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 OSMAN, Charly Gynn with El Bogueto, and Francisca Valenzuela. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
OSMAN - “Flaquito”
Hot off the heels of his latest dancehall single “Click Clack,” rising artist OSMAN is back with an upbeat summer track sonically inspired by his Colombian background. “Flaquito” is a vallenato song with an el movimiento\ twist, modernizing it for a new generation. The vallenato genre has repopularized thanks to artists like Carlos Vives, and OSMAN’s take is refreshing as he dwells over a heartbreak while keeping his hopes up. Although he’s no longer eating good in a relationship, we’re eating good with this entry into his diverse musical catalog. — Chelsea Quezada
Charly Gynn, El Bogueto - “Funa”
If there’s one thing reggaeton mexa does exceedingly well, it’s create irreverent viral moments. Rising perreo vixen Charly Gynn has achieved this multiple times with TikTok anthems like “Las Chicas Super Perreadoras” and “Gata Michu.” Now, as she unveils her debut album La Matatana, la reina del chanteo has enlisted breakout star El Bogueto to take over the Internet with the explicit flirtations of “Funa.” “Vas a dejar a tu ruca por mí,” moans a cheeky Gynn, hungry to ascend from side-piece to main baddie, while Bo remains staunchly uncommitted, playing all fields at the risk of social media backlash. Together, they tiptoe on the line of political correctness, lampooning toxic romances and making for some devilish culo-shaking. – Richard Villegas
Francisca Valenzuela - “Déjalo Ir”
“¿Cómo se aprende a soltar?” Francisca Valenzuela asks on “Déjalo Ir,” the latest single off her intimate 2023 album Adentro, backed only by her trusted piano, and it’s heartwrenching. The Chilean artist – who’s debuting her Ruidosa Fest in NYC’s Lincoln Center on Aug. 10 – sounds her rawest and most emotional on this bare ballad where she reminds herself she needs to let go of a relationship even if it hurts, but it’s easier said than done. She repeats the song title as a mantra as she’s convincing herself. Luckily, her girlfriends have her back, so she’s not going through this alone. — Cheky
Monsieur Perine - "Jardin del Paraiso (feat. Bejuco)"
While it’s easy to get lost in the dissociation spiral brought on by our increasingly dismal timeline, Bogota-based Monsieur Perine’s music continues to show us the fight is never over. Taking inspiration from their native Colombia, the band — fronted by singer Catalina Garcia and guitarist Santiago Prieto — puts a subtle spin on their already genre-defying sound. Blending elements of melodic folk with electropop and Afro-Colombian rhythms, the marimba-driven and nature-influenced “Jardin del Paraiso” is as much of an energetic homage to their homeland’s Pacific coast as it is an impassioned call to action. – Nayeli Portillo
Leo Rizzi - “Ángel Caído”
Two months out from the release of his debut album, Pájaro Azul, singer-songwriter Leo Rizzi drops his newest single, “Ángel Caído.” Born on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza and raised in his father’s Uruguay, he translated his musical talent to social media success that garnered him millions of fans. His new song shows off the poetic tact with which he talks about feelings that can cause unease and anxiety in the heart. Here, he addresses a love he deeply yearns for but can’t help but believe is destined for failure and heartbreak. Just as he did on his biggest hit, “Amapolas,” he carries these emotions with grace, even when they threaten to burn. — Juan J. Arroyo
Stella Santana - “Chasing You Down"
Mexican-American singer-songwriter Stella Santana released her latest single, “Chasing You Down.” Her new song exudes alternative pop and R&B elements with a guitar-driven melody complemented by her soft, alluring vocals. The vibe for “Chasing You Down” was inspired by Jack White’s “Two Against One,” a song that Santana has always loved. Backed by wave sounds, the beachy, relaxing track is perfect for a romantic night in without having to deal with pesty sand. – Jeanette Hernandez
Tall Juan - “Dark Hole”
Argentina-born singer-songwriter Tall Juan has unveiled “Dark Hole,” a catchy and angular song about staring into the void as a life-affirming experience. This synthpop track keeps the rhythm steady and the melodies memorable, resulting in quirky, psych-rock, post-punk oddity. Tall Juan brings electronic instrumentation in the service of the song and his own idiosyncrasies. What’s impressive about “Dark Hole” is that it takes its many influences to make for a rich listening experience, going for the stars in the chorus. The video also packs a bunch of references from David Bowie to El Chavo Del 8. — Marcos Hassan
Empress of - "Someone I Know"
A part of a compilation in celebration of the life of Margot Guryan, the jazz turned pop songwriting cult favorite, Empress Of shares the first released cover track for “Someone I Know.” In the tender rework, Empress Of matches the alluring, soft, and breathy vocals that share a similar quality reminiscent of Guryan while overlaid on a more modernized ballad with a synth-driven backdrop. The result is a sweet interpolation of finding a familiar warmth and comfort that overcomes you suddenly in the presence of someone you’ve just met, even if it may just be for the night. – Jeanette Diaz
Jona Camacho - “In Another Life (feat. Matata)”
In “In Another Life,” Jona Camacho and the Kenyan group Matata are willing to enter the multiverse for a future with their love interest. The title track of his new album, which is out today, blends multiple genres, including R&B and electronic music. It opens with an eerie beat, features multilingual lyrics, and grasps listeners with the snappy hook: “In another life/We can get it right.” Camacho’s sultry voice balances well with the grit of Matata’s as a whole, opening the doors for some serious soul-searching in the chillest soundscape. — Chelsea Quezada
Mau Gatiyo - “Telekinea”
The world has gone superhero crazy, and that madness finally reached the realm of vallenato with the news that Mau Gatiyo’s new album SUPERPODERES is arriving on Aug. 23 via Colombian label In-Correcto. On his new single, “Telekinea,” the multi-instrumentalist and studio whiz splices together samples of accordion, drums, and disembodied calls into a collage of throbbing sabrosura that’ll crawl deep within your brain like Jean Grey subliminals. – Richard Villegas
Toto Peña - “G4SOLINA”
Salt Lake City-based Venezuelan-American artist and former June Pastel frontman Toto Peña came out with his single “FUELT4NK” a few weeks ago, and he’s now giving us the Spanish version, aptly titled “G4SOLINA.” He brings quirky ‘00s indie pop vibes to the table with some ‘60s rock n’ roll groove, giving us a charming, dreamy number with sour lyrics about his and his loved one’s relationship as he realizes their love isn’t good for each other. It’s a sad tale, but we can at least dance to it. — Cheky
Grace Sorensen - “Can’t Kiss and Forget”
Los Angeles by way of Austin, TX, singer and songwriter Grace Sorensen returns with the sinuous and smooth but bittersweet R&B slow jam “Can’t Kiss and Forget.” The live-recorded single builds around improvisational jazz overtones like slick guitars and bright, melodic piano as Sorensen’s soulful storytelling about being entangled in the past adds to the track’s moody soundscape (“I find myself holding my breath/if I say I don’t it’s a lie/Truth is I miss your silhouette/Slipping your body under mine”). Sorensen delivers back-to-back catchy hooks from the driver’s seat of a decked-out vintage lowrider in the single’s accompanying video. – Nayeli Portillo
Ivan J - “No Me Importa”
This week sees the release of Ivan J’s debut EP, Multicuentos, and the road to get there seems ripped from the big screen. Raised on the tough streets of Puerto Rico, Ivan grew a rough exterior that he then took to the Army, where he saw more than his fair share of violence and battles. Since his return, he’s channeled all the resultant angst into music, using his innate rap talent. Off the EP, “No Me Importa” tackles the superficiality of the industry, which he learned the hard way doesn’t say anything about a person’s worth when you’re in a foxhole, be it in the projects or a combat zone. — Juan J. Arroyo
Anthony Jolie - “Humilde Pa’ Que”
Following his track “Zaza Michelangelo,” New York City-based singer-songwriter Anthony Jolie is back with “Humilde Pa’ Que.” The new offering is spearheaded by a reggaeton beat but also incorporates hints of salsa, hip-hop, and electronic tinges as he sings flirtatious verses about being the right amount of cocky. “Initially, the lyrics were about dissing my haters, but I realized the song had potential for a different kind of vibe,” he said about the track. Overall, the song embodies a “shoot your shot” type of vibe that is playful yet sensual. – Jeanette Hernandez
Mochakk - “The Line”
Brazilian DJ and producer Mochakk (moniker of Pedro Maia) is showcasing why he has amassed a cult following behind the decks with his official debut. Although raised in the realm of skating and hip-hop culture, the 24-year-old is finding his ascension in the musical world through bridging diverse sounds via beat-making. On his latest EP drop, Locomotiva Ibiza 2099, “The Line” is a standout house track and guaranteed party starter whose energy is equally infectious as it is palpable. Adding to the magnetism is the artist’s first vocal performance ever on a track, in which he enmeshes seamlessly with the sonic callback to the more haunting corners of darkwave. With his charisma and talent on full display, the track is one that’s instantaneously all-consuming and soundtracks a dancefloor we want to continue to get lost in. – Jeanette Diaz
Arturo Díaz Uriza - “Fluctuaciones del dub en el Centro De Lavado”
A fixture of the underground scene in Mexico, Arturo Díaz Uriza has explored everything from psych rock to dance music with projects like Montecarlo 88, Cholula Dance Division, and Fol De Rol. Now, he has released an EP full of bedroom electronic jams to bliss out and move to your heart’s content. “Fluctuaciones del dub en el Centro De Lavado” opens with some dramatic bass synths that make for a grand entrance, giving the beat enough accents to make you want to bob your head. There’s texture and melody to get lost in, giving us an abstract yet sensible club banger. — Marcos Hassan