20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From iLe to Mediopicky

10.18.2024 at 00:14

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 iLe, Mediopicky, and Isabella Lovestory. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.

iLe - “Me Hiciste Quedar Mal”

Two years after dropping her album Nacarile, Grammy-winning Boricua artist iLe is back with a solo single, a soulful throwback jam called “Me Hiciste Quedar Mal.” Here, she’s not about to settle for some love crumbs, but as her bubble pops, she realizes she’s been pouring her love for years into an unworthy partner. Although she feels foolish and humiliated, she’s determined to break away from toxic patterns of conformity. This is a lovely and powerful return to iLe’s universe. – Cheky

Mediopicky - “el diablito”

Exactly a month after dropping the conceptual epic El Precio de la Yuca, Dominican rapper-producer Mediopicky is back with yet another dizzying behemoth of an album titled bexaco y rico. Here, grooves pivot dramatically from the merengue-fied heavy metal of its predecessor into throbbing Latin core, with jolts of speed dembow and gabber that’ll send fans flying into the stratosphere. The opening track, “el diablito,” might just become a mission statement for the famously mischievous artist, building a hypnotic ode to ass-shaking over throbbing techno and eery vocal hooks. – Richard Villegas

Isabella Lovestory - “Puchica”

Avant garde Honduran-born, Canadian-based artist Isabella Lovestory shares a new single, “Puchicha.” A tongue-in-cheek play on Honduran slang for an exclamatory response like “damn!,” the single is an electro-perreo pop banger wrapped in her signature rebellious, carefree energy. Collaboratively produced with NYC’s Chicken and U.K.-Chilean Kamixlo, the stimulatingly provocative single provides moments of pure bad bitch energy as Lovestory narrates exclaiming “Puchicha” for winning the lottery and its parallel experience to, well, winning the lottery (but in a much more sexually explicit way). The accompanying video adds to the mischievous nature of it all with a self-directed, low-fi collaged video that intersplices between moments of her life from her living room to parking lots to stages across her tour stops in Latin America. It’s playful, it’s sassy, it’s chaotic, and it’s everything we’ve come to love about the audaciously fierce artist. – Jeanette Diaz

Adriel Favela - "El Terrible"

Norteño singer Adriel Favela has spent the last few years making a name for himself within the realm of corridos tumbados by consistently breaking the mold with his bold sound and even bolder aesthetic. Favela goes back to his roots with “El Terrible,” a booming ode to all the outsiders in the world. Sung from the perspective of a self-described oveja negra, “El Terrible” tells the tale of the ultimate anti-hero who now reaps the benefits of years of persistence and marching to the beat of his own drum. – Nayeli Portillo

Ordinarios - “Como Un Día de Sol”

Indie rock band Ordinarios still aims to release their sophomore album this spring, and this week, they take one more step towards that goal with the debut of their newest single, “Como Un Día de Sol.” Just like their previous release, “Brisa,” the new song explores the topic of the heart’s unrest after the end of a relationship. But this time, it frames that stinging emotion around a more upbeat rhythm and cadence. The lyrics don’t hide that the central feeling is still a painful longing, but the cheery-sounding guitars open the track to interesting interpretations. Then again, it might also be as simple as realizing you gotta laugh so you don’t cry. — Juan J. Arroyo

Sexes - “Madre Agripina”

Historically, dance tracks tend to contain dark themes in their lyrics, and Sexes’s “Madre Agripina” could fit in there if not for the hint of hope with it. This Mexican synthpop collective delivers an irresistible piece of electronic pop, with instruments displaying enough ‘80s sheen to give it a sense of nostalgia while updating the feeling, thanks to their daring songwriting instincts and Ra’s idiosyncratic vocals that keep the melodies memorable and direct. All this makes the theme of rising from the ashes after destructive forces take us down to be especially poignant. With “Madre Agripina,” Sexes prove to be songwriting masters of the highest order. — Marcos Hassan

Daviles de Novelda, Tony Succar - “Traicionera”

Daviles de Novelda teams up with Tony Succar to breathe new life into a Flamenco classic. Despite his young age and no official album under his belt, Novelda has been involved in the industry for a minute and has a strong grasp on his artistry, blending the realms of reggaeton, flamenco, and bachata. “Traicionera” is the latest from the label breaker, a heartfelt and versatile tribute to salsa legend Oscar D’Leon. Novelda taps in Grammy award-winning producer Tony Succar for a product that demonstrates a talent for reimagining goldie classics while maintaining the heart and spirit that defines the original. Novelda’s rendition of the track carries the same bounce and groove as its predecessor, with the booming vocals to match. – Alan Baez

Julio Caesar - "Tú con Él"

Following the release of his Entre Cuerdas y Botellas, Vol. 1 EP, Pomona-born emerging música mexicana artist Julio Caesar released “Tú con Él” as part of the project’s continuation. In this new Frankie Ruiz cover, Julio Caesar reinvents the original salsa track by swapping out the song’s lively trumpets and piano, instead incorporating a dancing accordion and bass. Though the music sounds different, what remains constant is a rhythmic percussion that keeps the Puerto Rican singer’s song true to its salsa roots – regardless of the composition’s complete revision. “Tú con Él” is part of Julio Caesar’s new four-track Entre Cuerdas y Botellas, Vol. 2 EP, which features renditions of Latin American classics reconstructed by his imagination. – Jeanette Hernandez

Papaya Dada, Cumbia Club - “Julio Jaramillo”

Directly from Ecuador, Papaya Dada joins forces with Uruguayan band Cumbia Club to deliver a lively, beautiful, and upbeat tune named in honor of Equatorian singer Julio Jaramillo. The track is filled with the best of Latine sounds, making your body sway by the very first notes. The joyful melody is paired up with pleasant vocals to create a song so addictive that it has only one minor flaw: two minutes and 23 seconds aren’t nearly enough to dance as hard as this track deserves. To those who reach the end of “Julio Jaramillo” craving more from Papaya Dada, don’t fret! The group is set to release a new album in January 2025. – Júlia Henn

Flaco el Jandro, Gabi Bravo - "Almas Vagabundas"

“Almas Vagabundas” is a breath of fresh cumbia and synth air. Co-written by Salinas-based artist Flaco el Jandro and electronic/pop artist Gabi Bravo, “Almas Vagabundas” is a romanti-cumbia track with synth dream pop vibes. While this single marks the third collaboration between the two artists, “Almas Vagabundas” is their first classic duet. With a mix of the classic cumbia style and modern synth melodies, the track tells the story of two lovers who organically drift apart. This lyrics describe the theme of the song perfectly, “Estamos entre terminar y empezar denuevo” (We’re between ending things and starting over). The track reflects that awkward middle ground we can find ourselves in when you’re with someone and it’s not quite working out, but as the song continues, the choice of ending things is clear. – Sofia Viera

Blue Rojo - “Chisme!”

Santiago Ogarrio is back at it under his Blue Rojo moniker, and he’s ready to follow up his standout 2021 debut album Solitario with a brand new full-length, which is anticipated by “Chisme!” Co-produced with Venezuela’s VFRO, the single scales back on the drama of his previous music, giving us a more explosive, club-ready sound, but his vocals are as moody as ever. He gives us a satire of people’s need for gossip to bring life into their boring lives, even if it feeds from someone else’s trauma. – Cheky

Fin del Mundo - “Devenir Paisaje”

Hailing from the Argentine Patagonia, Fin del Mundo has long made music that echoes the vast, majestic landscapes that outline one of the southernmost regions of the world, as well as the profundity of emotions they can conjure. On their new album, Hicimos crecer un bosque, the ensemble weaves textured post-rock and gang vocals right out of Midwest emo to create a textured, melancholy study in loneliness and farewell. “Devenir Paisaje” synthesizes all this awe and anguish, soaring on buzzing guitars and aching through the wails of singer Lucía Masnatta, resulting in a wonderful piece of contemplative fuzz. – Richard Villegas

Archer Oh - “25 to 1”

Southern California has always been a hotbed for emerging alternative rock, and rising act Archer Oh has released a new single that showcases their place in the newer wave of its surf-tinged sound. Opening up with striking guitar riffs, “25 to 1” is soon joined by roaring drums and dynamic bass lines that alternate between alluring tempoed changes and sudden melodic breaks along the way. Arturo (Archer) Medrano’s vocals kick in to wrap the song together in emotionally charged growls and softer, more introspective pleas like, “My words don’t cut so deep / Your words were gospel to me,” as he tries to reconcile with feeling lost after parting ways with someone who used to hold you together, before ending with even the smallest glimmer of hopeful resolve. – Jeanette Diaz

Piel Camaleón - “Volvería Por Ti”

Indie pop-rockers Piel Camaleón lean into a more kaleidoscopic sound on “Volvería Por Ti,” the latest single from their new album Todo Sigue Donde Estaba. Lush acoustic guitars and spacey, buzzing synthesizers meld together as the four piece reflects on the relief of returning home and finding that everything has “remained where it was, despite the time and distance.” Fellow Colombian pop-rock outfit Armenia joins the Bogota band on this nostalgic standout single with a hooky, sky-sized chorus. – Nayeli Portillo

CAZZTLE - “PORSCHE”

Billed as the “first episode” of a narrative to be told over various singles, CAZZTLE’s new song “PORSCHE” offers a fusion of synthpop and alt-R&B that introduces the sound he hopes to cultivate. In the track, he waxes about what he desperately wants: his lover’s warmth, a beach setting, and a luxury car. As he explains, the song is about yearning beyond your means, which the Anthony Edwin-directed music video underlines at the end when it sets up the second chapter, revealing CAZZTLE has been trapped in a false reality. The end goal of the overall story, he says, is learning to be grateful for what you have. — Juan J. Arroyo

MOMO - “Beija Flor”

London-based Brazilian artist Marcelo Frota, better known as MOMO, connects everything from his musical heritage to his desire to make music for his young daughter to dance to. “Beija Flor” might be one of the album’s deep cuts, but it’s one of the loveliest, liveliest, and most exciting tracks on his eighth album, Gira. Playing with a hybrid rock/bossa rhythm that predecessors like Caetano Veloso used in their seminal work, the song blends sweetness with psychedelia. It’s these kinds of experimentations that make MOMO an essential artist for our times, bringing innovation and emotion in equal measures. — Marcos Hassan

ROXINY x LITTLE SHALIMAR - “RITUALS”

With only a few weeks to go before the 2024 U.S. elections, issues that resonate with marginalized communities, such as immigration, Indigenous sovereignty, and police reform, are making the rounds as talking points. As promises from either side of the aisle disappear for another four years, Roxiny is reminding listeners to see beyond policy and dream of something greater. “Rituals” is the latest from New York singer/songwriter Roxiny and comes right after her debut album Qoya. “Rituals” is a powerful statement from the singer, utilizing minimal poetry over a commanding drum loop, recognizing the plight of the immigrant experience through the eyes of daughters. The beat is provided by Little Shalimar, a collaborator Roxiny is no stranger to, as he provided her with the gateway instrumental that exposed her music to a new realm of accomplices. The two’s chemistry brings the best out of one another and gives Roxiny the perfect instrumental to carry her rage and passion for a strong statement. – Alan Baez

Primer Corte - “Me Haces Falta”

Chile has a corridos tumbados scene. The Chilean band Primer Corte released their newest song, “Me Haces Falta,” featuring their take on the popular música mexicana subgenre. “Me Haces Falta” highlights traditional Regional Mexican instruments such as a requinto and double bass with the group’s pop-like vocals that give their music direction a modern twist. Though their vocals lack the passion of a corrido croon, the project alone is a testament that corridos tumbados go beyond Mexican artists — which we’re intrigued to explore. – Jeanette Hernandez

Zahara - “Yo solo quería escribir una canción de amor”

The rebellious and political sounds for which Zahara is widely known take a back seat in this preview track for her next album, Lento Ternura. For “Yo solo quería escribir una canción de amor,” genuine and raw lyrics are accompanied by a melody expertly built up with the heavy use of bass and drums, along with a soothing omnichord. Throughout the entirety of the song, Zahara takes the listener by the hand into her own space, guiding us on a journey of auditory creativity and emotional vulnerability, or so she makes us believe. – Júlia Henn

CARLIÁN - “NUNCA ME AMASTE”

“NUNCA ME AMASTE” by Puerto Rican singer and songwriter CARLIÁN is a queer heartbreak anthem for the ages. With lyrics like, “no se por que te creí, no se por que soy así” (Don’t know why I believed you, don’t know why I am this way) and, “no quiero comenzar de zero, mejor me enamoro del dinero” (Don’t wanna start from zero, better to fall in love with money), CARLIÁN captures the feelings of realization, betrayal, and the aftermath of grief when someone you love doesn’t value you. Produced by Frankie Scoca (who’s behind the hit NewJeans’ “Super Shy), the track features a slow reggaeton-style beat that really captures that “cry in the club” vibe. – Sofia Viera

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