20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Debi Nova to Chocolate Remix

03.28.2025 at 00:52

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 Debi Nova, Chocolate Remix, and Julio Cesar. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.

Debi Nova - “Tu Manera de Amar”

Costa Rican singer Debi Nova shares “Tu Manera de Amar.” It’s a pop-leaning love song with some rock-inspired flair, driven by heavy bass lines and a burning desire for someone’s affection who seems to be everything she’s waited for. Although recognized for her pop nature, the alternative moments, like a midway hazy psychedelic rock-influenced breakdown, are captivating and reassure us why Nova is long-standing as a genre innovator. Mixed in with visuals that include a radiating solo dance performance that brings the joyous lyricism to life, the single is an overall catchy track you’ll want to have on repeat during those rare moments you may yourself have found a catch. – Jeanette Diaz

Chocolate Remix - “Abanico y Antifaz”

In these politically fraught times, collectivity is often the surest way to weather the storm. Such was the case last month in Argentina when, following a homophobic and transphobic tirade from President Javier Milei, thousands poured into the capital streets for La Marcha Federal del Orgullo Antirracista y Antifascista. The multitudinous display of solidarity and institutional dissent drew stars like Lali and Maria Becerra, and also inspired “Abanico y Antifaz,” the new single from underground rap and reggaeton provocateur Chocolate Remix. With its thumping mix of RKT and guaracha, this ferocious cry of queer liberation is designed to be chanted at marches and the club, inviting protesters and allies to clack their fans into the eardrums of the nearest facho and remind them we’re not going anywhere. – Richard Villegas

Julio Caesar - “Sirena”

Driven by his melancholic bajo quinto chords, Julio Caesar is back with his newest romantic música mexicana ballad, “Sirena.” The new track exposes Julio’s passionate side, crooning a story about being completely and unapologetically in love. Kissed with gentle and traditional brass instruments and decorated with sweet on-theme lyrics like, “Seré el marinero que se avienta al mar por ti y desaparecemos [I will be the sailor who jumps into the sea for you, and we disappear],” the new track makes for a perfect dedication. With “Sirena,” the singer gives fans a taste of his upcoming album, which is due in May. And based on this lovey-dovey tune alone, we’re all ears and ready to be smitten. – Jeanette Hernandez

ATINA - “Boca”

Closed mouths don’t get fed, so up-and-coming Peruvian singer-songwriter Atina is stating exactly what she wants in her latest single, “Boca.” The song explores her being upfront about her desires and yearning for affection from a lover with whom she has intense chemistry. The pop song is a part of her upcoming album Curita Pal Cora, which is a project set to center love, loss, and healing. So just like “Boca,” we can expect more of Atina being straightforward with her emotions and feelings through her lyrics. — Brenda Barientos

Dinamarca & Meth Math - “chairo”

Cultivating surreal soundscapes on the foundation of companionship and building a better world is the sonically sprung work of Dinamarca & Meth Math. “Chairo” is a song of escape — whether from the harsh realities of an increasingly scary ideological force or the events of personal anguish from another — its soothing, dreamy production soundtracks a peaceful departure. It’s an airy representation of utilizing community-built sounds to defy oppressive ideologies. “Chairo” is the assembling of Stockholm-based DJ-producer Dinamarca and Sonora-born trio Meth Math and the first single off their upcoming collaborative album, resulting in a lucid dreamscape, creating a world where defiant, alternative R&B coincides with modern trap-rap aesthetics. – Alan Baez

Los Aptos - “Tal Vez”

With their new single, “Tal Vez,” Los Aptos introduce a simple, yet moving, song about what could have been done to salvage a failed relationship, while still holding out hope that a second chance at this love might present itself in the future. The musical chemistry between the trio, composed of Juan Ortega, Jony Rivera Lopez, and Daniel Vaides, is easily perceived throughout the whole song, but it’s Ortega’s smooth vocals that really give meaning to the reflective nature of the lyrics. “Tal Vez” serves as an introductory single to Los Aptos’ upcoming album, set to be released on May 30. – Júlia Henn

Kane Rodríguez - "Si Tú Quieres"

Regional Mexican newcomer Kane Rodriguez is living fast and without limits on “Si Tú Quieres.” The new single picks up where tracks like “MORRO MAÑOSO” and “CHULA” left off, evincing Rodriguez’s appetite for adrenaline. An endless supply of red Solo cups and the finest smoke (not to mention the intoxicating smell of Christian Dior perfume) stand in the foreground of the Houston-based singer’s nocturnal corrido tumbado as he promises to give the object of his affection the night of her life. – Nayeli Portillo

TAPABOKA - “La Ley”

Formed in 2023, the “femme punk rage” band TAPABOKA grew a fanbase doing shows around Puerto Rico and finally released their first official single last year with the riotous “El Rey.” Now, they’re kicking off 2025 with “La Ley,” a new track that’s equally unruly and lively. Less grrl power and more grrl chaos, the trio powers through with trademark hardcore punk shock & awe, wailing furiously about how laws written on paper are no match for their grit, attitude, and determination in the face of repression. The song doesn’t hold your hand as much as it yanks you through a ride of mayhem and anarchy, up until the cathartic release at the end. — Juan J. Arroyo

Bardo - “Renacer feat. Combo Chimbita"

Embarking on a solo project, Chicano Batman’s Bardo is ready to rise up on his own by teaming up with Combo Chimbita, bringing out the best from both parties while still discovering a new and fun side of each. “Renacer” recalls the synth bopping R&B of The Gap Band and Zapp, while still delivering their usual soul to the party. You can tell these musicians were having a blast in the studio and the listener can help but feel that energy. There’s also the video for the track where we find Bardo and the Chimbitas having a great time around NYC, driving the point further home. — Marcos Hassan

Franc Castillejos - “Nos Extraño”

Guatemala’s Franc Castillejos continues his string of emotionally charged atmospheric indie folk songs with the release of “Nos Extraño.” Driven by his acoustic guitar and embellished with guitar and piano motifs that float and swirl weightlessly, “Nos Extraño” conjures sonically and lyrically the heartbreaking moment when we realize love is gone, and its flame had been gradually dimming until it finally extinguished. It’s a beautiful reflection on loss that sends us into nostalgia mode instantly. – Cheky

Meme del Real - “Tumbos”

Cafe Tacvba’s Meme del Real shares his second solo single ahead of his long-awaited debut album, “Tumbos.” Co-produced by renowned Gustavo Santaolalla, the infectious track is one of experimental fusion done right. Twisting and turning between bachata, bolero, and electronic-disco-infused rhythms, the final song replicates the dizzying but euphoric feeling of wandering through the streets on a night out. The singer’s signature voice smoothly guides us through the rapturous feelings of unexpectedly meeting someone who shakes up your world with laughter, love and some dance break moments in between. – Jeanette Diaz

BLAIR, Dillom - “Carne Viva”

After drawing reductive Taylor Swift comparisons with her 2022 debut, Llorando en la Fiesta, Argentine singer-songwriter BLAIR began to experiment and collaborate with pop avantists BB ASUL and Feli Colina, emerging with a moodier, edgier sound. Her new single, “Carne Viva,” alongside rapper and RIP Gang alum Dillom is a gory, violent paean of love and lust that showcases her lyrical and conceptual growth, unfolding like an erotic reading of medieval poetry. “Quisiera matarte y que te me mueras adentro / Quisiera marcar todos mis dientes en tu cuello,” she whisper-sings over fluttering synths, fantasizing of her paramour’s bloody demise before Dillom chimes in with eery bars of his own, recalling last year’s harrowing “Muñecas.” Though the song could ring like a cautionary tale, the deliciously stylized music video serves as a reminder that beautiful art can — and should more often — make us feel uncomfortable. – Richard Villegas

Mon Laferte - “Otra Noche de Llorar”

With “Otra Noche de Llorar,” Mon Laferte continues to flaunt her expertise in crafting unfiltered, heartbreaking piano ballads. The Chilean-Mexican singer-songwriter’s passionate vocals narrate the tale of unrequited love, giving insight into an almost regretful ongoing conversation between her and her ex-lover about a love that’s over. With her powerful voice, she takes us deep into a heartbroken person’s state of mind, knowing a relationship is over but still hoping the person on the other end has a change of heart. Going through it and enduring post-breakup blues? Don’t worry, Mon’s got you. — Jeanette Hernandez

Bendi La Bendición - “BROKE BOY FREESTYLE”

NYC-based boricua singer-producer BENDI LA BENDICIÓN is back with a high-energy track titled “BROKE BOY FREESTYLE.” The song champions autonomy and life choices made no matter the circumstances. Bendi effortlessly freestyles throughout the track intending to “resaltar esa autonomía de ser un loquito.” It’s a reflection of going through trials and tribulations like Bendi states of “being broke’” but still remaining authentic to himself, which is what truly matters the most. The experimental freestyle, produced by Bendi as well, is playful and a product of what he’s been listening to these days. “I’ve been listening to a lot of high energy music in the Caribbean urban scene, like [artists] Huan62 and Vei Habache, as well as New York drill music] like Cash Cobain, so I’ve wanted to experiment with mixing those and seeing what comes out,” he stated. – Brenda Barrientos

Pachyman - “In Love”

Back just in time to soundtrack the warm welcome of spring, Los Angeles’ Pachyman returns with the latest teaser from his upcoming album. “In Love” is the singer and producers’ sentiment towards dub reggae incarnate, combining the most vibrant elements of the genre into one sensational, adventurous sound. “In Love” contains the same instrumental layers of traditional Dub but leans into a heavy, hazy psychedelic synth. The track builds momentum in its progression while painting a mental image of bleeding colors, arranged differently with every key change. It’s a warm embrace into unfamiliar yet nostalgic territory, showcasing that Pachyman is one of the forerunners within the genre. – Alan Baez

Manny Moura - “Enough”

Coming in with a similar sound to tunes that could be easily found in early 2000s teen rom-com soundtracks, Brazilian singer-songwriter Manny Moura embraces this nostalgic feeling to talk about heartbreak in a genuine, almost naive way. The whimsical charm of relatable lyrics paired with ethereal, folk-inspired melodies create a highly enjoyable song that reflects the intimate reveries of a girl’s broken heart in the endless search for healing, in this case, singing her own soul out. – Júlia Henn

Natalia Lafourcade, El David Aguilar - "Como Quisiera Quererte"

Natalia Lafourcade and singer-songwriter El David Aguilar wrestle with the tension between wanting to give your beloved the entire world and the infeasibility of actually being able to do so on “Como Quisiera Quererte,” the latest single from her forthcoming album Cancionera. “Como quisiera quererte, como te quiero querer/Como quisiera entregarte la noche, la amanecer,” the duo croons as their grief unravels in the track’s opening verse. Lafourcade leans into more traditional Mexican folk mediums like rancheras and boleros with beautifully elegiac guitars and romantic verses in this analog-recorded ballad produced by Adan Jodorowsky. – Nayeli Portillo

Valentina Perdido - “verano”

The singles countdown that Valentina Perdido began last year with “Mariana” continues apace with “verano,” her fifth release in nearly as many months. Each track has tackled different sounds, but they’ve all included her trademark soulful, smoky touch and this one is no different. Here the Puerto Rican songstress impassionedly croons about how pining over a crush affects her, and how the warm jolt each interaction between them always colors her mood. She associates them with summer and she’s torn between wanting the season to arrive and also to end; yearning for just enough to satiate, and then letting go in order to avoid being hurt. — Juan J. Arroyo

DJ Python - “Dai Buki (feat. Jawnino)”

Experimental electronic wiz DJ Python drops the tempo and gives us a late-night jam that manages to be claustrophobic and luminous at the same time. Collaborating with London emcee Jawnino and songwriter Organ Tapes, this slow-burning and heavy rhythm cradles a playful instrumental that creeps like an underground Soundcloud classic. “Dai Buki” displays a deep love for post-rock pioneers like Bark Psychosis and late-era Talk Talk, hinting at their nocturnal ambience, but the track manages to sound like little else out there, bridging 35 years of influences to deliver something unique and mesmerizing. — Marcos Hassan

Jadsa - “big bang”

Multitalented Brazilian artist Jadsa is ready to follow up her acclaimed 2021 album Olho de Vidro with her recently announced new full-length Big Buraco, which is previewed by its first single “big bang.” A delicious meeting point between jazz, MBP, rock, and soul, and powered by a classy brass section, “big bang” is a wish list Jadsa is manifesting for her life. “Indefinidamente viver bem/Comer bem/Dormir bem;” it’s a basic list but it’s also essential and craved for, and Jadsa treats it like a soulful mantra. – Cheky

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