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 J Noa, PJ Sin Suela with Young Miko, and Jotaerre. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
J Noa - “Betty”
The truth isn’t always convenient, and you can count on J Noa to call it as she sees it. In her new single “Betty,” the fresh-faced 17-year-old rapper from the Dominican Republic tells the story of a young woman whose life flips upside down when she becomes pregnant as a teen. Over the chorus, Noa sings a haunting reminder that scenarios like these are typical in the hood, as she’s witnessed them firsthand. Without empty platitudes nor neat happy endings, the emcee’s gripping lyrics serve as a disruptor to those who are desensitized to the trials and tribulations of people living en el barrio. The self-proclaimed “daughter of rap” recently landed a deal with Sony Music Entertainment. Her major label debut single, “Qué Fue,” sparked conversations across social media for criticizing the Dominican government’s handling of sociopolitical issues. Defiant and longing for meaningful change, J Noa is ready to usher in a new era of socially aware rap in the landscape of el movimiento. – Alex Ocho
PJ Sin Suela x Young Miko - “Déjanos Pasar”
Boricua rapper PJ Sin Suela has been dropping straight heat, delivering a late-in-the-year electro-mambo in “Suciería Puertorriqueña (El Polvo)” and a matching New Year’s toast with thumping Brray collab “Quien Quiere Un Shot.” This week PJ hit us with the one-two punch, releasing his brand new album Chinchorreo as well as a swaggy crossover with meteoric reina Young Miko on “Déjanos Pasar.” Don’t overthink it; this is a club track of expertly-crafted boasts built on a percussive, Neptunes-esque beat that crescendos into strobing rave decadence. Play this at the weekend house party, you won’t regret it. – Richard Villegas
Jotaerre ft. Chris Palace - "GALAXIA"
Following “EL JET,” the young Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Jotaerre teamed up with Chris Palace on “GALAXIA.” The catchy pop reggaeton number features a rhythmic beat that’s sprinkled with snips of atmospheric electronic synths that match the song’s space-inspired title. The sensual track is complemented by risqué lyrics about lust and doing unspeakable sexual things with a special someone. Overall, it’s a sexy track for those who are trying to get down and dirty tonight. – Jeanette Hernandez
YADAM - “Nada Es Seguro” (ft. Zoe Gotusso)
Paris-based Venezuelan-American newcomer YADAM gives us another sneak peek into his upcoming debut album Belamor with his second single “Nada Es Seguro,” featuring Latin Grammy-nominated artist and fellow LAMC Discovery Artist prize recipient Zoe Gotusso. Backed up by emotional piano strokes and understated electronic programming, YADAM walks the line of despair as he entertains the idea of suddenly losing his significant other. By the end of his passionate breakdown, Gotusso enters delicately to comfort him like a sweet, calming balm. – Cheky
El Shirota - “Así No Fue”
The first month of the year is usually a downer, and chasing the blues away can get tricky. Sometimes the cure for it can be a bit of downer music to go along with it. Although known for noisy yet melodic alt-rock, Mexico’s El Shirota trades guitar feedback for contemplative arpeggios and layered vocal hooks on “Así No Fue.” The song is contemplative and searching, developing a conversation between the instruments as it reveals to the listener but keeps things hooky and memorable. This wintery jam will help you feel warm during the coldest days of the season. — Marcos Hassan
Bentley Robles - “Salvatore”
Taking some cues from Lady Gaga’s 2010, Ace of Base-influenced single “Alejandro,” NYC singer-songwriter and producer Bentley Robles draws on elements of dancehall and effervescent Europop to devise another standout, club-crowding anthem. Only this time, it comes with a grittier subtext: what happens when we lean into our dark side rather than try to run from it? Unfiltered, mezcal-fueled mayhem unfolds in this romping synth-pop rager with a seductive edge and an incessantly catchy hook. – Nayeli Portillo
Rebecca Black - “Sick To My Stomach”
Nothing hurts like a broken heart, and Rebecca Black knows this feeling all too well. The queer Mexican-American singer’s new single, “Sick to My Stomach,” was inspired by a chance encounter with her ex-girlfriend. When Black learns that her former flame has moved on with someone else, she finds herself suddenly navigating conflicting emotions. On “Sick,” Black sings softly from the chamber of her broken heart over atmospheric synths and vintage drum kits. The retro pop track is delicate yet visceral and consistently bouncy. The accompanying music video for “Sick” portrays Black dancing through her grief in an underground studio, searching for that sweet cathartic release. The single is the latest from her upcoming debut album, Let Her Burn, which is expected to drop next month. Black’s recent buzz singles, “Look At You” and “Crumbs” prominently display the singer’s musical growth. Second chances aren’t common in life and relationships, but with the opportunity Black has been given, she’s giving a star turn for the books. – Alex Ocho
Can Can - “Naufragar”
For over 20 years, Can Can has been at the forefront of innovation in Ecuadorian rock, ushering in an age of electronic production that continues to influence younger bands to this day. As Can Can gear up to release Del Tiempo Muerto, their first new record in a decade, the Quito legends have unveiled an introspective new single titled “Naufragar.” Charango and digital beats provide the atmospheric canvas for singer Denise Santos’ affecting vocals as she explores the emotional chasm left in the wake of heartbreak. – Richard Villegas
Nuevo Elemento - “Seré”
The Gen Z emerging artists are hitting our nostalgic chords and reclaiming the regional Mexican space at the same time. Such is the case of Nuevo Elemento, a música mexicana boy band that just released their newest single. “Seré” is a norteño ballad dipped in mariachi that croons about a love that’s lost and the unforgettable memories that come with it. Accompanied by “mariacheno” sounds and the classic “chiquitita” call mid-track, the heartfelt production invites us into Nuevo Elemento’s world—and we can’t wait to hear what the boys have to offer. – Jeanette Hernandez
NOIA - “eclipse de amor” (feat. Buscabulla)
After dropping two stunning EPs in the past seven years, Gisela Fullà-Silvestre is finally ready to release Gisela, her debut full-length as NOIA, and the album’s first preview is a collaboration with none other than Buscabulla. It’s an electronic bolero that flows into melancholic reggaeton, where NOIA’s dramatic falsetto and Buscabulla singer Raquel Berrios’ sultry croon perfectly complement each other as they embody characters of a cinematic story of love and death. – Cheky
Caixa Cubo - “Sábado feat. Zé Leônidas"
Complexities run the gamut for this Brazilian trio and its latest single highlights why this is an asset for them. “Sábado” keeps the groove funky with heavy basslines and tight drum beats while letting keyboards and guitar do some flights of fancy into sweet melodies courtesy of guest vocalist Zé Leônidas. The result is a song that can be enjoyed with your headphones on to catch every detail these amazing musicians play in little more than two minutes but excels when blasting it and letting yourself get lost in the rhythm by following it with your body. — Marcos Hassan
Midnight Navy - “Flower Child”
Francisco Jose Rosales, aka Midnight Navy, merges the balladry of ‘60s soul music with dreamy lo-fi pop in “Flower Child.” Dulcet, reverb-thick guitars flow over Rosales’s honeyed vocals as the singer-songwriter pens down enamored verses and reflects on what he describes as the “journey of romance”: “Si dios quiere/Y si quiere/Me dijo en sueños que iremos lejos/Como es grande/Oh, lo que siento por ti.” The video for “Flower Child” features a montage of footage—clips of lowrider car shows, sunny coastal getaways, and museum walls decked out with Chicano art—all shot on a Super 8 camera, adding to its summery, throwback feel. – Nayeli Portillo