20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Albella to Yajaira la Beyaca

01.16.26 at 01:13

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 Albella, Yajaira la Beyaca with Genosidra, and Luísa Sonza with Roberto Menescal. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.

Albella - “Condenao”

A muffled synth builds up into an explosion triggered by Albella’s mischievous laughter, kicking off “Condenao,” a stylish lead single that paints an enticing first glance into the futuristic and hyperfeminine universe of the Dollhouse, her latest project. Showcasing an ambitious array of resources, like the sudden shift of pace into an almost-heavenly choir and atmosphere in the first third of the track, the rhythmic and melodic themes maintained throughout the song plus Albella’s varied vocal performance, “Condenao” is a clear vision of the glamorous and passionate world this artist wants to bring their listeners into. The lyrics effortlessly swing from Spanish to English, and state the dress code as “high boots, short skirts, and long nails,” all geared up to do anything except “ask for permission or forgiveness.” This is just the door opening into Albella’s Dollhouse, and we can’t wait to play in it. – La Morra Lisa

Yajaira la Beyaca, Genosidra - “MMgvo”

“Y es que acaso yo como arepa con petróleo?,” asks Yajaira la Beyaca in the opening bar of “Mmgvo,” a blistering tiradera aimed at the ghoulish legacy of Venezuelan despot Nicolás Maduro and the imperialist power struggle over the South American nation’s future. Teaming up with her longtime Colombian production partner Genosidra, the song is a throbbing dembow scorcher that is irreverent as it is poignant, faithful to Yajaira’s acerbic lyrical skills. “Hay rumores de guerra, hay rumores de guerra,” she chants on the bridge, cautioning that joy over the end of Chavismo should not be mistaken for glib optimism, but rather a necessary respite before Venezuelans around the world face the challenges ahead. – Richard Villegas

Luísa Sonza, Roberto Menescal - “Um Pouco de Mim”

The musical project Bossa Sempre Nova is singer Luísa Sonza’s newest creation in collaboration with iconic artists Roberto Menescal and Toquinho, two of the biggest names of bossa nova, the Brazilian genre that blends samba and jazz into sophisticated and deeply calming music. In the track “Um Pouco de Mim,” Sonza’s soprano voice finds a more relaxed and, consequently, lower tone to sing in to accommodate the perfectly chill vibes of this romantic song that talks all about the generosity and all-consuming quality of love. In the minimalist accompanying music video, Sonza appears next to a still dexterous Menescal, who plays the acoustic guitar beautifully throughout the track. The project’s goal is to encourage younger audiences to listen to bossa nova and it seems like it might reach it just fine. – Júlia Henn

Sabino - “Tuity”

Mexican rapper Sabino kicks off 2026 with “Tuity,” a playfully romantic addition to his always expanding Sab-Hop universe. Built on a bouncy melody and driven by high-pitched, chirping synths that feel almost cartoonish, the track leans into sonic lightness without slipping into caricatured irony. Sabino matches that tone through his lyrical flows, letting infatuation meet sincerity as he catalogs the myriad of everyday details that keep him smitten with a lover and circling the same conclusion. If given the choice, he’d choose them every time. Repetition without hesitancy becomes the point here, underscoring how laughably effortless love can feel when it’s real. There’s something unmistakably Tweety-coded about it all. Like the iconic little bird, the song evokes a soft but persistent, silly yet earnest devotional attitude. Sabino is bringing fun back into romance and proving it doesn’t always need grand gestures to feel real. Sometimes the purest form of adoration is choosing someone for all the most ordinary ways they exist, and meaning it every time. — Jeanette Diaz

Armenta, Chino Pacas – “Un Leño”

Is Armenta música mexicana’s next superstar? The Mexican artist and composer is back with a new collaboration featuring none other than Chino Pacas, with whom he has worked on songs like “PTS” and “DiCaprio.” New track “Un Leño” captures the artists’ yearning side backed by gentle, melodic acoustic strings perfect for Valentine’s Day. Throughout the ardent collaboration, the duo takes turns crooning romantic promises and describing their infatuation for their special loved ones. With reassuring and swoon-worthy lyrics like, “Te voy a complacer, mija / Todo lo que tú me pidas,” and “Eres todo lo que ya buscaba,” the new Regional Mexican duet makes for a great song to learn and serenade your lover next month. Have someone in mind? Start practicing. — Jeanette Hernandez

Fransia - “Señales Luminosas”

“Solo Dios sabe, ¿no?” That’s how Argentina’s Fransia opens “Señales Luminosas,” the latest single from her impressive 2025 album Fuentes Secretas, like she’s finally ready for a trustfall into the uncertainty love brings. Produced by Guido D’Andrea and featuring a programmed tropical beat and crunchy guitars, “Señales Luminosas” is Fransia daring to enjoy the good things life offers her, sending us into a summer dream with her husky voice. The song is now accompanied by a music video directed by Fermín Moreno Quintana and Juan Lanzillotta, showing natural landscapes shot in Super 8 that add to the romantic feel. – Cheky

Nanpa Básico - “Estuve Ahí”

Colombian artist Nanpa Básico pours his heart into “Estuve Ahi,” recounting all the times he stood by his ex at her lowest. He details how he remained present even when she didn’t deserve it, when no one else was around, when chaos consumed her mind, when she was at her worst. He was always there, while others couldn’t even show up for her at her best. With a melodic grit in his voice and a slow, emotion-soaked Afrobeats-inspired sound, Nanpa Básico makes us feel every ounce of his pain. The song builds toward a heartbreaking twist: after being there through everything, he’s repaid with betrayal, his world torn apart, and his peace taken away. – Natasha Melina Argudo

Yilian Cañizares - “Nuevo Ciclo”

Armed with a violin, Cuban-born Swiss artist Yilian Cañizares showcases virtuosic talent, weaving musical pieces into an intricate sonic tapestry that traverses different musical cultures effortlessly. African percussion and prog rock-like odd-time signatures mark an exhilarating groove that defies convention, incorporating multilingual vocals, and a rich, jazz-infused instrumentation evokes different eras and places with a sophisticated touch. As a result, “Nuevo Ciclo” feels like a pocket symphony, coming in to transport the listener to another dimension. Thanks to tracks like these, Cañizares evokes a musical world that transcends time and space. — Marcos Hassan

Nuevos Ríos - “Malvada”

Captivating through raw, provocative soundscapes, the sophomore single from the emerging Nuevos Ríos champions the best of both worlds from two dynamic artists. “Malvada” brings together the collaborative efforts of Canalón de Timbiquí and the trance provocateur trio Reco Reco. Nuevos Ríos is a completely new project between the two, but sees both stepping out of their comfort zone while incorporating what they do best—Nidia Góngora of Canalon leading with sweeping vocals while the tantalizing drums of Reco creates the perfect platform to execute. While their first single “Sumba Ale” acted as a lowkey introduction to the newly formed group, “Malvada” gives an incredible taste of what’s to come as the teaser for their upcoming album set to release this spring. The track sees the fruitful energy of Reco’s production blend harmoniously with Gongora’s vocal performance. The result is a beautiful ensemble of rhythm and execution of style, combining styles cultivated all through the Latin American diaspora. – Alan Baez

Chico Rivera - “Despiértame”

Chico Rivera is the nom de plume and newest project of Fernando Rivera Burgos, who drops his debut single this week with “Despiértame.” Rivera gained much-deserved rep as a member of the acclaimed Puerto Rican rock band Epilogio, where he was bassist, vocalist, and songwriter. Now he takes his talents solo, but fans of his previous work are sure to still appreciate his development. The earnest and poetic sentimentality of his lyrics remain, as does the dynamic yacht rock-adjacent musicality he fostered during his years with the band. Along with B-side track “Volverás por mí,” Chico’s first foray is a positive step in the right direction towards new horizons. — Juan J. Arroyo

Sotomayor - “Si Te Vas”

Breaking a five-year-long period of silence and as a result of an introspective analysis of their own identity and history spanning a career of 10 years, “Si Te Vas” marks the third single from Mexican duo Sotomayor. The sibling duo’s symbiotic creative process has matured and become more complex along with their lives and relationships, landing in the organic sound of their latest album WABI SABI, which aims to feel more intimate and emotional while exploring themes like connection, departure, and cultural pride. In this new stage, their roots are cemented in Afrobeats, house, and cumbia themes while also displaying Afro-Caribbean ideas from a modern and elegant perspective. “Si Te Vas” features these influences effortlessly, has a mind-boggling instrumental flute solo by Puertorican artist Kalani Trinidad, and is a warm and open invitation to join the dancefloor and fully give in to the fire of a passionate moment that must be enjoyed and shared before it flees. – La Morra Lisa

Martin - “Otro Verano”

The road to becoming usually comes into focus upon reaching the destination, and on Martin Urrutia’s latest single “Un Verano,” the 20-year old Spanish singer and actor contemplates sexual awakening and misunderstood angst over gauzy sophistipop. Breaking through in 2023 as a finalist on the reality singing competition Operación Triunfo, followed by a starring role in the Javis-created musical comedy series Mariliendre, the rising performer teamed up with Catalonian studio wizards Hidrogenesse to write and produce his forthcoming debut album, out this Spring. “Un Verano” contrasts Urrutia’s internal quandaries against this media exposure, concluding with a bittersweet homecoming and the realization that the man his family embraces is no longer the boy they raised—an existential pitstop on a winding journey that has just begun. – Richard Villegas

SHURY - “Os 100”

Brazilian rapper SHURY is starting the new year in grand style, with the release of her latest single “Os 100” in collaboration with producer biggie diehl. The young artist’s skill and vocal maturity is showcased in this funky, strong, and deeply influenced by ‘90s hip-hop track. SHURY’s voice doesn’t falter and is sharp in the way it allows for her message to be heard and, most importantly, understood by whoever is listening to it. Talking about the struggles and challenges faced by the people born in less privileged positions, “Os 100” is all about keeping your head up and remaining faithful to one’s principles and values even in the face of adversity. – Júlia Henn

Olivia C. Dacal - “Lover, where’d you go”

Longing doesn’t always resolve itself, and Olivia C. Dacal knows exactly how that sounds. The Australian-based artist shares “Lover, where’d you go,” a melancholic baroque-pop meets neo-soul track that distills the heartbreak of loving someone who still exists everywhere except beside you. Her jazz-trained vocals take center stage against lush yet restrained instrumentation, floating with sensual air and spellbinding harmonies that pull you gently into the yearning ache. Matched with cinematic, image-heavy lyrics, the song traces the grief of a partner’s emotional disappearance through the eyes of an over-romanced heart that hasn’t stopped reaching. Hovering between devotion and resignation, there’s a slow building realization that love can become a vigil, one where the repeating question acts like a prayer that might finally summon an answer. Instead of finality, the song lingers in the search itself, capturing the quiet devastation of loving someone whose soul feels just out of reach. — Jeanette Diaz

Legado 7 - “7 Besos”

Legado 7 released their newest hard-hitting norteño track “7 Besos,” a reflective song about their luxuries without forgetting where they came from. Throughout the track, vocalist Alexander Guerra sings about finally attaining what he wants after the inevitable challenges he had to face, getting through it with his head held high. Backed by a powerful accordion led by co-founder Ramón Ruiz and a rhythmic bass, “7 Besos” is a new go-to track for your getting hyped playlist, especially when you need an extra push to get up and hustle in the mornings. What better way to manifest what you want than to sing along to successful artists like Legado 7, who have been reinventing música mexicana on the map since 2015? – Jeanette Hernandez

Fabiano Do Nascimento & Vittor Santos Orchestra – “Spring Theme”

Quickly following his 2025 album Cavejaz, Brazilian-American guitar virtuoso Fabiano Do Nascimento now joins forces with Vittor Santos and his 16-piece orchestra for a collaborative full-length titled Vila, dropping next month on Far Out Recordings. The album’s first single is “Spring Theme,” and it’s just a perfectly apt description for what you’re about to hear. The song features Do Nacimento’s acoustic guitar work front and center, with fingerpicking that paints an evocative picture that makes us swoon. Santos and his orchestra’s contribution is so stunning; we truly believe it can make flowers bloom, pairing gliding strings and bolero-like percussion that conjure warmer times. – Cheky

Bebo Dumont - “Vámonos de Viaje”

Bebo Dumont teams up with Amazon Music for their Amazon Music Originals playlist, offering a reimagined remix of “Vámonos de Viaje” by Bandalos Chinos. Taking a song originally rooted in alternative rock, Dumont injects his signature bachata influence, reshaping the track with warm rhythms and a tropical pulse that feels both intimate and expansive. “Vámonos De Viaje” has always been captivating in the way it turns escape into a feeling rather than a physical destination. By blending a bachata beat with a heightened sense of emotional urgency, Dumont transforms the song into an open invitation to surrender, to disappear into desire, chaos, and freedom. The result is hypnotic and intoxicating, carrying a subtle bittersweetness, like stepping into a journey you know could change everything, yet choosing to go anyway. – Natasha Melina Argudo

Otracami - “Please”

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Camila Ortiz is preparing to release an intimate yet ambitious new album, Runoff, and if its first single is any indication, we’re in for a special one. Displaying an intimacy mostly associated with bedroom pop, this warm acoustic track brings a nostalgic kick right out of the gate, with Ortiz’s vocals soaring to melancholic heights. However, the track is not as spare as its sentiment might suggest, bringing slight orchestrations with other instruments building an intricate web of melodies that take this song to another level. “Please” is a delicate yet powerful musical display from a confident young artist. — Marcos Hassan

Vera Fauna, Rufus T. Firefly - "Los Grillos"

Despite releasing a full-length project early last year, supporting a flurry of loose singles, alternative rock outfit Vera Fauna is already prepping for another productive year. “Los Grillos” was a standout from Dime donde estamos for its vibrant psychedelic sound and incorporation of bedroom indie influences, and this new live rendition brings a new layer to an already well-established song, calling for exciting contributions from Aranjuez’s own Rufus T. Firefly. The collaboration between the two groups gives new light to the track, where the chemistry within their cohort shines especially bright in highlighting its strongest components. They both bring an immense energy to it, a masquerade of multiple individual talents and personalities blending together for a beautiful composition of vibrant colors and texture. – Alan Baez

Del Toro - “15 de enero”

Jan. 15 is an important date for Del Toro, and one that holds a lot of significance for her. It’s her birthday, which is why she released her newest single, “15 de enero,” yesterday to mark the occasion. The song is a bracingly honest reflection on the obstacles she’s faced on her path towards becoming an indie artist, including self-doubt, loneliness, and lack of support. The result has been sometimes bitter birthdays, but this year she can allow herself to start feeling like it was all part of the plan in order to be where she is now, with much more to go. — Juan J. Arroyo

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