20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Bebo Dumont to Luedji Luna

05.30.25 at 01:03

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 Bebo Dumont, 3BallMTY with Conjunto Nuevo Amanecer, and Luedji Luna. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.

Bebo Dumont - “Velas”

After more than a decade of hard work and sacrifice, Grammy winner Bebo Dumont is about to have his long-awaited time in the spotlight this fall with the release of his debut EP. A journeyman and artist’s artist, the multifaceted singer has participated as vocalist in groups like Cultura Profética and International Dub Ambassadors, as well as collaborated with Rawayana and more. This week, he releases his latest single, “Velas,” and continues a streak of highly danceable and vibes-rich tracks he’s been dropping over the last year. His sandbox is a fusion of soul, reggae, R&B, and funk all stewed in tropical sonic goodness. But it’s how he always injects heart into his lyrics what has made him a veritable fan favorite. — Juan J. Arroyo

3BallMTY - “El Nene (feat. Conjunto Nuevo Amanecer)”

3BallMTY is back to remind people what they’re known for. The genre-bending trio partnered up with norteño sax band Conjunto Nuevo Amanecer for “El Nene,” an infectious collaboration that features the group’s signature tribal guarachero, oozing the latter group’s rich brass instruments. Together, they offer a catchy collaboration with fun wordplay that gives tribal guarachero and norteño sax a new EDM flair. The result? A summer party anthem for club-goers who are looking to dust off their boots on the dancefloor. – Jeanette Hernandez

Luedji Luna - “Rota”

In her most honest and self-reflective work to date, Um Mar Pra Cada Um, Brazilian artist Luedji Luna utilizes a vast array of effects and wind instruments to carefully create the ethereal and truthful nature of this new project. Each of the 11 tracks intimately explores the singer’s personal battles with the concept of love and the wounds it so often inflicts. In “Rota,” the beats of Black Brazilian music and jazz are paired up with melancholic lyrics that expose Luna’s emotional vulnerability and desire to love and be loved in equal measure, making the object of her affections the route her heart must take in order to finally be in peace. – Júlia Henn

Belafonte Sensacional - “Jovita Verano”

Mexico City ensemble Belafonte Sensacional have finally unveiled their third LP, LLAMAS LLAMAS LLAMAS, examining loss through a moving collection of songs that delve into gentrification (“Todavía DF”), mourning (“Chris Farley”), and glorious moments of respite (“Suaves son los Días” feat. Julieta Venegas). Appearing as an acoustic oasis in a convulsive record filled with blues rock, cumbia rebajada, and salsa, “Jovita Verano” finds singer and bandleader Israel Ramírez at his rawest and most emotionally resonant, delivering a stripped-down hymn for his ailing mother. “No quiero que te vayas / quédate un poquito más,” he coos repeatedly, praying for healing, sunshine, and deliverance from his early-onset grief. Ramírez is a troubadour synonymous with the feverish heights of his poetry, but on “Jovita Verano,” the simplicity of his longing is far more effective as a heartbreaking confessional and pure-hearted elegy. A twinkling synthesizer emerges mid-song, followed by a late-in-the-game appearance from Mabe Fratti’s haunting, distorted cello, engulfing Ramírez’s guitar as if to symbolize the flickering, inextinguishable light that shines at the center of a pitch-black night. — Richard Villegas

Lucrecia Dalt - “divina”

Lucrecia Dalt continues to dazzle, enchant, and confuse listeners, often — as is the case with “divina” — doing it in the same song. Ethereal voices give way to a minimalist interplanetary doo wop backing track before Dalt’s vocals enter, not with a bang, but almost as a richly tonal whisper. As the track progresses, it quickly unfolds to incorporate noise and alien elements, giving it an otherworldly feeling, like if heaven were a strange, faraway planet. Treading the line between simple and complex, “divina” shows Dalt delivering a track that showcases what makes her artistry unique, making this a quintessential track in her catalog. — Marcos Hassan

Los Aptos - “Adams Family”

Alternative sierreño trio Los Aptos celebrate the release of their latest album TEMPORADAS with their focus single “ADAMS FAMILY.” Leaning into a more traditional regional approach, the band still weaves in experimental flair through melancholic guitars and some ominous sound bites nod to the single’s haunting title, where adoration meets darkness. At first listen, the lyrics feel wrapped in the sweetness of unconditional love and finding a partner ready to accept every part of you, even the flawed ones. But as the song unfolds, so does the gloom, as vocalist Juan Ortega begins to unravel that comfort. It reveals the weight of personal demons showing up in the dynamic — ones that threaten to fracture even the safest bond and stir the question of whether you’re worthy of love at all. It’s a theme that plays on love’s complexity and the kind of affection that lives between thorns. Because sometimes, love doesn’t have to be soft to be real. Sometimes it’s gothic, gutsy, and Gomez-level loyal – ‘til death and maybe even after. — Jeanette Diaz

Hamilton - “El Problema (2020)”

Up-and-coming Colombian artist Hamilton already has a handful of successful singles and collaborations with the likes of Ryan Castro, Nanpa Básico, and De La Ghetto under his arm, and he’s back with the breezy “El Problema (2020).” Sun-kissed Afrobeats production courtesy of Golden and lovely backing harmonies set the tone like candles in a romantic dinner, where Hamilton plays his cards to make his girl fall in love with him. He cheekily fantasizes about spending days locked at home with her in 2020, and once we remove the deadly pandemic element, it does sound like a desirable setting. – Cheky

Lilly Yan - “¿QNP?”

With a deceivingly upbeat and bubbly sound, Honduran-American artist Lilly Yan presents “¿QNP?,” a strong reminder that her exquisite and unique voice is one to look out for within the indie pop space. The song paints a sonically beautiful and stunningly produced background, over which somber lyrics filled with sadness and confusion mirror the feelings that come with one of today’s biggest fears: being abruptly ghosted. “You didn’t give me a reason,” and “It drives me crazy not knowing why you stopped texting” are some of the few lines that Yan delivers with her powerful and stunning voice, despite having a broken heart. Even if you are not currently going through a similar situation, this is one to listen to repeatedly just based on the high quality of the production and the catchy synths that combine perfectly with the multilayered vocals, where Yan provides backing choruses for herself and turns every verse into tasty ear candy (with a sad but passionate filling though). This is the third single leading up to the release of her debut EP Llorar a Gusto, and if this is just a taste, whenever we feel sad in the future, we know for sure whose music will keep us company. – La Morra Lisa

Jocsan Duran - “Lo que Nunca Pasó”

“Lo que Nunca Pasó” by Jocsan Duran is a powerful corrido that blends heartfelt melancholy with the vibrant pulse of Central American rhythm. Rooted in Mexican tradition and infused with modern flair, Duran positions himself as the hope of the neighborhood, telling gritty, real-life stories from the streets while never losing sight of faith and perseverance. His signature sound — a seamless fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary beats speaks directly to a new generation of Latinos searching for truth, identity, and emotional depth in music. It’s an anthem for resilience, dedicated to those who keep pushing forward, even when the odds are stacked against them. Inspired by the unwavering spirit of his community, Duran transforms pain into purpose. This song honors the quiet strength of everyday fighters — the ones chasing a better future with determination and hope. – Natasha Melina Argudo

Leonel Garcia - “Desierto (feat. Natalia Lafourcade)”

In a sudden burst of inspiration, and despite just releasing an album, Mexican singer, writer, and composer Leonel Garcia has released a surprise project, EL SHOW. While ARENBI is a love letter to the contemporary Latine music that raised his multifaceted career, EL SHOW’s main cut “Desierto” takes a step backward with a softer presentation. A subtle yet passionate approach, the track serves as a more tender moment amongst the more layered sounds with its minimalist production. His previous album tackles influences ranging from Latine pop to classical R&B, but “Desierto” sounds straight out of a spaghetti western, making do with the minimal guitar work in its instrumentation to capture such a precise feeling. The track also taps in longtime collaborator and friend Natalie Lafourcade for a haunting performance. The way Garcia and Lafourcade bounce off each other brings a layer of intimacy from the two, providing a burst of energy out of the black and white. – Alan Baez

Julio Del Hoyo feat. Ana Macho - “Guagua”

Boricua wordsmith Julio Del Hoyo’s newest album, cuando se casan las brujas, drops today, but he had one last surprise up his sleeve for fans. Earlier this week, he released a final single, and it’s alongside none other than thee Caribbean popstar Ana Macho. Like the album itself, “Guagua” is inspired by the daily gamut of feelings one goes through during sunny days — not all happy, not all sad, yet always inspiring — but with the sense that they’re welcome all the same, especially if you’re not alone. The album’s varied tracklist is a perfect soundtrack for when you have a summer to-do list to check off, and want something to spin all the while. — Juan J. Arroyo

Silvana Estrada - “Como Un Pájaro”

Silvana Estrada is ready for a new musical chapter. In her new self-produced song “Como Un Pájaro,” she channels her intimate feelings of loneliness and loss into a minimalistic orchestral soundscape that highlights her crisp, melodic voice. With melancholic acoustic strings, gentle piano chords, and Estrada’s clean-cut, captivating vocals, the Mexican songstress opens up about being alone and regretting memories that no longer serve her. “I hope that beyond being a breakup song, it can serve as a small offering to solitude and silence,” she said about the new track. – Jeanette Hernandez

Kyan, Mu540 & Veigh - “Pente 270!”

Whenever Brazilian funk makes an appearance on your playlist, you are in for a night of fun. And that’s exactly what DJ MU540 and Kyan had in mind when creating their newest EP DOIS Quebrada Inteligente. Bringing funk, trap, and electronic music together, the duo’s latest release features stellar collaborations such as Djonga, KayBlack, Triz, and producer 99noBeat. A clear example of the type of sound the duo was aiming for in this EP is track “Pente 270!,” featuring Veigh, which is definitely R-rated in the content of its lyrics and expertly explores the heavy bass, drums, and mixing for which the genre is often recognized. – Júlia Henn

Rusowsky, Las Ketchup - “Johnny Glamour”

With the tracklist reveal for Rusowsky’s highly anticipated debut, DAISY, internet buzz swirled around a stacked, trendy guest list featuring La Zowi and Kevin Abstract. But the Spanish producer and Rusia-IDK co-founder always has an ace up his sleeve. In perhaps the most delightful twist on the record, he samples Andalusian flamenco-pop group Las Ketchup for the effervescent seduction romp of “Johnny Glamour.” Melding the hook from their 2002 hit “Kusha Las Payas” with the piano chords from his own career-establishing banger “Dolores,” El Ruso lays out a witty canvas for his many other production signatures: fluttering flutes, palmas flamencas, and Timbaland-esque drums. The result is an effervescent summer smash as refreshing as whatever Las Ketchup are drinking when they sing, “Chupito que va y viene / chupito que viene y va.” Cheers to that! — Richard Villegas

Josiah Flores - “Wishin’ I Don’t Care”

Up-and-coming artist Josiah Flores puts a new spin on spiritually-charged alt-country, looking for redemption through twang. Opening the song with a guitar strum that could be mistaken for a ranchera, “Wishin’ I Don’t Care” quickly picks its lane, giving us a sinner’s lament with gospel imagery in the lyrics. Flores is serene in his delivery; yet, there’s a bit of regret in his voice, as lap steel and lovely backing vocals accompany him with his pain. Flores does a great job at conjuring a spare yet elegant country sound while making it a vessel for his feelings in an authentic way. — Marcos Hassan

Zahara, Ximena Sariñana - “<3CDMX”

Spain-based artist Zahara and Mexican singer-songwriter darling Ximena Sariñana come together for their new single “<3CDMX.” The latest track encapsulates a soundscape moment of the city’s frenetic energy at any given time. As Sariñana’s seraphic vocals open the song over a piano introduction, the track then delves into a heavier alternative, more synth-forward electro beat that mimics a heartbeat representative of the pulsating energy that runs through the famed atmosphere. The fluctuating duality of sounds then continues back and forth, with the lyrics coming into play to really drive the parallel representation. There are multitudes of many lives lived within the city’s borders, from sound to lifestyles, with new perspectives ready to be extracted if we only took a moment to focus on a second look or within the crevices of previously hidden locations. — Jeanette Diaz

Fernando Motta - “Volver”

Four years after dropping his lauded third solo album Ensaio Pra Destruir, Brazilian artist Fernando Motta returns with Movimento Algum, a new 10-track full-length with Thiago Klein handling production duties. The album kicks off with “Volver,” which sucks us into a vortex of thunderous drums and a thick cloud of digital distortion that recalls The Smashing Pumpkins circa 2000. Barely sticking his head out through this shoegazing storm, Motta’s voice flickers like a transmission from another era, past or future, to remind us of life’s cyclic nature. – Cheky

Michi Sanz - “Hago lo que sea”

If there is ever a Latine Bonnie and Clyde remake, we got the perfect soundtrack for it with Michi Sanz latest single, “Hago lo que sea.” Opening with the sounds of a classic rock band and a hauntingly seductive guitar riff, we hear a distorted voice recount some of the extreme scenarios that a toxic relationship can push us to, like robbing a bank or jumping off a plane, when all reasoning has been stolen by the other person. Sanz’s passionate voice, especially on the pre-choruses and choruses, brings the song into a current sound that is enhanced by the contrast of her softness against an almost metal-sounding background and a chanting crowd. The singer shows once again why she is one of the bright new faces of pop rock, and while we do not recommend following what the lyrics say at home, we do encourage you to bring some sonic variety into your playlists with this headbanging addition. – La Morra Lisa

Ysa C - “No no no”

Ysa C offers up more than just a breakup song with “NoNoNo” — it’s a love letter to herself. Her soft vocals lay over a cushion of pop with a subtle Afrobeats pulse. Each “no” she sings is a boundary she sets; no to a half-hearted love, no to excuses, and no to drama. There’s zero resentment in Ysa’s voice, only the understanding that once was is no more. In a moment of deep clarity, the Afro-Colombian artist embraces the temporary pain of letting go to give herself the love and peace that her relationship lacked. She makes it clear that if her ex tries calling, there’s no spinning the block or second chances with her. “NoNoNo” captures the moment you realize that self-worth is a non-negotiable, serving as a reminder to everyone to put yourself first and know when to walk away, even if it hurts at first. – Natasha Melina Argudo

GOYO, Zaider - “Volver a Verte”

Embracing bold, tender themes through upbeat Afrobeats sounds, the latest from Latin Grammy award-winning singer and rapper GOYO captures the fragility of home and its easily discernible lines. “Volver a Verte” explores joy through the righteous rhythm of Afrobeats, with a few more layers on top. Though the song stands to present joy in the memory of time well spent with loved ones, there’s an underlying tone of sadness hidden in the crypt. Bars exchanged between GOYO and Zaider accentuate positive feelings, but upon reflection, simultaneously explore the fleeting sensation of said joy, which hits right at the track’s ending. The co-sung chorus doubles down on the theme of celebrating family, but when the singing cuts out and the instrumental gently comes to an end, it mimics the sensation of the inevitable end of those fond memories. – Alan Baez

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