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20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Estevie to Moffa

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Photo by Monica Zulema Arzate.

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 Estevie, Moffa, and Gigi Saldaña with Cita and Babywine. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on aquí or acá.

Estevie - “Hombre Malvado”

After touring with música mexicana breakout artist Xavi and collaborating with Christian Nodal, Los Angeles-based cumbia pop star Estevie wraps up her monumental year with “Hombre Malvado,” the aching sequel to last month’s “Cowboy Rockstar.” Dreamy acoustic guitars merge with hypnotic cumbia norteño rhythms in this tale of deception and loss. It’s hard to tell what did more long-term damage to the protagonist behind “Hombre Malvado” in the long run, the abounding false promises or the realization that her ex-loved led with bad intentions from the start. But Estevie matches the energy of Lana Del Rey’s Honeymoon with a heart-wrenching chorus that is sure to remain stuck in your head for days: “Hombre malvado/mal intencionado/tu me hiciste sentir que era perfecta pa ti/y ahora cómo reparo el daño causado?” – Nayeli Portillo

Moffa - “Philippe”

For the latest installment of the On The Radar series, Puerto Rican artist Moffa debuted a new song full of attitude, melancholy, and, above all, talent. The slow-burning “Philippe” features an old-school hip-hop beat over which the singer effortlessly switches between R&B-inflicted singing and rapping and back again. Lyrically, he expresses desire, lust, sadness, and more in less than two minutes, bringing a masterclass in versatility. With “Philippe,” Moffa proves to be a formidable storyteller while emanating a ton of swag, making the song a great addition to year-end lists and the artist as someone to watch in 2025. — Marcos

Gigi Saldaña, Cita, Babywine - "RE[PR]ESENTA"

It’s been a year since Gigi Saldaña released her debut EP, Flor de Verano, in which the Puerto Rican La Firma contestant moved listeners with dancehall, afrobeats, and reggaeton stylings. Now she’s back for a second round, and her debut single brings back new and familiar faces. “RE[PR]ESENTA” is a throwback perreo that teams Saldaña up with her “Whine for Me” collaborator and fan-favorite rapper Cita, and adds Flow Music signee Babywine. The trio’s chemistry on the track is undeniable, with their combined energy and raunchy lyrics inviting asses to shake no matter who’s watching. — Juan J. Arroyo

Joaquina - “Aeropuerto”

Just in time for the holidays, Venezuela’s Latine pop sweetheart Joaquina pens a love letter to her family in a heartful new ballad titled “Aeropuerto.” Throughout the track, the 2023 Latin Grammy Best New Artist wears her heart on her sleeve by opening up about the bittersweet challenges that the holidays bring when it comes to family dynamics. The 20-year-old singer-songwriter reminisces about special moments that are hallmarked in her memory that she wishes she could relive, but understands that, as time evolves and relationships start to feel distant, she will always relish the times that were spent in closeness. “Aeropuerto is a song I wrote inspired by going to visit my great-grandmother around Christmas, at a time when I felt like it would probably be the last time we would see each other,” she said in a statement about the song. The rising star’s vulnerability on display will resonate with plenty navigating this holiday season. — Brenda Barrientos

Bruses - "Coma Party" 

Fresh off the presses of RCA Records comes the latest ethereal reflection from Tijuana-born, Latin Grammy-nominated artist Bruses. “Coma Party,” a song title that encapsulates the singer’s more sinister approach to pop music and is quite literal as it is based on a real-life coma Bruses’ suffered for a month after getting into a car accident. While some may find the experience traumatic, Bruses translates a life-changing event into something eerily familiar, openly inviting listeners to take a raw perspective into a deeply uncomfortable space. It’s one that only exists in the space of life and death and paints a picture that perfectly captures the realm Bruses resided, dark and spacious. While the track is more on the eerie and haunting side, a stern contrast to her previous single “I’m So Happy,” it showcases a duality to Bruses’ writing style and approach to tackling emotional themes. It blends the realms of pop, trap, and electronic sensibilities for a far more industrial sound and aesthetic, for something so raw yet daring. – Alan Baez

The Altons - “Del Cielo te Cuido”

Retro Soul is alive and well, and The Altons have been playing a big part in its revival. The Los Angeles outfit has returned with a new single “Del Cielo Te Cuido” to continue reinventing the wheel of their catalog to bring listeners their first Spanish-language track. The melody is stripped down to a sentimental and love-fueled bolero, allowing the vocals of front-performers Adriana Flores and Bryan Ponce to really take center stage as they delve into the new venture. The duo’s harmonious and emotive performances, intertwined with the delicacy of guitars, keys, and percussions, keep the spirit of souldies growing strong while creating riveting moments of an impassioned and slow-burning desire for someone you love. – Jeanette Diaz

Andy Rivera - "Como Quisiera"

Andy Rivera, the rising Colombian star, pays tribute to iconic singer and fellow compatriot Helenita Vargas in a stunning cover. “Como Quisiera” manages to exceed the expectations usually put on a cover and become an expression of Andy’s own musicality, where he displays his most vulnerable side while still maintaining the powerful personality that has contributed to his fruitful career thus far. One thing is for sure, it requires true artistry to turn a cover into a real expression of self. – Júlia Henn

CALIFATO ¾ & ÁNGELES TOLEDANO - “ROMANZE”

Spain’s Califato ¾ continues to redefine the music from its Andalusian surroundings into something that evokes innovation while upholding tradition. “ROMANZE” levels the band’s game up by fusing flamenco, breakbeats, trip-hop, and more, giving the track an arrangement that progresses as it goes along, crumbling only to be built up before tearing it down again. At the center are Ángeles Toledano’s impressive vocals, bringing cantaora class and undeniable sentiments. “ROMANZE” is another prime example that Califato ¾ is releasing some of the most emotional and inspiring music to be found today. — Marcos Hassan

Javiera Electra - “Espadámbar”

Chilean singer-songwriter Javiera Electra is a master storyteller. From her years performing on buses to the theater background that taught her tension and pacing, there is no stage she cannot tame. That is why her new double single, “Espadámbar,” hits like a ton of bricks, invoking the folky solemnity of Chilean cueca and injecting it with crashing, distorted synths and buzzing guitars. On this dance of life and death, of existing with a sword held at your throat (“Espada”) only to be immortalized by your work (“Ámbar”), Electra mythologizes resistance and survival beyond her own trans experience into universal poetry. — Richard Villegas

Zemmoa - “Tanto Para Dar”

Mexico’s Zemmoa is now six singles into her upcoming album C’est Moi with her latest, “Tanto Para Dar,” which will install in your brain shortly after you hit play. On “Tanto Para Dar,” she believes that, no matter the situation or our past experiences, everything can be solved if we put love right in the center. The song’s earworm hook dances on a dance track that mixes EDM, disco, and ‘80s diva inspiration as a confident Zemmoa shares all the love she’s capable of giving. – Cheky

Vera Fauna, Noni Meyers - "No Me Digas La Verdad"

Spanish group Vera Fauna teamed up with Spanish singer Noni Meyers for their new pop rumba called “No Me Digas La Verdad.” With reverb-forward tropical guitars, a groovy bass, and high-pitched keys to complement their lyrics about someone who unfortunately sees a situationship as something more, the Spanish artists deliver an offering many can relate to. The cherry on top? A catchy chorus and creative video that makes the collaboration that much more to listen to – and we’re hitting replay. – Jeanette Hernandez

Blue Rojo - “Satanás”

Mexican-American artist Blue Rojo is back with the cryptic critique “Satanás,” a distorted, bass-heavy alternative pop song about having to sell his soul to the devil for success. The power pop ballad draws inspiration from CDMX mysticism and late 2000s popstars like Lady Gaga and Rihanna, with his soulful croons about wanting to be besties with the Kardashians. “Satanás” comes after Blue Rojo’s other hits like “Haciéndolo Fino” with Alemán and Silvanozo and “Inframundo,” which was featured in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. – Jeanette Hernandez

Francisca Valenzuela – “Raíces”

Singer-songwriter Francisca Valenzuela pays homage to artists like Cecilia Vicuña and Pina Bausch through immaculate choreography and cinematic visuals with her latest single, “Raíces.” Valenzuela weaves her signature raw emotion-driven piano pop balladry with the sounds of lithe cuatro and bombo legüero, this time to recount crossing oceans to find her sense of self, getting lost in superficial desires and aching for validation in the arms of those who no longer loved her. “Raíces” is an ode to the power of matriarchal lineage and rebirth while honoring all of those “who came before her.” – Nayeli Portillo

Jan Mercé - “TailWhip (Freestyle)”

As Jan Mercé puts the finishing touches on his upcoming sophomore EP, 9ueve a 6eis, he wanted to release something to tide fans over in the meantime. From that generosity comes AnyWay, a three-track apéritif of new songs to rev up the anticipation. Mercé has been in the indie scene for nearly a decade now and has become a fan and peer darling in the course. His single, “TailWhip (Freestyle),” is a brief showcase of why. His low-key demeanor and youthful look camouflage a talented rapper whose rapid-fire pen can rattle off bars that’ll impress any hip-hop devotee. With a promise like this, he’s setting the stage for a bright 2025. — Juan J. Arroyo

Daniela Spalla, Camilo - "Lejos de la Ciudad" 

Argentina meets Colombia on a new version of pop diva Daniela Spalla’s song “Lejos De La Ciudad” featuring Camilo. The Colombian loverboy lends his vocals on a new verse while also merging their voices throughout the song, complementing each other eloquently. Spalla yearns for a runaway love throughout the track, wanting to escape the cold, making for a perfect getaway story, even if it’s momentarily. Though it’s the first collaboration for the duo, it’s one that Camilo has always hoped for as a fan of Spalla’s. In his verse, he matches her energy of wanting to get far away from chaos and closer to stillness — ending the year the right way. – Brenda Barrientos

Plastilina - “cuchillos que brillan”

As the tides die down and the seasons prep for seismic change, the same energy is carried in the latest from electrifying Argentine duo Plastilina. Conceptual in nature, their debut album MARCA DE NACIMIENTO, is the culmination of years of passtime. It’s the result of years of practice, building relationships, and crafting art out of struggle and comes with a message that change is inevitable, embracing identity and the two’s characteristics on all fronts. The indie pop strategists have spent the last four years releasing a slurry of loose singles and EPs, but their debut proves to be sound in chemistry and sensibility. “Cuchillos que brillan” is one of the standout tracks from a palette of eight and manages to paint these themes vividly with sentimental, sonically optimistic sounds. The dreamy instrumental and vocal tag teaming from another bring this sentiment of hope to the forefront, letting the groove become their own beacon of guidance. – Alan Baez

Mexico City Heartbreak - “Curbside Sentimental”

Based out of East Los Angeles, CA, indie rock band Mexico City Heartbreak shares its latest single, “Curbside Sentimental.” A fuzzed dreamscape of bustling and animated instrumentation brings the bilingual hazed indie rock track to life as it paints a vivid and personal reflection of love and loss. As lead singer Rudy Torres spins a personal life reflection into the track, the song transforms into an offering to fill a void for listeners who share similar experiences. While lyrically navigating the growing distance between losing someone you love, in a myriad of ways, to the consuming nature of the concrete jungle, the melodic upswing equally offers glimmered dance-tinged parallels of hopeful moments and joyful memories that can be held onto through the process as well. – Jeanette Diaz

Zaina Woz - “Boneca de Porcelana”

Stylish and exuding empowered femininity, Brazilian artist Zaina Woz introduces the audience to the first taste of her upcoming debut album with the hypnotic “Boneca de Porcelana.” The techno-inspired track puts the listener into a trance as the singer describes the claustrophobic reality of an abusive relationship, where being treated like a porcelain doll on the shelf is part of an array of manipulation techniques to control every moment of the other part. The accompanying music video, equal parts beautiful and disturbing, takes inspiration from this year’s Maison Margiela haute couture fashion show, directed by Marilia Curtolo. – Júlia Henn

Amigovio - “Una mujer va al cine”

Once the mastermind of cult Uruguayan indie band Carmen San Diego, singer-producer Flavio Lira has gradually transitioned his perennial melancholy into the cheeky synthpop of his solo project, Amigovio. Pouring a lifelong love of cinema into his latest single, “Una mujer va al cine,” Lira meditates on the darkened theaters that provide much-needed escape and sugary treats for the most active imaginations among us. Melding bouncy tonti-pop melodies with narrative verses that drop into classic movie scenes, the result is an idiosyncratic glimpse of a gifted storyteller unbound by medium. — Richard Villegas

Iara Rennó, Josyara - “Igbale”

Brazilian artist Iara Rennó and Josyara blended their voices, production skills, and musicianship to create “Igbale,” their new joint single. “Igbale” is part of the same batch of songs that comprise Rennó’s 2023 album Orí Okán, which she wrote as she was inducted into candoblé, and it’s a loving salutation to the orixá Iansã. Their soft vocals send us into a trance, and they tickle our senses with textural electronic work, delicate guitar strums, and stunning trombone fills. This was undoubtedly made from the heart. – Cheky

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