19 New Songs to Listen to This Week From ASTROPICAL to Meme del Real

01.31.25 at 09:04

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 Camila Fernandez, Alejandro Aranda, and Joaquina. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.

Meme del Real - “Princesa”

We’ve always known beloved Café Tacvba member Meme del Real can shine behind the mic ever since the band’s 2003 single “Eres” took over the airwaves, and he’s finally embodying the role as a solo artist on “Princesa,” the first single from his long-awaited debut album. Powered by a Gregory Allen-directed music video, “Princesa” is an epic song that plays out like a movie, weaving together different sections that jump from orchestral laments to sparse electronic meditations to full-on synth-pop clarity. Del Real channels José José with his delivery and loving words that tackle parenthood, calling back to old-school songwriting but in an innovative way. – Cheky

Camila Fernández - “Cuándo Se Ha Visto”

Following “La Caminera,” Mexican songstress Camila Fernández released her newest heartfelt song, “Cuándo Se Ha Visto.” The new track oozes elements of her family’s signature mariachi sounds, with empowering lyrics about overcoming a heartbreak — topped with an unapologetic, fierce attitude. With a powerful bass and melodic trumpet, accompanied by Fernández’s passionate vocals, the new post-breakup anthem injects power back into the heartbroken, reminding them to fix their crowns. Point blank: it’s 2025, and you don’t have time to cry over someone who doesn’t deserve you — a sentiment that Fernández captured here wonderfully. – Jeanette Hernandez

TIMØ - “Diamante (feat. Cardellino)”

You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone, but Colombia’s TIMØ is making the most out of someone else’s major fumble on “Diamante.” Staying true to their promise to make time for more collaborations in 2025, TIMØ enlists Uruguayan artist and producer Cardellino for a track that’s more adventurous and romantic than its most recent predecessors, like last year’s “Para El Tiempo.” Fueled by a steady and mesmerizing cumbia rhythm, “Diamante” shows the normally soft-spoken pop trio’s flirtier side and their eagerness to treat the woman they’ve been admiring from afar to a good time: “Otro trago de mezcal/lo mezclamos con fernet/pa’ que se te olvide todo lo que te pasó con él.” – Nayeli Portillo

Matt Paris, Kalido, Dylan Fuentes, Cornetto - “Sí Sí María”

This colorful track is a fusion of not only different music genres, like Afro and the traditional champeta, but also of the different personalities of four Colombian artists who came together to infuse “Sí Sí María” with moving sincerity in both its lyrics and melody. Proving that even a sensual song, filled with exciting beats, can overflow with authenticity and sound genuine to the listening ear, Matt Paris, Kalido, Dylan Fuentes, and Cornetto shine in this truly Colombian tune. – Júlia Henn

Jass Reyes - “Nuevo Año”

After a relatively quiet 2024 filled with recharging, Jass Reyes is continuing her streak of cool, dynamic fun with a side of reflection thrown into the mix. “Nuevo Año” is the marriage of pop and U.K. garage, blending Reyes’ upbeat songwriting with dreamy layers of instrumentation for some electrifying synth pop. The glitchy vocal effects and drums personify this idea of stagnation the singer’s been battling, only to overcome with a fresh start. “Nuevo Año” is just that, a song with new ideas to represent a hopeful new year. This is Reyes breaking in a new chapter in her career, and while she’s only two albums in, this new song demonstrates that no matter the direction, Reye’s knack for pop sensibilities will always shine. – Alan Baez

Joyce Santana - "MJM (feat. Álvaro Díaz)"

Puerto Rican rapero Joyce Santana continues to shine and build momentum in 2025. On his latest single, “MJM,” he stuns with rapper Álvaro Díaz by his side, forging the ultimate “yes man” anthem. Have you ever met someone whose presence made you want to say “yes” to whatever they asked for? These two have. Throughout the Botlok and Yama Make Them BounceSantana produced trap song, Díaz and Santana mask their distinct flows into an exemplary collaboration that seemingly proves the latter is on his way to stardom. Even throughout the music video directed by Val Vega, their synergies match effortlessly as they cosplay their way as cooks and servers, switching quickly into customers. This is off the heels of Santana’s 2024 collaboration with Colombian star Feid for “Ferxxoko.” He has a knack for collaborating with power players, and yet his versatility radiates throughout each body of work. With his upcoming album set to be released soon, it’s hard not to be excited about what we can expect next from the Afro-Puerto Rican artist. — Brenda Barrientos

rusowsky - “SOPHIA”

Known for his daring yet melodic sound, rusowsky continues his path to break the rules while providing new blueprints for pop music. “SOPHIA” features bouncy synths and heavily-effected vocals with enough ear candy to keep you hooked. Lyrically, it touches on the theme of falling in love, peppered with a bit of sadness and plenty of bliss in its crevices, bringing a psychedelic pop sound that’s both current and timeless at the same time. rusowsky continues to provide experimental vibes, and “SOPHIA” is a lovelorn track as sparkling and euphoric as the feeling of finding a new crush. — Marcos Hassan

Mikeanyway - “cor4zon p4rtio”

Mexico City label Tempvs Music has made a splash with rising reggaeton and dembow stars like Charly Gynn and Chzter, but the imprint is also growing into the silent powerhouse of Chilango plugg. After breaking off from perreo boy band #Mexasinpartys, cheeky rapper and graphic designer Mikeanyway unloaded a clip of bass-heavy earworms throughout 2024, crescendoing into his stoner-friendly debut, EL PLUHH. Now, Mikeanyway is back with a new single titled “cor4zon p4rtio,” harnessing the genre’s meme-fueled irreverence by warping the Alejandro Sanz classic with thumping R&B drums and dizzying auto-tune. But this isn’t gratuitous sonic sacrilege, and instead, he reimagines the original’s mournful narrative as one where he’s better off alone, even if glimmers of hurt still shine through. – Richard Villegas

Alejandro Aranda - “Dissonant Harmony”

True artists never stop evolving, and Alejandro Aranda aims to demonstrate that with his upcoming album Farewell Superstar, which he credits as the project that helped him “[come] into my own” after years in the industry. Its first single, “Dissonant Harmony,” showcases his talent for fusing post-rock and pop, while the lyrics weave a message of embracing the challenges brought on by difficult times and using them as an opportunity to grow. Over his nearly eight year career, Aranda has gained notable fan and peer admiration, and it’s easy to hear why his music turns heads the more people it reaches. — Juan J. Arroyo

Lucrecia Dalt - “cosa rara” (feat. David Sylvian)

Three years after releasing her acclaimed album ¡Ay! and a couple of movie and series scores after, including the recent Sundance-premiered film Rabbit Trap, Colombian artist Lucrecia Dalt returns with a brand new single, and it features the elusive David Sylvian. “cosa rara” is a tale of a romance so strong it turns into a magnetic nucleus capable of attracting chaos and bliss, a whole fiction condensed in under four minutes. Mixed by the former Japan frontman himself, the song’s rich details pop out, and Dalt’s voice is featured front and center in a first, percussion-heavy section. The song wraps up with a final dub turn where Sylvian takes the lead, filling the air with mystery and seduction. – Cheky

ASTROPICAL - “Me Pasa”

ASTROPICAL — a new group spearheaded by the creative minds of Bomba Estéreo’s Li Saumet and Rawayana’s Beto Montenegro — is debuting their music with a new tropical groove “Me Pasa.” “ASTROPICAL embodies an energy that already preceded us and needed to materialize,” Saumet said about the band’s origin. “This is a very important time on a political, cultural and environmental level. We need melodies and lyrics such as these ones as a way of shepherding the moment. This band has invigorated me, and inspired me to make more music.” The new Caribbean track features a melodic guitar, lively percussions, and a rhythmic bass. Powered by Saumet and Montenegro’s distinctive vocals, the duet ushers in a new era for both bands, complete with beach wave sounds to reiterate their love for the Caribbean water. – Jeanette Hernandez

Luz Pinos - “Pasa el tiempo volando”

Singer-songwriter Luz Pinos brings us a piece of tranquility during these trying times with “Pasa el tiempo volando.” Sunny guitars interweave with elements of bachata and old school bossa nova on this track, which the Ecuadorian artist says stemmed from the deep love and personal bond that comes with being a mother. Pinos touches on finding her sense of belonging after having spent a lifetime feeling lost and wanting to live out her days in slow motion throughout this loving ode that is sure to immediately tug at your heartstrings. – Nayeli Portillo

BK’ & Nansy Silvvz - “Só Eu Sei (feat. Djavan)”

With his latest album, Diamantes, Lágrimas e Rostos para Esquecer (DLRE), Brazilian rapper BK’ manages to make his dreams a reality in a project that brings together so many of his favorite artists that have influenced his craft over the years, like Pretinho da Serrinha, Fat Family, and Milton Nascimento. But it’s in the track “Só Eu Sei,” produced by Nansy Silvvz, that lies his most influential inspiration: Djavan. Utilizing samples of Djavan’s iconic song “Esquinas,” BK creates a motivational anthem that reflects his own origins, and promises to be grateful for the rewards that come after all the striving. – Júlia Henn

ET Boys - “Far Away”

Following their sensational EP and a handful of loosies from last year, Florida-based brothers Tacboy and Sharkeyes, aka ET Boys, are shaking up the pot with a new song and a new sound. ET Boys have never strayed away from experimentation within their music, whether it be exploring cynical themes within the realms of relationships while still having fun rapping on the mic. But “Far Away” pivots from everything we’ve heard of them thus far. “Far Away” creates a new realm for Sharkeyes to explore colorful beats and spirited layers, but the playful instrumentation from MixBusTv’s David Gnozzi gives Tacboy the space to really flex his vocal chops. The pop punk-inspired aesthetics make it grungy with a little touch of pop for an intricate and vibrant sound, a style that suits his fluid poetry incredibly well. – Alan Baez

Killua97 & Tronick Beats - “La Vuelta”

To say Killua97 is a lover boy would be an understatement. His music has always encompassed a range of yearning for love, pain, and healing while genre blending through his unique take on el movimiento and alt-pop. In the Chilean artist’s latest single, “La Vuelta,” produced by Tronick Beats, he opens his heart to a past love he still reminisces on while also grieving the loss of his mother, who passed away in 2019 from a tragic accident. The underrated singer and self-proclaimed beatmarker has an exhilarating year in store for him with Lollapalooza Chile in March coming up — we’re rooting for the singing serenader. — Brenda Barrientos

Joaquina - “Capricho”

Rising Venezuelan-American pop starlet JOAQUINA released her long-anticipated debut album, al romper la burbuja, which offered a tracklist that includes standout “Capricho.” The single is an intimate guitar-driven ballad that reflects on the vulnerable moments of post-betrayal. Her serene vocals guide through the emotional development that yearns for healing as it leans into a poppier interlude the more the song goes on. Although the song never finds an ultimately healed resolve, the melodic upswing and development of stronger vocals as the song nears the end provide the illusion that better and brighter days are soon on the horizon. – Jeanette Diaz

Kuina, Ovyze - “d1ablo”

We’ve been forecasting that Chile is growing into reggaeton’s next major power player, and one of the rising stars we’re betting on is Kuina, who already boasts co-signs from superstars Polimá Westcoast and Harry Nach. Her new EP, konjuro, showcases rhythmic versatility with blasts of baile funk and jersey club, while the undeniable banger of the bunch is the ravey perreo “d1ablo,” with mega producer Ovyze. Here, her gruff alter ego Leonora Laffont reaches for the mic, spitting sexy bars about nights out with a lover, boozing and getting tattoos, and rushing back home to further explore each other’s bodies. The track is a delectable slice of electro-infused reggaeton with just enough distortion to keep it on the edgy cusp of the Chilean tidal wave. – Richard Villegas

GRIIEGO - “100tøFrïoo!”

Mainstream audiences recently got a taste of Latine hyperpop in Rauw Alejandro’s song “Mil Mujeres” off Cosa Nuestra. But if you’ve been paying attention to the indie scene, you’re ahead of the curve. In Puerto Rico, GRIIEGO has been a leader of the subgenre for a minute now, and this week, he finally drops his sophomore album, GRIIEGO vs. The Galaxy. Featuring appearances by talented indie compatriots like XLLAVE, LaDí, LiriosCala, and ROSIAO, the album doesn’t lack variety. Its focus single, “100tøFrïoo!,” is a perfect introduction to this unique and creative sound, and listeners with an open mind might find themselves vibing with its out-there rhythms. — Juan J. Arroyo

Mia Carucci - “JEZEBEL”

Experimental artist Mia Carucci releases “JEZEBEL,” a new witchy-hummed single that aligned its drop right in time with a new moon this week. The mesmerizing track is an esoteric dive that lures you in through distorted guitars and echoed haunting vocals that continuously lace the slight country-twanged melody. The lyrics chant as the seconds pass, increasing its power to “bless another Jezebel.” A play on the term that references the bad girl of the bible, this one goes out to all the bad girls who leave their mark on the people who encounter their presence with a dominating, lingering, and intoxicating effect. – Jeanette Diaz

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