This is our weekly compilation of newly released bite-sized song reviews from 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 Christian Nodal with Tini, Bella Dose, and DannyLux. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Bella Dose - "Mirame"
2023 is shaping up to be an unapologetic year for heartbroken women. The latest IDGAF anthem? “Mírame” by the bilingual Latin girl group Bella Dose. The feel-good electronic single encompasses a fast tempo inspired by dembow and house elements. The pop track is full of caption-worthy and empowering verses that will encourage you to forget your ex in no time. Spiced up with repetitive words, fun dances, and all-around high energy, the production is a tune to listen to when you’re out with your girls and ready to party. – Jeanette Hernandez
Christian Nodal x Tini - “Por El Resto de Tu Vida”
Nodal and Tini meshed their respective genres together for “Por El Resto de Tu Vida.” The crooners start off in Nodal fashion with a more bolero-esque ballad, only to innovate it with trap-like undertones to incorporate a modern feel. With guitar-forward and light trap-pop elements, the two created a track that properly introduced their diverse audiences to each other. Towards the end, we hear a hint of Nodal’s signature mariachi, which gently sums up the romantic collaboration. – Jeanette Hernandez
vivi rincón - “overflow”
In her newest single, “overflow,” Vivi Rincón sings, “I’d say I’m in too deep, but I’ve never seen these waters.” The words spring forth with so much raw emotion, and vulnerability that simply hearing them feels like you’ve read a private diary entry. That relatable melancholy has helped rocket Rincón from TikTok to 1.7M Spotify streams in just under a year. Her debut EP, crash landing, drops on February 22nd and promises to expose the nascent indie-pop talent to an even wider audience that’ll discover the passionate lyricism, heart-wrenching vocals, and deft guitar instrumentalism that she imparts on all her music. — Juan J. Arroyo
Moffa - "Una Copa Más"
In the past, rising star Moffa has expressed a desire to make feelgood tracks within reggaetón, and his newest single, “Una Copa,” fits that bill sonically and lyrically. Even with a narrative that hinges on heartbreak, the Puerto Rican artist sings about the appeal of a reconciliation with his partner — all while riding a dancefloor-ready beat. Moffa leans into his strengths, finding a catchy cadence for the chorus and bridge that sells the song to listeners looking for an oasis of reggaetón bops in a trap-heavy landscape. On the heels of last year’s surprise collab with Karol G, Moffa continues to demonstrate why he’s considered one of the most promising new acts around. — Juan J. Arroyo
Pearla - “Unglow The”
Right from the start of “Unglow The,” we get a taste of twang that gives the song a shade of blue to the otherwise upbeat track. Although Brooklyn singer-songwriter Pearla is gearing up to drop her debut album, she has already proven to be a versatile auteur. Her latest single gives us another side of her. “Unglow The” trots an upbeat rhythm as well as introspective folky tones to deliver a track that is as much moody as melody. “Unglow The” unfurls easily until the outro comes in like a tornado and sweeps the music into a frenzy, as chaos springs from beauty. — Marcos Hassan
DannyLux - “El Hombre Perfecto”
Although the young singer has made a name for himself as the future of sierreño with a twist, “El Hombre Perfecto” proves that DannyLux is not about any particular genre in specific. Trading corridos for bachata rhythms, “El Hombre Perfecto” is an excellent showcase for his melodic depth thanks to his voice which floats along the arrangement and keeps things smooth. This romantic song is underlined by slight production nods to trap and other genres that lift the song into something only DannyLux could deliver. — Marcos Hassan
Adriel.sfx - “Anocheceres”
Dominican glitch wizard Adriel.sfx has unveiled a shimmering new EP, Anocheceres, five tracks of thumping nocturnal hedonism weaving future funk and french house. While the title track and follow-up, “Bailador Invicto,” make for delicious, convulsive raving, the EP’s emotional apex comes with “La Noche Que Nos Conocimos.” On the track, Adriel taps into missed connections melancholy with an exquisitely selected cocktail of bass and string samples that recall nights of excessive drinking and just the right amount of dance floor thrusting. — Richard Villegas
Gardenias - “La Ciudad”
For years, Ecuadorian rapper and smirking enfant terrible André Farra has proven one of Guayaquil’s most underrated and unpredictable talents. This week, he re-emerged as the vocalist for a new hardcore-pop project called Gardenias, delivering a raging, devilishly catchy debut single in “La Ciudad.” Over a canvas of buzzing guitars and crashing drums, the song unspools the frustrations of feeling hostage in their hometown, where violent crime waves have ravaged the local community. But sorrow is mosh-pit fuel, and Gardenias offers an invitation for rumbling catharsis here. — Richard Villegas
LLAMAS - “Pueblo Mágico”
Guillermo Llamas, the Mexico City director behind visuals for the likes of Carla Morrison, Vanessa Zamora, Gepe, and more, just dropped his second-ever single “Pueblo Mágico,” a satiric tale of privilege Trojan-horsed with happy little ukulele strums. Masterfully backed by LLAMAS’ self-directed music video, the song takes shots at city people who visit tourist towns in Mexico to wreak havoc scot-free. But the focus then turns and empathizes with the locals, who are left behind to deal with a trail of smashed bottles and peed-on corners. — Cheky
Gabriel Da Rosa - “Cachaça”
Originally from Cruz Alta, Brazil, L.A.-based singer-songwriter Gabriel Da Rosa continues previewing É o que a Casa Oferece, his upcoming Stones Throw debut album, now with the closing track “Cachaça.” Featuring beautifully arranged samba-inspired instrumentation, Da Rosa sits at his favorite bar ordering glass after glass of the most popular Brazilian spirit to celebrate love and life, and he’s not scared of the looming hangover, as he knows it’ll definitely hurt less than heartbreak. — Cheky
Selines - “Me Empiezo A Enamorar”
18-year-old Selines brings a sweet and tender freshness to the sounds of melodic folk. As a first-generation Mexican-American hailing from New York, the Spanish language track and rooftop video pay homage to her roots and upbringing while the lyricism plays into an overall human experience. Between the spectrum from hopefulness to confusion, a seasoned acoustic guitar melody is met with the more youthful naivety found in exploring the wonderment of falling in love for the first time. Unwearied, the delivery of her voice brings us back to a soothing curiosity that exploring powerful emotions for the first time can bring — fueled by softness, desire, and an overall air of optimism. For a debut track, Selines is a promising new voice ready to serenade us through love and all the experiences it brings with it with fresh eyes. — Jeanette Diaz
Mexican Slum Rats - “Hivemind”
Southern California’s punk and hardcore scenes are alive and well. Bringing the genres into newer decades with a revitalized edge are bands like Mexican Slum Rats, who bring to life a dynamic charm to modern surf punk. Their latest single, “Hivemind,” showcases this well as it carries all the energy of a backyard show with a heavy dose of refined production. It opens up the figurative pit with roiling guitar riffs before bringing in a rapid drum beat that makes way for lead vocalist Kevin Viillalba to bring the song together with a call-and-response chant-like opening verse. Between its high-energy choruses and more slowed breakdowns, the song is a rich mixture of textured vocals, tempos, and instrumentation that remain sprightly yet well-balanced, keeping the heart of sunshine sustained DIY punk beating. — Jeanette Diaz