20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Esty to Martox

From the moment the guitar begins to cry in Esty’s “V3N3N0,” the singer-songwriter’s third single from her upcoming debut album, it’s impossible to remain indifferent to the tasteful, deeply entertaining, and—above all else—fun mix of sounds it pushes at its audience. The song starts in bachata, honoring the artist’s Dominican roots, and quickly morphs into a blend of Latine and pop rhythms, including a wink at Brazilian funk in the cacophony of its instrumental chorus. The pure entertainment offered by the music contrasts interestingly with the lyrics that describe the toxicity of a failed relationship, comparing the other person to an addiction and a punishment from God. With “V3N3N0,” Esty gives the world one more reason to look forward to her debut album, set to be released in April. – Júlia Hen

Martox spotlights emotion and atmosphere in “Hazlo Otra Vez.” The track leans into a softer, more intimate sound, pairing warm melodies with understated production that allows vulnerability to take center stage. It’s a slow burn, equally reflective, tender, and quietly powerful. Juanmi’s vocal performance carries the weight of the song, balancing longing and hope with a delicate restraint. The lyrics explore love’s in-between moments, when distance and closeness exist at the same time, while capturing the ache of wanting to try again. Subtle electronic textures blend with R&B and Caribbean influences, shaping the duo’s evolving Pop Caribeño sound while keeping the focus on feeling. “Hazlo Otra Vez” feels like a pause to breathe and reflect, showing another layer of Martox’s artistry. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful songs aren’t the loudest, they’re the ones that sit with you long after the music fades. – Natasha Melina Argudo

Things are heating up with the latest Afro-Colombian link-up, as two of the hottest names in the scene, Cartagena’s Hamilton and Buenaventura’s DFZM, have joined forces to create the romantic “Mi Gata Oficial.” Produced by Hake and PM Beatz, this new single embellishes an Afrobeats-inspired beat with sharp arpeggios and pillowy synths that go together with its themes of new love. Hamilton’s high-pitched croon contrasts with DFZM’s raspy voice, but they complement each other as they make the jump from fooling around with their ladies to making them official, and the joy is contagious. – Cheky

GOYO reimagines one of her most intimate musical moments and gives it a new, kinetic swing on “Cuaderno (Salsa Version).” Enlisting iconic salsero Willy García, the Colombian duo transform her pop-meets-R&B confessional into a vibrant, brass-fueled salsa reinvention. Energetic trumpets flare, percussion drives, and the duo’s velvety delivery anchors it all in a shared romantic urgency that, though now shared, doesn’t lose the song’s emotional core. Lyrically, the ache remains but the reimagined momentum now allows it to move. What once felt like a private diary entry expands into something that feels outward and communal, allowing the vulnerability to sway instead of sitting still. In the contrast between both versions, GOYO proves her emotions carry weight in any rhythm, whether they’re whispered on the page or danced out loud. —Jeanette Diaz

On CARLIÁN’s 2024 debut, Carli Club, the rising Puerto Rican star wove perreo bellacoso, moody introspection, and alt-vibes that kept the underground guessing about her next move. That promise of unpredictability pays off on her new single “Enamorada en el Club,” which swaps digital reggaeton drums for organic percussion and an epic synth crescendo evocative of SOPHIE on a Caribbean holiday. Produced with Mike Snell and Duck Blackwell, the cathartic track also injects the nostalgic calls of Borinquen’s beloved coquí, a creature comfort to ameliorate CARLIÁN’s melancholy tale of unrequited nightclub romance. — Richard Villegas

Binny has been raising the torch for Latine Afrobeats in Puerto Rico for a while now, even before Spotify named it as one of the fastest-rising genres of last year. He’s been ahead of the curve since 2022, and this week continues innovating and pushing his infectious sound with new single “cómotu.” Teaming up with rising producing label Full Harmony, the song sticks to his successful formula that’s made him the go-to artist for those grooves on the island. Binny’s at his best when he floats over a catchy beat, and here he proves again that he’s got the magic touch when it comes to his chosen sound. — Juan J. Arroyo

Gabriela Richardson’s debut project is filled with cinematic moments of riveting songwriting, matched with forward-thinking production that blends the realms of genre and Latine music as a whole. ISOLA spent over a decade in the making, naturally forming over time as Richardson found inspiration in the communities around her and shaping her creative tune. “Alma de Diamante” holds too many key features that depict it asthe stand out from the project, with the rich velvet textures in Richardson’s voice to the multiple layers to the instrumental that keeps it fresh on the forefront from start to finish. There’s a lot of serious, yet whimsical elements that keep the production interesting. Richardson’s multi-cultural upbringing bleeds through the DNA all over the project, from incorporating Mediterranean-touched strings in multiple songs to Richardson flexing a passion for words in multiple languages, surfing between syllables in Spanish, Italian, French, and English. There’s a fluidity in cultures she instinctively represents in the little moments, painting the project in a sheath of discovery and the joys that come with it.– Alan Baez

Tough times call for radical protest music, and abstract jazz collective Irreversible Entanglements delivers a joyful yet striking piece of music to resist. Taking cues Sun Ra Arkestra’s oeuvre, the groovy, percussive “Don’t Lose Your Head” features a catchy and joyful chant, with combining it with their musical adventurous ideas and relying on rhythm to bang a message of hope through struggle. Sax and trumpet exchange lines that seem to dance to a different beat, while Camae “Moor Mother” Ayewa delivers a calm yet striking verse. “Don’t Lose Your Head” is a call for revolution through the excellence of the jazz tradition. — Marcos Hassan

After releasing “Barrio,” Natalis is back with another vibrant Spanglish salsa song. The Afro-Taína Puerto Rican singer’s “VIVA” is an empowering song with encouraging lyrics about self-love and resilience, perfect for ushering in new energy during the first week of the Year of the Fire Horse. With vibrant percussion and brass instruments, the new offering delivers an inspiring chorus with lyrics like, “Así es la vida, pero sigo viva, viva / Aunque duelan las heridas / Y a veces estoy perdida / To’ lo malo pasara.” The song’s liveliness echoes signature salsa and tropical tracks that send uplifting messages like Marc Anthony’s “Vivir Mi Vida,” which we honestly need more of in today’s political climate. Together with Natalis’ versatile flow, “VIVA” is a modern salsa track to dance to ASAP. – Jeanette Hernandez

Before the music even starts, Ciudad Juarez’s icon Marito asks a very important question: “Am I missing lip gloss?” Before diving into a virtual landscape where his charismatically sung verses and irreverently delivered rap, both in English and Spanish, are filled with love and kisses for those who wish to see him low, knowing that the main priority in life is to take care of oneself and one’s fresh manicure. With daring accents and contagious synths “K.O.” states Marito’s case for “positive egoism” and bravely embracing main character energy and the struggles that come with being the fairest of them all. Towards the end of this digital joyride, having found this confidence, Marito’s voice distorts and amps up the energy while flirtily asking a romantic prospect to “throw a ring at me,” does he mean a call? Is it an impromptu marriage proposal? Send it to your crush to find out.– La Morra Lisa

Puerto Rican artist BASSYY steps into the spotlight with the release of his debut EP, Nueva Luna. Intent on showing a whole new side of himself and his artistry, BASSYY is now the main voice in this project, instead of remaining solely a producer. Filled with dark, atmospheric sounds, the EP is led by the focus track “Cristiniando,” a collaboration with BASSYY’s fellow countryman, producer Mvsis. The song is a sexy anthem of love and lust that draws comparisons between the act itself and floating on clouds, which feels like being baptized into pure bliss. “Cristiniando” surely is enticing enough to seduce its listeners into giving a chance to the artist’s full album and guaranteeing that no one shall finish it in disappointment. – Júlia Henn

Fátima Campo joins forces with Joss Favela for “Me Sobrabas Tú (En Vivo),” an intimate yet powerful sierreño rendition that transforms heartbreak into empowerment. Built on classic guitars and tololoche, the live arrangement keeps things raw and organic, allowing their vocal chemistry to shine. Written by Favela, the song captures the precise moment when self-doubt fades and clarity sets in, when someone realizes they were never “not enough,” and that the one who truly didn’t belong was the other person. Recorded completely live in Monterrey, Nuevo León, the performance adds emotional weight and authenticity, making every lyric feel immediate. “Me Sobrabas Tú (En Vivo)” turns despecho into strength, offering a cathartic anthem for anyone who has reclaimed their worth after love.– Natasha Melina Argudo

Hailing from Cali, Daniel Andrés Garcés Cuero, aka Izzy La Nueva Ley, is breaking through Colombia’s el movimiento landscape with his take on Afrobeats and reggaeton, and he’s joined by Branbel for his new Jonylams-produced single. “Zualé” is an Afrobeats jam about trying to stay faithful in the face of temptation, with Branbel singing the chorus in a beautiful, soft croon, hooking us up with melodies that stay with us. Izzy La Nueva Ley tries his hardest to shake off memories of a woman who’s creeping into his life, jeopardizing his committed relationship, and shaking up his loyalty. – Cheky

Chilean rap powerhouse Ana Tijoux embraces walking away with grace on “Desapego,” the closing cut from her upcoming EP 97. Crafted alongside longtime collaborator DJ Dacel and featuring MC Tremendo, the track centers on the art of letting go without bitterness. Her flow moves with an easy, unforced cadence over warm, sample-laced production that allows the lingering ache of a love now gone to feel reflective rather than reactive or overdramatized. Through traded verses, Tijoux and Tremendo reject cold detachment and instead frame emotional freedom as a quiet evolution, one that releases a past love with gratitude instead of resentment. As the final chapter of an EP rooted in memory and friendship, the single lands as a softened declaration of closure, one that’s grounded, mature, and gently resolute. It’s the kind of farewell that honors what was before choosing peace anyway. — Jeanette Diaz

Surprise, surprise—another banger out of the Buenos Aires club scene. This time, the strobing excesses come from Terra, the underground ingénue whose 2025 debut EP Formula 1 made a splash with delicious techno-pop earworms and buzzy guest spots from Six Sex and Juana Rozas. While her soaring new double single is also designed to spark dance floor bedlam, the emotional turmoil at the center of both songs inject Terra’s universe with emotional nuance. “Esta Noche,” a collaboration with Berlin-based techno producer Luca Eck, follows the singer through a late night adventure as she tries to numb a recent heartbreak. Switching gears for the EDM-esque “Nunca Sola,” helmed by frequent Taichu collaborator Luigi Navarro, she soon realizes that avoidance can never match the comfort of a lover’s embrace. This is the kind of melodrama dance classics are made of, and an excellent teaser ahead of Terra’s performance at Lollapalooza Argentina, next month. — Richard Villegas

Crossed wires and unclear intentions are at the heart of Baby Pau’s newest bop, “QUIERO ESTAR CON EL/LA.” Produced by New York-based Ecuadorian producer MELLOWAVES and featuring her fellow boricua HF Diez, the song pits Pau and HF against the mixed messages of their significant others—something we can all probably relate to. Pau just wants quality time with her boo, but party’s what’s on their mind, and HF is stuck in the same boat. MELLO’s reggaeton beat sets the scene for their exasperation, and Pau sets aside her usual rapid-fire pen and instead allows herself to feel her emotions through and through. — Juan J. Arroyo

With a new project on the horizon and a shift in the tides for Spanish-rock music, the new track from Carlangas and Dear Joanne demands that you cheer up! “Problemas” is the latest teaser for Spanish rock outfit Carlangas and taps in the equally stylish garage rock duo Dear Joanne for a collaboration drenched in pop-punk soundscapes and flair. It’s the follow-up to “Podría Ser Peor.” It also acts as an appetizer for his upcoming project, his first solo project since 2024’s Bailodromo, Vol. 1, tackling a need for social whimsy with energetic, joy-filled riffs. “Problemas” captures a sensational energy, coupled with a beautiful crescendo of attitude-touched instrumentation. This riddled energy is matched perfectly with the support from Dear Joanne, who are coming off the highs of releasing their debut EP late last year. The two parties harmonize off each other instinctively, resulting in a track that’s light in structure, but heavy in its impact. – Alan Baez

What better way to celebrate the year of the Fire Horse than with a song about equine madness? Experimental indie pop artist Rusty Santos delivers a track that celebrates weirdness and excitement. Going back to the golden age of chillwave and hypnagogic pop, Santos delivers melody, lo-fi instrumentals, dissonant synthesizers, and all-around psychedelia in “Psycho Horses,” conjuring an abstract slacker vibe that will connect with everyone who likes their music hooky as well as slightly askew. “Psycho Horses” brings a chill yet demented pop track that will have you vibing in the transition from winter to spring. — Marcos Hassan

Caloncho keeps his music straightforward: it isn’t complicated or overdramatic. In the Mexican singer’s new reggae-inspired pop song “Mangos,” he continues his simplistic and signature flow about enjoying being in love with your life. With a distorted rock edge, the new song features a groovy bass and a charming tuba sprinkled into the track with easygoing lyrics that encourage people to enjoy what they have and embrace the good things in life. While we love his hit formula, it’d be interesting to hear Caloncho experiment with new sounds. But yet again, why overcomplicate life? “Mangos” is part of his upcoming album due in March. –Jeanette Hernandez

Marking an important milestone in a constantly ascending path, Colombian artist Venesti teamed up with the reggaeton giant Nicky Jam for their new proposal, “Babylon.” The result of this first-time duet where Venesti’s Afro-pop sound and soft mellow verses perfectly fit with Nicky’s versatile and potent voice, cemented into what they call “an anthem for heartbreak” for when somebody already let go of a relationship and the other person is, sometimes unhealthily, still holding on. From beginning to end, the song’s a showcase of top quality production and expertise, where warm percussions and soft synths lay a melancholic yet extremely danceable track over which both artists flaunt their ability to virtuously inhabit different emotional states and delivery techniques while unavoidably flashing their abundant style. The accompanying visual features an elegant and airy vibe while telling the story of a relationship destined to end. And according to the artist, “Babylon” as a whole aims to keep company to people who are closing similar cycles through their path to a new and healthier place. – La Morra Lisa