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 Bodine, Miranda del Sol, and Empress Of. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Bodine - “No Me Quiere Más Na’”
Bodine’s 2022 debut, Celos, was a slow-burn word-of-mouth success that became a fan and industry favorite with its sensuous R&B sound and the Puerto Rican vocalist’s confident aura. She was always a star; she was just waiting for everyone else to catch up. Her newest single, “No Me Quiere Más Na’,” revs up the engines for her upcoming sophomore EP, Quemo Lento, out later this month. The music video takes its cue from Iris Chacón’s own popular video, while the song itself takes equal inspiration from the Caribbean and movimiento sounds that make up the soundtrack of many poor soul’s long, lovelorn nights. – Juan J. Arroyo
Miranda del Sol - “aguardiente”
One thing about rising pop artist Miranda del Sol: she will set the scene and score it to perfection. In the case of “aguardiente,” we’re in an NYC nightclub making an effort to keep our dance partner by our side. While she isn’t much of a party girl, Del Sol is renowned for being a candid lyricist and producer. Her Cuban and Argentine-American background inspired the groove essential for this pop track, co-produced by benchwarmer. “I wanted to make the kind of song that would make anyone want to stay at the party, even for just one more song,” she said in a statement about “aguardiente.” The instrumental and the lyrics work in harmony to convey feelings of yearning, rejection, and acceptance of the situation. — Chelsea Quezada
Empress Of - "Preciosa"
Synth-pop auteur and producer Lorely Rodriguez, aka Empress Of, spellbinds with rubbery 808s and an intoxicating hook on the lucent “Preciosa.” Rodriguez contorts breathy falsetto over a sprawling and syncopated arrangement on her latest (and most promising) offering from For Your Consideration, her first record in over four years. “Preciosa” is breathtakingly candid as Rodriguez expels racing thoughts that rival earworms like 2015’s “The Standard”: “I’m in your cup/You’ve been thirsty for me.” – Nayeli Portillo
AM GOLDN - “Starry Eyed”
Dominican singer Alba Marina Cordero, aka AM GOLDN, is a genre chameleon bouncing between R&B, jazz, and lo-fi disco, riding sinewy grooves as a universal connective thread. Her slinky delivery is exquisitely showcased on her latest single “Starry Eyed,” bouncing back and forth between English and Spanish lyrics as she unspools misplaced giddiness over a romance unlikely to prosper. A cinematic intro of keys and strings harkens to classic Mary J. Blige dramatics before the propulsive beat comes in and gives AM GOLDN a rhythmic canvas to lay out some bittersweet catharsis. – Richard Villegas
Amaro Freitas, Shabaka Hutchings - “Y’Y”
Brazilian pianist and composer Amaro Freitas delivers an enchanting piece of music with his most recent single, a collaboration with contempo-jazz great Shabaka Hutchings. A track that’s nothing short of magical, the first thing you hear on “Y’Y” is Hutchings’s flute, giving the music an Amazonian feeling. However, it soon delves into a semi-free jazz format, with Hutchings going crazy on some melodic lines while Freitas’s piano adds minimal elements to the mix. By the time the vocals enter the picture, a new atmosphere takes over, and “Y’Y” becomes a gentle, melodic prayer. — Marcos Hassan
Hinds - “Coffee”
Four years after dropping their acclaimed third album The Prettiest Curse, Spanish band Hinds are now back as a duo with a single called “Coffee.” Carlotta Cosials and Ana Perrote trade verses on this laid-back ‘90s indie rock moment to sing about things society has taught them not to say out loud, and there’s a hint of satisfaction in their voices for such transgression. “Don’t look at me with those eyes,” they sing on the mellow chorus, a line that’s less about self-awareness and more about telling judging stares to suck it up. – Cheky
Kathy Palma - "O NADA"
Kathy Palma ushers in a new era for her music with the smooth sounds of soul-infused R&B on her latest “O NADA.” Showcasing the best of her fusion abilities, the neo-pop artist effortlessly moves between English and Spanish lyricism as it dances over a sultry melody. Deep beats, sunken basslines, and laced piano interludes carry this sensual serenade as the songwriter’s overwhelming desire of wanting all or nothing from a lover culminates in the passionate ultimatum-esque nocturne. – Jeanette Diaz
Michi Sanz - “Me Vale V”
Venezuelan pop-punk rock is alive! Michi Sanz released her latest infectious track “Me Vale V,” the first taste of her upcoming EP Si Te Soy Honesta. Channeling the spirit of early millennial pop rockers like Nikki Clan and Avril Lavigne, the Venezuelan artist delivered a playful kiss-off anthem that’ll make you feel like a teenager again. With an earworm pop-rock melody, blunt lyrics, and random keys sprinkled in, the artist delivers a fun, IDGAF post-breakup track that sounds right off a 2000’s coming-of-age movie – electric guitar solo included. – Jeanette Hernandez
Elia - “Dime Que Me Amas”
Elia’s fun, freewheeling style has swung from the grittier trap/perreo/dembow mishmash of “EN LA MÍA” to the more nostalgic house-pop of “JUST FRIENDS.” This week, she drops the melodious “DIME QUE ME AMAS,” once again switching up sounds and cementing her range. The song’s catchy, fast-paced dance beat, product of Manu Berlingeri and David B, livens up Elia’s yearning lyrics, giving the track an upbeat thread. Her songwriting infuses the song with an earnest declaration of love, elevating it from more than just a pining torch anthem. And all the while, making sure we can groove on the dance floor while we anxiously wait for a response. –- Juan J. Arroyo
Jordan Suaste - "Love Who You Want To"
Twenty-three-year-old singer-songwriter Jordan Suaste’s newest song gained traction among Gen Z and LGBTQ+ communities on TikTok before its official release today. “Love Who You Want To” is a pop song with clear-cut lyrics that vehemently remind us to be open to new romantic connections. Opening with a contemplative piano moment, the song builds to Suaste’s synth-backed proposal for authenticity when it comes to queer love in particular. It serves as a reminder for listeners to embrace their feelings before it’s too late. “Love Who You Want To” is out ahead of Suaste’s upcoming EP, set to be released this summer. — Chelsea Quezada
Chicano Batman - “Era Primavera”
LA indie rockers Chicano Batman channel alt-pop groups influences like Los Pasteles Verdes and Los Ángeles Negros for a psychedelic, symphony-backed love song with a José José-like edge on “Era Primavera.” It’s the latest track from their forthcoming record, Notebook Fantasy. While singles like the campy “Fly” lean into the sounds of more playful and sexed-up old-school soul music, “Era Primavera” shows a more vulnerable and mid-tempo Chicano Batman and recalls the dream-pop of soundscapes on 2014’s Freedom is Free. Singer Martha González of beloved Chicano rock ensemble Quetzal swoops in on the nostalgic, romantic ballad as frontman Bardo Martinez reminisces on lost love with the romantic flair of a ‘60s balladeer. – Nayeli Portillo
Salt Cathedral - “Off The Walls”
In the run-up to Salt Cathedral’s first album in four years, – Before It’s Gone, out on March 22 – it’s clear the Brooklyn-based Colombian duo can still craft the hell out of a sticky-sweet melody. Their latest single, “Off The Walls,” finds Juliana Ronderos’ fluttering vocals chopped and sampled as she recounts the highs and lows of a long and turbulent friendship. Somewhere between Nico Losada’s zooming, champeta-esque guitars and an organic rhythm section, the song conjures the effect of listening to Fleetwood Mac by the sea, a simply heavenly experience. – Richard Villegas
Cigarettes After Sex - “Tejano Blue”
Why mess with a formula if you can express everything you want with it? The El Paso outfit is still bringing us songs about being sad and horny through slow-burning, atmospheric guitar music, and we’re all the better for it. “Tejano Blue” gives us a tale of desire and longing brought together by melodic yet slightly dark elements, with Greg Gonzalez and company keeping it vivid with poetic lyrics and reverb-heavy arpeggios. Some may press play hoping for a Bobby Pulido nod, but “Tejano Blue” will keep fans of CAS rejoicing that the band is still doing what they do as perfectly as always. — Marcos Hassan
aLex vs aLex - “see me 4 the first time”
From Guatemala, Easy Easy singer Sofía Insua just released her debut solo single as aLex vs aLex, “see me 4 the first time.” It’s a Gabriel Dinero-produced number in tune with the current club-leaning alt-pop sounds taking over the world. The beat drinks from hyper-pop and drum & bass, contrasting with Insua’s soft voice to enhance the lyrics about experiencing love for the first time. By the time the drum break explosion in the last few seconds kicks in, the feeling of the world going fast but the heart beating at the speed of love is complete. – Cheky
Benches - “Naive”
Marking their first release in over a year, San Diego alt-rockers benches have returned to share “Naive.” Exploring the boisterous melodies of indie rock, the lyrics take you down the inevitable nuanced and never-ending rabbit hole that naivety can place you in. The song answers, “What can be worse than unconscious immaturity?” The conscious choice to employ feigned innocence as a manipulation tactic for personal gain in a relationship. Highlighting the idea of obscuring true intents, the music and vocal clarity nearly blur together as it sonically builds through its dynamic, collaborative instrumentation to illuminate the environment of chaos created by fabricated deception. – Jeanette Diaz
Felicita - “Conversaciones Con La Luna”
Following “Como Tu,” Guatemalan singer-songwriter Felicita released her newest sentimental pop ballad “Conversaciones Con La Luna.” The tender, minimalistic offering enthralls you from the start as she narrates a heartache present when the moon shines at night. Her strong, crisp pop vocals are the centerpiece, carried by gentle guitar chords and light percussions. Overall, it proves that sometimes the best way to deliver a song is by stripping away any unnecessary noise and solely focusing on the vocals that capture the bold story. – Jeanette Hernandez