Starting in 2018, we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite releases of the week in a new list. Although we try to cover as much new music as possible, there are so many stellar releases to talk about. Consider this our genre-diverse guide to songs we have on repeat.
Subscribe to our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music – we’ll be updating the playlist every week with fresh new music. Read more about our picks below. –Isabelia Herrera
1
Andrea Balency - "Walking"
On the haunting “Walking,” French-Mexican chanteuse and Mount Kimbie tour member Andrea Balency plays with our perception through disorienting cello strokes. The percussion speeds up your heartbeat to the point of hallucination. It’s only suited for walking if you plan on doing so through a wormhole. –Cheky
2
Tomás Urquieta - "Hoax"
https://soundcloud.com/tomasurquieta/tomas-urquieta-hoax
A series of gates crash shut on this metallic experimental track from the Chilean producer. “Hoax” feels like falling into a pit of despair with dark corners and potential monsters. If you make it past Tomás Urquieta’s storm, will you be cleansed? –Caitlin Donohue
3
Cuco - "Sunnyside"
A ballad full of lovely syrupy melodies, a chorus that heralds the sun rising, and ends in epic form thanks to a guitar solo for the ages. Did I mention there are new agey synths at one point and that Cuco is wearing his heart on his sleeve more than ever? There’s a lot going on here, yet Cuco doesn’t break a sweat. “Sunnyside” is another reason why he is poised to take over 2018. –Marcos Hassan
4
Gabriel Brasco - "Me and My Girl" (ft. Jenn Navarette)
If you are feeling the passionate flame of a relationship that’s constantly on edge, Costa Rican Gabriel Brasco’s duet with Jenn Navarette might become your new song. It’s packed with twangy mid-tempo guitars that alternate with funky vamps, Brasco’s smoky and tired voice, and lyrics detailing how two lovers get fucked up, fight, and like to spend days at a time in bed. This is for lovers who’d rather die in each other’s arms than take it down a notch. –Marcos Hassan
5
Girl Ultra - "Llama"
Finesse Records‘ Adrian Be and Phynx helped craft this creeping version of the R&B singer — a much darker look for Girl Ultra than what we’re used to. She herself art directed the video, whose disjointed characters accentuate the story of a love your mind won’t let you leave. –Caitlin Donohue
6
Ce Qei - "That Shit"
“Valentino, Gucci, Ferragamo, I don’t fucking care.” The Dominican Republic’s MITEL DICO clique have flow fundamentals, but this track from rapper Ce Qei sounds fresh enough to reign in 2018. –Caitlin Donohue
7
Salfvman - "Oro"
If you want this Friday night out to play out perfectly, you can’t skip the first step: as you’re about to get ready to hit the streets, blast the new Salfvman single “Oro.” The Valencia duo’s vaporous and deliciously retro tune is the spark you need to get into full-on weekend mood. –Cheky
8
É Arenas - "Mar Iguana"
Your newest stoner anthem comes courtesy of Chicano Batman member Eduardo Arenas (aka É Arenas), and it’s built on an irresistible rhythm we all love: quebradita. Grab a spliff and bounce to this psychedelic wave, which gives Meridian Brothers a run for their money. –Cheky
9
Dilon Francis - "Ven" ft. Arcángel and Quimico Ultra Mega
DJ and producer Dillon Francis’ apocalyptic club tune “Ven” is exactly the right backdrop for reggaeton trailblazer Arcángel to spew out his syrupy, spooky rhymes. Quimico Ultra Mega joins in on the fun, adding on to the dark, doomsday vibe. –Julyssa Lopez
10
Young - "No Me Llores"
Spanish singer Young channels his inner emo Drake on the slinky “No Me Llores,” which pulls in some throwback 90s pop and R&B nostalgia. Young has been tinkering with hip-hop- and pop-inspired sounds since he was a teenager, and this new earworm is a sample of the bedroom beats he’s got on tap. –Julyssa Lopez
11
Breaking Forms - "Useless" ft. Fran Straube
Fran Straube (Miss Garrison, Rubio) helps Boston-based Chilean band Breaking Forms dip their toes into drama. The husband-and-wife duo’s ethereal electronic pop sound takes a heroic turn thanks to Straube’s dramatic wordless vocalization. And with those distorted electric guitar chords, you’ll feel nothing can bring you down. –Cheky
12
C.Tangana - "No Te Pegas" ft. A.CHAL
Between this song and his “Love & Hennessy” remix with 2 Chainz and Nicky Jam, Peruvian singer A.CHAL hit it out of the park this week with the collaborations. Here, he features with a bilingual verse for Spanish trap artist C. Tangana’s player’s ball. –Caitlin Donohue