best Songs list and our Guest Picks). Personally, I find this time thrilling, as we get to reflect on everything we experienced throughout the year. These recaps are also a great source for finding out about awesome cultural happenings I may have missed.
Apple has been reflecting on their year as well, so they’ve put together a Best Of 2015 list of their own. As it turns out, we have plenty to celebrate. On Mexico’s charts, Natalia LaFourcade scored further praise for her stellar Hasta La Raíz release, which earned Best Album, while J Balvin’s unstoppable reggaeton gamechanger “Ginza” snagged Best Song honors. Others making the rounds are Amanecer by Bomba Estéreo, the Best Latin Alternative & Rock record, and Fruta Vol. II by Caloncho, which received the Best Latin Pop title, while Surfistas del Sistema come out on top as Best New Artist.
In the U.S., Apple’s playlist for Urbano Latino features Puerto Rico’s own Álvaro Díaz rubbing shoulders with Balvin, Farruko, Don Omar, and the big boys of the genre. Additionally, their Rock y Alternativo playlist includes some of our favorites, like Nicola Cruz, Hinds, and the aforementioned Bomba Estéreo, along with chart toppers LaFourcade, Porter, and Carla Morrison.
Listen to Apple’s playlists here, featuring plenty of fire tracks from the likes of Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, Gepe, Javiera Mena, and many more.