This is our weekly compilation of bite-sized reviews of newly released songs by our talented music writers. Discover new favorites, read nuanced criticism of the week’s hottest releases, and much more. Who knows, you might walk out of this with a new fave or two. Some of the featured artists include Vikina, Eme MalaFe, and Musiana. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Vikina, Matt Steffanna, Soundboyz - “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”
If Kylie Minogue’s timeless anthem “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” filled everyone’s heads with endless “la-la-la”s back in 2001, Vikina is here to resuscitate that feeling, with a twist. The Latina star’s collaboration with producers SoundBoyz and Matt Steffanina treats this version of Minogue’s song as the EDM hit it is meant to be. The pulsating beats and bass drops compliment the song nicely, as does Vikina’s strong and velvety vocals, which contribute to the more powerful vibes of this version, in contrast to Minogue’s original, breathy voice. If, by any chance, you have already forgotten how catchy this immortal tune is, give Vikina’s rendition a go – it definitely won’t get out of your head. – Júlia Henn
Musiana - "Gente”
Inspired by the political uproar and opposition in Venezuela, Musiana delivers her protest in the form of her song “Gente.” The Venezuelan composer and artist writes impactful lyrics like “están matando a la gente” (“they’re killing the people”) to a hard-hitting, industrial-style techno beat and a chorus of people yelling freedom. It’s a brief song, but it’s impactful all the same. This is the protest song of all protest songs. “I am very moved by what is happening in my country, Venezuela. This single is a kind of protest, a message that is not just mine, but the voice of the collective,” she shared in a statement. Musiana has composed for artists like Thalia, Leslie Grace, Juanes, and more. – Sofia Viera
Eme MalaFe - “La Brabus”
Mexican singer-songwriter Eme MalaFe released his latest single, “La Brabus.” Pivoting from his usual trap, reggaeton, and música belicona, the artist shows a more sentimental side and embraces heartfelt corridos tumbados in his new track. With a hard-hitting guitar, steady tololoche, and melodious brass instruments, the track paves the way for MalaFe’s distinctive, high-pitched, and cadenced vocals that narrate the story of winning someone over. Altogether, “La Brabus” demonstrates that MalaFe has a soft spot that he should show more of. – Jeanette Hernandez
LIT Killah, Nicki Nicole - "Somos 3"
Fresh off a successful tour through Spain and in between prepping for a tour through Latin America, Argentine singer LIT Killah found the time to team up with his bestie, fellow Argentine singer Nicki Nicole, for a new amapiano-inspired single. Streetscapes, skaters, and sultry rooftop views shot in the heart of Madrid set the backdrop of the accompanying music video as the duo dons their relaxed looks and exchange flirtations. The rapport between the singers feels natural as they playfully dance and flow with each other throughout the track. Following the commercial success of their romantic R&B ballad “Entre Nosotros Remix,” where Killah was joined by Nicki, Tiago PZK, and Maria Becerra, “Somos 3” is a bouncier, playful, free-spirited anthem that tells the story of two crushes who are both hesitating to make a move on one another and sets the perfect vibe for a for mood-lifting evening drive. – Rosy Alvarez
TOY WAPO - “FASHION KILLA”
A prime example of there always being more than meets the eye, TOY WAPO has been working behind-the-scenes for many years as a songwriter for numerous big artists, and has had his songs shared on social media by Bad Bunny himself. This past year, he’s started to wade more earnestly into putting out his own music, with singles like “CHECKS” and “CABRON PERO SENTIMENTAL.” This week, he releases “FASHION KILLA,” and makes strides towards establishing his style and flow for new listeners, all while showing off the pen that’s made huge hits for others. The song unabashedly embraces its movimiento roots, while also finding a dancey alt-pop groove that he seamlessly makes his own with rapid wordplay and catchy bars. — Juan J. Arroyo
GeezLy - “Smooth Operator” (feat. That Mexican OT)
Frankly, it’s so exciting to hear two emcees go hard and letting loose together, and “Smooth Operator” is that kind of lyrical fest. That Mexican OT keeps his flow and wordplay limber and precise while GeezLy pushes the limits of her bilingual rapping to weave different stories and punchlines. The beat goes dirtier than the sexual innuendo found in these rhymes and will keep your head nodding the whole way through. Likewise, the video shows the pair roaming and dominating the streets of New York City, demonstrating to be two of the most exciting rappers in the game right now. — Marcos Hassan
Meme del Real, Renato del Real - “Por la Calle”
“Por la Calle” comes as part of the soundtrack to the new Apple TV+ drama series Familia de Medianoche, inspired by the 2019 documentary of the same name. Emmanuel “Meme” del Real of the iconic Café Tacvba steps in as songwriter and producer of the track to dish out a hypnotic slow burn that unravels with eerie arpeggiated synths. Crooning over a woozy syncopated beat, Meme del Real perfectly captures the essence of the perilous nocturnal world inhabited by the cast of Familia de Medianoche for “Por la Calle,” making it a perfect fit for the highly-anticipated new series. – Nayeli Portillo
Zé Manoel - “Iyá Mesan (feat. Alessandra Leão)”
Pernambucan artist Zé Manoel just released CORAL, the follow-up to his standout 2020 album Do Meu Coração Nu, and it’s packed with Afro-Brazilian tradition, gorgeous piano arrangements, jazzy atmospheres, and stellar collaborations, including a joint song with Alessandra Leão called “Iyá Mesan.” The song is one of the album’s most celebratory moments, sparkling with horns and an infectious rhythm, while Zé Manoel and Leão’s voices effortlessly intertwine, searching for moments of introspection and self-discovery guided by the orisha Oyá. – Cheky
Frente Cumbiero - “El Tereminé”
Colombian tropicannibals Frente Cumbiero are back with their first new music since 2020, unveiling the spacey psychedelic single “El Tereminé.” Though the rollicking jam is filled with crashing percussion and a flurry of clarinets and horns, the song’s guiding light is a phantasmagoric theremin played by Manuel Schaller, recorded during a recent studio session in Buenos Aires. Frente Cumbiero are currently on tour throughout the U.S., so this is the perfect time to run out and get lost in some sci-fi cumbia revelry. — Richard Villegas
Palomino Blond - “Left”
Palomino Blond share a new single “Left,” their second release leading up to their new album You Feel It Too via Kanine Records. The track sits nostalgically between the more pounding grunge and distorted shoegaze that took over ‘90s airwaves. Incorporating their Florida upbringings, they bring a revitalized vigor to the classic genres, as the vocals, often split between Carli Acosta and Emma Arevalo, circulate the chaos that often ensues when you become unsure of your partner’s intentions. — Jeanette Diaz
Patrick Luna - “De Antes”
It’s Friday the 13th, but there’s nothing creepy about today — unless you are easily scared by sugary sweet lyrics. Mexican singer Patrick Luna brings out the big guns with a tune so charming, you might turn red just from listening to it. “De Antes” wraps the listener in its gentle melody, making the guitar chords work in its favor as part of a seductive harmony. By the time Luna sings “eres el amuleto que a mí me da la luz,” it’s fair to say that there’s no possible way to resist the magnetic pull of the beat any longer, and your body will just sway along to it, allowing itself to be caressed by the tune’s delicate touch. – Júlia Henn
Foudeqush - “ACELERA2!”
This might be our BRAT summer. ANGELA is the long-awaited second EP by Mexican indie pop artist Foudeqush. Featuring eight tracks, ANGELA explores intimate and raw themes in the artist’s life — both her personal one, alongside her alter-ego’s — with special emphasis on experiences with her sexuality and the party scene. “ACELERA2!” is fast beat with slow tender lyrics, mirroring exactly what the song is about, with lyrics like “bien acelerados, pero nos tocábamos bien lento” (“very accelerated, but we touched each other very slowly”). The EP’s title is both a reference to Foudeqush’s real name and an ironic play on the word “angel,” the innocent name contrasting the seductive lyrics. – Sofia Viera
Carmen DeLeon - “Como Asi?"
With a prominent bass line, dancing electric guitar, and pop percussions, Carmen DeLeon released an easy-going pop-rock track called “Como Asi?” The Venezuelan singer’s recent EP Ruta 18, features songs that describe the “emotional routes” she’s taken in her life. With “Como Asi?” she explores post-breakup sentiments – revealing an intimate look at one’s soul after their sunshine is taken away. Ruta 18 includes two other tracks, “Me Duele Quererte” and “Sin Ti, Es Muy Difícil,” which will lead up to two more EPs. These tracks will ultimately be part of her upcoming album. – Jeanette Hernandez
Debi Nova, Caztro - “Primera Cita”
Debi Nova embraces love at first sight in her latest single “Primera Cita.” As the title implies, the singer finds herself fantasizing about the person she just went on a great first date with. She lyrically illustrates day dreams of holding hands with her new lover on warm summer nights, spending every hour of the day together and the burning desire for closeness when one is enamored. Nova’s smooth vocals float above the jazzy bolero melody and is reflective of the singer’s penchant for incorporating traditional Latine sounds into her own brand of pop music. The choreography in the video illustrates the comfort and warmth felt between both partners. Each gentle caress, every romantic dip, and even the movement of each garment, demonstrates the fluttery, child-like excitement of finding someone that makes your heart skip a beat. – Rosy Alvarez
Unochosiete - “PE ERRE (feat. El Sixto)”
As one of the most prolific indie rappers on the island, Unochosiete has been releasing albums and EPs at an astounding rate since 2011. He even managed to sneak in a poetry book, Preludio de un Crooner, in that span. This week he drops his newest project, CUL-DE-SAC. While he’s experimented in the past with rock, soul, and folk, he’s firmly in his hip-hop bag here. Joining him on focus track “PE ERRE” is El Sixto, a formidable wordsmith of his own, and together they righteously tackle all that ails and infuriates them about Puerto Rico in a way only someone who loves their country can. — Juan J. Arroyo
Reyna Tropical - “Cartagena (Sylvan Esso Edit)”
This new rework of one of Reyna Tropical’s best songs by indie duo Sylvan Esso underlines why it’s one of the year’s best releases. On this new version, “Cartagena” retains its focus on rhythm but shifts gears on it, approaching rave territory without sacrificing the Colombian flavor of the track. Things groove at mid-tempo and the arrangement accentuates the dramatic flair at the heart of the song, thanks to Fabi Reyna’s unique vocals. With this edit, Sylvan Esso brings a new shade to Reyna Tropical’s music as well as put forth evidence of what’s unique about it. — Marcos Hassan
Awksymoron - "All Bets Are Off"
“All bets are off, there’s no mistake you can make that would ever change what I know to be true,” sings Brooklyn musician and songwriter Athena Matsil, the brainchild behind indie outfit Awksymoron. It’s somewhat of a sharp opening line, but Matsil sings it so sweetly over an immaculate arrangement of scintillating keys and bursts of twangy guitars that you don’t even notice she’s talking about going head-to-head with all of life’s neverending uncertainties. With “All Bets Are Off,” Matsil crafts tender and earnest indie pop-rock jewel in the manner of Greta Kline of Frankie Cosmos, Jay Som, and The Moldy Peaches. – Nayeli Portillo
The Linda Lindas - “No Obligation”
Only a month away from dropping their sophomore album No Obligation, The Linda Lindas have shared the title track, and it’s useless to resist putting your fist up in the air. Sung by bassist Eloise Wong in her thrilling guttural growl, this thunderous high-octane punk track is a declaration of principles. They are not about to conform to the norm anytime soon, and they’re not here to meet anyone’s expectation of what they should wear, how they should act, or what music they should play. – Cheky
San Pedro Bonfim - “Corazón de guagua”
While his beloved band Lolabúm traipses adventurously through rock, indie pop, and glitchy electronics, Ecuadorian singer-songwriter Pedro Bonfim has always reserved his solo project as a stripped-down space in which to deepen his poetry. Out via essential Colombian label In-Correcto, his new album Corazón de guagua ponders love, nature, and even his own status as one of the most acclaimed South American troubadours of his generation, always armed with an acoustic guitar and ferociously wry wit. The title track soars through falsettos and cascading samba percussion as Bonfim studies the butterflies fluttering in his stomach, the product of a romance that makes him feel like a giddy child and where stolen kisses can taste as sweet as his favorite confections. — Richard Villegas
Los Saints - “Certified”
San Diego-based alt rockers Los Saints released the title track and visualizer for “Certified,” off their recently released album by the same name via ENCI Records. The energetic indie rock meets infusions of shoegaze single is heavily carried by its throbbing drum rhythms and roiled guitar melodies, as Angel Mariscal splits his vocals between tuneful growls and boisterous croons that provoke the underlying emotions that come with the isolation of being in a relationship those closest don’t approve of. The accompanying video is equally charged as the band is seen in a rage room destroying multiple items as they try to sort through their impending thoughts of desolation. — Jeanette Diaz