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 Daniela Spalla, Lismar with Ecko, and Jessi Uribe with Joss Favela. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Daniela Spalla - “Mucho Drama”
When it comes to disco music, Daniela Spalla understands the assignment. First, the Argentine pop sensation embraced throbbing synthesizers on “Sicilia,” an ode to jet-set glamour alongside trans chanteuse Zemmoa. And now, with her new EP Spalla, we’re treated to disco strings and hypnotic bass lines on “Mucho Drama,” a cutting takedown of a former friend or lover spreading rumors around town. It’s the kind of melodramatic fight song perfectly suited for high disco camp, and Spalla is not afraid to let us have it. – Richard Villegas
Lismar- "Baddie (feat. Ecko)”
Rising Dominican rapper Lismar dropped a fierce anthem for all the confident folks holding their own. “Baddie,” produced by Dime Platino, is a hitting hip-hop track that serves as an ode to her confidence and solidified baddie status — and it’s here to share with all the other independent, headstrong women who need a moment dedicated to and for themselves. She doubles the heat with guest feature Argentinian phenom Ecko, as the duo relegates verses that speak to their confident states of freedom and power as the duo rides through Los Angeles in a visualizer that parallels the song’s sentiments of liberation. — Jeanette Diaz
Jessi Uribe, Joss Favela - "Si Ya Me Voy"
Colombian artist Jessi Uribe taps singer Joss Favela, the now-famous voice behind Love is Blind: Mexico’s theme song, for a fiery new single entitled “Si Ya Me Voy.” But this is not the duo’s first collaboration. Back in 2021, Uribe and Favela released their joint track “El Alumno” and co-headlined a U.S. tour the following year. Armed with plenty of banda-like flair that comes through in blasts of razor-sharp snares and booming brass instruments, “Si Ya Me Voy” is a reminder to cherish the present and seize every moment like it’s truly your last. – Nayeli Portillo
Goyo, Luister La Voz - “Saltas Por Mí”
In “Saltas Por Mí,” Goyo and Luister La Voz are asking the important questions when deciding to rekindle a past flame. The sweet and upbeat Afrobeats single was written by the two Colombian artists, and it was based on a real experience of starting fresh after taking time apart. Goyo sought out rising talent for this collaboration, “I admire him greatly because I love his voice, and I believe he is one of the artists who deserves collaboration for his incredible talent,” she said in a statement. “Saltas Por Mí” will be part of Goyo’s upcoming album, La Pantera. — Chelsea Quezada
Little Jesus - “Una Playa En Nayarit”
Mexican pop-rock stalwarts Little Jesus surprise dropped their new album El Show Debe Continuar this week, and this song has to be a standout. “Una Playa En Nayarit” could be the band’s venture into regional Mexican territory on their own terms. On the track, the band plays a ranchero-inspired rhythm guitar, an insistent snare drum, and two-by-four basslines. However, the main vocals retain their irresistible knack for easy-to-remember melodies and timbers of nostalgia. Lyrically, the song inhabits a feeling of yearning by describing dreams of being in love again by remembering vacations past. While trying something new, Little Jesus’s starry-eyed sentimentality remains as evocative as ever. — Marcos Hassan
csndra feat. Jvndro - “cuida”
Indie mellow pop artist csndra has been toiling for months on the release of her upcoming EP, Lovers Club, and she drops its newest single this week. Teaming up with fellow wistful crooner Jvndro, “cuida” is a dreamy ode to having a crush and daring to express it. The song’s melody and music elevate the sentiment, selling the feeling of taking a chance with excitement and nerves. The lyrics are liable to transport anyone to their high school sweetheart days, as csndra fully intended. She offers her all, and Jvndro, in turn, reassures her he’s ready to reciprocate her tenderness and care without hesitation. — Juan J. Arroyo
Yoshi - “Bajar de Aquí (feat. Cozy Cuz, Zizzy)”
Mexican artist and producer Yoshi — born José Alvarado — teamed up with Mexican artist and producer Cozy Cuz and AQUIHAYAQUIHAY’s Zizzy for their newest collaboration, “Bajar de Aquí.” The new track is packed with the distinctive vocalists’ rap flow on top of trap elements and melodic high-pitched synths in the production’s background. Produced by Yoshi and 3nrique, the track also features a hefty bass and drum beat towards the end, giving the hip-hop banger an alternative touch that the eccentric collaborators are known for. – Jeanette Hernandez
Michi - “If You Want Me”
For her debut single for Stones Throw Records, Michi takes off her usual pop clothing and slips into a more soulful attire. “If You Want Me” mashes up vintage-sounding production with ‘90s-style R&B melodies — complete with a voicemail break — to create the right atmosphere for her tale of toxic love. Backed by dimly lit piano chords and occasional string accents, Michi is trapped in a cycle of feeling mistreated and abandoned in her relationship but unable to finally leave. She’s giving us bitterness with some sweet music to wash it down. – Cheky
Javiera Mena - “Volver a Llorar”
Chilean indie-pop icon Javiera Mena has kicked off a new era with “Volver a Llorar,” a melancholy single that steps away from her signature synth atmospheres, favoring orchestral majesty instead. Following up on her 2022 LP Nocturna, it’s clear Mena is still haunted by night creatures, be it in the Nosferatu-esque ambiance of the song’s music video or the inner voices prodding her toward tearful catharsis. – Richard Villegas
REYNA - “Mexico”
Milwaukee lo-fi indie pop sister duo REYNA has shared a new single and visualizer for “Mexico” via their own Blue Lola Records. Revolving around turning heartbreak into healing, the song is a manifestation of transformation and the ability to return to places and change any previously set memories into opportunities for new beginnings. Sonically, it mimics thematics as it is blushed with past nostalgia and modern reinvention from its dreamy lo-fi production, the inclusion of subtle mariachi trumpets, and its poppier synth melody that are all laced together by the sisters’ mesmerizingly lush vocals. — Jeanette Diaz
La Cassandra - “Que Sabía Yo”
It’s hard not to ruminate on the past when someone ghosts you, but grappling with all of those unresolved feelings is what fuels Dominican-American singer La Cassandra’s latest single “Que Sabía Yo.” “Buscando razones porque te fuiste/y no entiendo/no merezco este dolor,” she sings, the hurt from the aftermath still fully tangible. Despite the track’s effervescent pop and guitar-driven cumbia overtones making for an airy and feel-good sound, its underlying tale of heartbreak immediately takes over as La Cassandra sings from the perspective of someone stuck in that all too familiar loop of wondering about what exactly went wrong. – Nayeli Portillo
FANNA - "Backseat"
Up-and-coming Mexican pop star FANNA sings and swoons about taking a crush to the “Backseat” on her newest song. Inspired by stars like Bruno Mars and Sabrina Carpenter, FANNA marries a funky beat and prominent bass line with hot and heavy lyrics. Like the 21-year-old’s other tracks, “Backseat” features dance-pop and R&B elements that make it a truly catchy addition to the “Fanna-verse.” It’s a breath of fresh air in a busy pop girl year, not to mention that the repeat button looks extra pressable as the song tapers to an end. — Chelsea Quezada
Sunset Images - “NADA 虚”
For its latest single, Mexico City’s Sunset Images has changed its sound to something more abstract without sacrificing its talent for riffs. A distorted ostinato bassline pounds along with crudely recorded drums while a voice chants something like an incantation before the guitars explode in noisy shards. “NADA 虚” sounds like an avalanche in slow motion that suffocates the listener with sonic rubble. In its final moments, the song finally lets loose, rocking like the most hellish garage band playing a prom in a graveyard. With this song, Sunset Images proves to be rock music manglers of the highest order. — Marcos Hassan
Del Mismo Racimo - “super.posición (feat. Alegría Rampante)”
Melding the folk sensibilities of yore with modern arrangements, Puerto Rican trio Del Mismo Racimo has been offering a refreshing and palate-cleansing sound in the local rock scene. Uniquely made up of siblings Gabriel and Gustavo Martínez and their father Víctor, the project has made them a favorite among fans and peers. Their newest single, “super.posición,” finds them collaborating with the group Alegría Rampante — itself led by acclaimed artist Eduardo Alegría — to create a haunting meditation on the inner tug-of-war between all your wants and desires, never knowing which road or decision (if any) will ultimately bring you peace. — Juan J. Arroyo
El Fother, Lápiz Conciente - “Round 4”
Dominican rap staples El Fother and Lápiz Conciente released “Round 4,” a highly-anticipated collab that continues the duo’s saga of freestyles featuring iconic hip-hop beats. With hard-hitting lyrics that put haters in their place on top of a Mobb Deep-sampled beat by Dominican producer Nayo, the two rappers offer another compelling installation for their loyal fans. Overall, it’s a reminder of the Dominican Republic’s strong rap scene that’s continuing to turn heads today. – Jeanette Hernandez
Jade Faria, Luiza Brina - “Retrato”
Come sit by the fire and make sure you grab some tissue because Brazilian artist Jade Faria wants to share some family stories with us on “Retrato” with Luiza Brina. The song is a gorgeous tribute to her grandfather José, whom she remembers through stories told by her dad and late grandmother. Her poetic reminiscing of Seu Zé’s humble sacrifice is taken to a dream realm thanks to Brina’s outstanding string and guitar arrangements, making “Retrato” a deeply emotional listen. – Cheky