20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Charly Gynn to Tim Bernardes

05.02.25 at 00:57

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 Charly Gynn with Tzunami, Tim Bernardes, and Tei Shi. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.

Charly Gynn, Tzunami - “Pal Apareo”

Every new track is an opportunity for Charly Gynn to showcase the lethalness of her chanteo; a crucial talent flex at a time where the industry is questioning reggaeton mexa’s unrelenting meme-seeking. But the Tempvs Music co-founder is deadly serious about her craft, and with “Pal Apareo,” possibly her best release since her 2024 debut LP La Matatana, she delivers sexy, boastful bars designed to stimulate ears and gyrating asses alike. “La de Tacubaya, la caldosa del local / salida del barrio, la patrona del congal,” she shoots off, asserting her home turf in the heart of Mexico City, as well as on the stage, all while producer Tzunami blasts a nasty perreo beat evocative of classic Don Chezina. — Richard Villegas

Tim Bernardes - “Prudência”

It’s no surprise that Tim Bernardes’ latest release sounds like it came straight from the ‘70s in a cassette. The Brazilian singer-songwriter’s cultural background, inspirations, and preferences have always seemed to align with the characteristics attributed to that decade, an old soul born in the early ‘90s. “Prudência” is a creation of his own that was originally recorded by Maria Bethânia back in 2021. Bernardes’ rendition is more subdued and introspective, making for an even more impactful performance as we are allowed to completely immerse ourselves in lyrics that reflect on the cravings shared by all human beings for connection and a sense of liveliness that are ever so often vanquished by excessive cautiousness. – Júlia Henn

Tei Shi - “Drop Dead”

Canadian-Colombian artist Tei Shi is back with her newest cheeky synthpop grunge track, “Drop Dead.” With an ‘80s-like nostalgic pop tinge, “Drop Dead” features Tei Shi’s unapologetic IDGAF perspective about boring people who have nothing better than to make you feel like you’re too much. “I channeled some personal betrayals into this one, and it also came from revisiting some of my early relationship dynamics where I felt I had to dim my shine for someone else,” she said about the songwriting process. “I wanted the song to be an unabashed celebration of that shine we all carry, that pride and confidence within us that is at times stronger than others, and kind of poke fun at the idea of jealousy.” “Drop Dead” is part of her upcoming LP Make believe I make believe. – Jeanette Hernandez

mediopicky - “Lluvia”

Last weekend, mediopicky surprised us with a brand new four-track EP titled Forma de cer, which shows us once again how he continues to push his sound to unexplored territories. Second on the tracklist is “Lluvia,” a song that portrays an intimate version of the D.R.’s artist we’d never heard before. The smokey, spacious jam is all about romance and sensuality, an invitation to share a moment in the shower that could potentially heat up. He cites Juan Luis Guerra’s “Burbujas de Amor” and its innuendo (complete with bubble sounds), and with a beat that’s teased throughout the song and only materializes at the end, we know Picky got lucky. — Cheky

Mariposa - “Medallo”

Juxtaposing the rift of mental health while coveting the same left-end hip-hop aesthetics with relaxed effort, rising Latine rap artist Mariposa celebrates the work of making your name known. After an explosive year of making her voice heard through sonically daring raps, the Colombian wordsmith returns with something slow in tempo, but faster in hitting its mark. “Medallo” is the first release for the rapper post her sophomore EP INFRAMUNDO from last year, kicking the transformative cybergoth, trap beats to the backseat for something more laid back, yet equally as colorful. The Drew London-produced track is syrupy; it’s sticky. It’s saturated with this cold vocal effect, that gives it a grimey, moodier sound. It’s stripped down in layers, but still showcases the charismatic versatility of Mariposa’s trap upbringings. – Alan Baez

Taiana - “Noche Estrellada”

Taiana had an indie year to envy in 2024, releasing her debut EP NENADFUEGO and catching the eyes and ears of peers and critics alike with her alt-R&B/disco sound. After making a Rolling Stone’s Spanish-language artists to watch in 2025 list, she’s not taking a breather, instead quickly readying a follow-up project. The first single, “Noche Estrellada,” takes her in a fresh direction that’s still imbued with the soulful energy that set her aside from the pack. Produced by also-rising producer Søul, the track is both kinetic and dreamy; a feeling perfectly captured by the Camille Lepen-directed music video that shows Taiana riding on a motorcycle through hazy, streetlight-washed roads. She’s a rare combo where the music and vibes are both immaculate. — Juan J. Arroyo

Belafonte Sensacional - “Todavía DF”

Mexico City — fka Distrito Federal — like many places around the world, are losing their identity, and the city’s own Belafonte Sensacional has penned an ode to CDMX that expresses all the confusion, sadness, and fury that locals are feeling. With chords borrowed from feel-good garage rock, they contrast with the rage and yearning behind singer Israel “Belafonte” Ramírez’s words about not recognizing the city you were born in, how those “culeros” are fucking it up, and how every friend-hang is a form of resistance. Meanwhile, “Todavía DF” flutters with electronics until they take over and submerge the song in digital cacophony, making it a perfect sonic metaphor for living in the modern world. — Marcos Hassan

S.3.R - “N?C”

Divino Niño frontman Camilo Medina enchants us with another single as part of his new solo project S.3.R. “N?C” is a restless meditation inspired by the continual chaos of New York City that Medina delivers with quintessential slacker rock charm. “Pierdo la calma en el afán del momento/Se amarran cuatro mil palabras acosandome,” the singer growls over dirty, distorted guitars and a skittish bassline that bumps up against his overstimulated energy, as he attempts to find beauty among the hot mess that is NYC. – Nayeli Portillo

blood club - “nunca sé lo que quiero”

Mexican-American, Chicago-based emerging post-punkers blood club released their latest EP sufres porque quieres this week to commemorate embarking on their biggest tour to date. The opening single “nunca sé lo que quiero” sits as its standout track, immediately hooking in listeners between pulsing drum beats and glistened hazed guitars before kicking into its full buoyantly dark dance melody. Ruminating in a state of disorder, the darkwave influenced single is a tangled voyage in never being sure of what you want and accepting that in all its faults, because the only certainty you can count on, is always wanting more. — Jeanette Diaz

MissLupe - “Me Sostiene la Pista de Baile”

For the past five years, Argentine singer and electronic music producer MissLupe has been setting the underground ablaze to the beat of house, techno, and politically-charged songwriting. Following her much-chanted LGBTQ liberation anthem, “Nuestros Besos,” her single “Me Sostiene la Pista de Baile” expands the scope of her resistance efforts with pointed shots at institutional hate and poignant reminders to find and build community on the dance floor. “Cada día que sucede, este mundo es más inmundo,” she moans, bleakness weighing on her voice, surfing the thumping house beat until she once again arrives at the song’s comforting title mantra. MissLupe’s new album, Reset, is slated for release on May 8, and by the looks of Sofi Finkel’s cheeky, messy-girl music video for “Me Sostiene la Pista de Baile,” the party promises to rage all summer long. — Richard Villegas

DJ Pereira & El Pepo Show - "Anoche"

Excitement through the roof is already expected when talking about DJ Pereira’s style. But in this collaboration with El Pepo Show and Boy Wonder CF, the need to move along with the song becomes irresistible, be it jumping, dancing, or flirting. Of course, “Anoche” talks about the dreams of a man on the night before meeting up with the girl he is in love with for their first kiss, so naturally, the lyrics are spicy and the beats even more so. The upbeat rhythms of Afro-house paired up with hoarse, seductive vocals that illustrate the point of the lyrics make this track a perfect new addition for everyone’s favorite party playlist. – Júlia Henn

Baskiat - “NTV”

Venezuelan artist Baskiat revealed his newest single, “NTV.” It features deep piano chords in an experimental and upbeat electronic and pop soundscape with lyrics that beg for someone to stay. Paired with eccentric synths and autotuned vocals, Baskiat makes the new track a trip to listen to. Known for his reggaeton pop and R&B range, this new offering takes us into his alternative pop mind, giving us a glimpse of what’s to come. “NTV” is part of his upcoming EP Miranda, which is due in June, and honestly, we can’t wait to see what he has brewing in the studio. – Jeanette Hernandez

pablopablo - “Siempre Te Quiero A Veces”

We’re a few weeks away from the release of Canciones en Mí, out on May 23 via Mom+Pop Music, but Spanish artist pablopablo is still previewing some more of its emotionally-charged tracks. The tender “Siempre Te Quiero A Veces” borrows a page from Bon Iver’s 2011 album, achieving beauty with layered vocals, woodwinds, and delicate piano arpeggios. This sets the tone for Pablo Drexler’s yearning for intimacy in the context of today’s fleeting relationships, and even though he performs detachment, he feels and aches a connection with this person. The song gradually grows in intensity until it erupts in drum flares and distortion, sending us in a melancholic rush. — Cheky

PAMÉ - “Los Palos”

Celebrating home and honoring your roots through dazzling melodies and a strong, danceable groove, D.R.-based artist PAME returns with another energetic track. “Los Palos” is the latest from the singer-songwriter, where she demonstrates a strong love and appreciation for the Dominican Republic, singing praise for the waters that washed over PAME’s youth and the childhood beaches that have grounded her artistry. The vivid dance track celebrates home on all fronts, blending the realms of merengue, traditional Dominican palos, and global R&B through rhythmic beats and captivating harmonies, while thematically touching on the sentimentality of these parts through the closing chorus sung by children. “Los Palos” carries this cinematic feel and demands your attention while respecting the boundary of the listener and artist, resulting in something naturally captivating. – Alan Baez

Los Verdugos - “Míster con macana”

Founded in 2020 during a tumultuous time filled with uncertainty and unrest, Puerto Rican punk band Los Verdugos haven’t strayed far from those feelings that are unfortunately central to most boricua’s identity. This week, they drop a cover of one of the archipelago’s most iconic protest songs, “Míster con macana.” The original, by folk music legend Roy Brown, was released in 1969 in the wake of local civil protests. Seeing an opportunity to seize the power behind its lyrics, Verdugos hope the new, frenzied take on the song can animate a new generation into waking up and pushing back against abuse and injustice. As an added curio, the band’s guitarist is the son of Brown’s longtime pianist, making the connection even more noteworthy. — Juan J. Arroyo

Mäisha - “El Río Trae”

Nostalgia and longing can take many forms, and in the hands of Venezuelan singer-songwriter Mäisha, they flow from nature and right into the listener’s feelings. “El Río Trae” is a harmonically-rich track that features jazzy double bass that gives it pulse, while strings uplift the song into a divine realm. Playing with space and silence, the song is a perfect vehicle for Mäisha’s voice to lead the track with strong emotional resonance, taking center stage and giving us something we didn’t know we needed. “El Río Trae” flows like a stream of sound that nurtures melancholic feelings and transforms it into a profound listening experience. — Marcos Hassan

pedazo de carne con ojo - “Center”

Fans of artists like Spirit of the Beehive, Body Meat, and Chanel Beads should be sure to keep the music of Steven Perez, aka pedazo de carne con ojo, on their radars. Perez cut his teeth in Philadelphia’s punk scene, and his catalog of songs exhibits his DIY approach to his work, which is speckled with everything from wavy R&B to splinters of glitchy electronica. Perez funnels jagged pianos, lightning-fast breakbeats and ambient instrumentals into “Center” and the result is an outburst of joyful noise so unrestrained that’s nearly impossible to categorize into a singular genre. – Nayeli Portillo

Flores - “Same”

Indigenous and Mexican artist Flores is back with more new refreshing and sultry music, dropping her latest single “Same.” A serenely striped back guitar ballad that meets her signature natural R&B leanings, the single becomes further texturized with layers of warm and synthesized vocals that fill the atmospheric sonic space. Lyrically, the feelings are less of a cohesive build, finding itself trapped in a disoriented tug of war of sorts that’s transfixed in the back and forth grey space of trying to decide between a partner’s potential and their reality. — Jeanette Diaz

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