20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Immasoul to Goyo

02.28.2025 at 00:26

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 Immasoul, Goyo, and Jombriel with DFZM. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.

Immasoul - “La Diosa”

Known for her gripping afrobeats-infused R&B, Afro-Mexican artist Immasoul is introducing an unexpected new sound to her repertoire. Nodding into the sounds of her native country Mexico, she has shared her first Regional Mexican track with “La Diosa.” Expressed as a bit of an initially adventurous and risky genre choice for her upcoming album PISTOLA, the artist also shares how its impactful theme of empowerment resonated deeply once the process was near completion. From the visuals to its lyricism, the single is one that revels in the power and magnetism that self-assurance in solitude can bring. Better alone than in bad company, she proclaims throughout, and if it’s any indicator, her new music is a parabolic reflection of her next era in which she takes full control over her life and music, and we can’t wait to see what else that energy brings. — Jeanette Diaz

Goyo - “QSV”

Afro-Colombiana Gloria “Goyo” Martinez isn’t playing about her peace of mind. Her new single, “QSV” (short for Que Se Vaya), is the ultimate standing on business pop anthem that empowers self-love. It’s the perfect tune for anyone going through a transitional period in their life, serving as a reminder that if something is no longer serving you, it needs to go. The track is just a preview of what her sophomore solo album Pantera will consist of. “Each song is a roar of freedom and authenticity inspired by icons who are my teachers in every step I take. From my mom to those artists whose voice alone is my guide,” she said in an Instagram caption regarding the upcoming project. In true Gloria form, we can definitely expect fierce lyricism and layers of female empowerment sprinkled all over. — Brenda Barrientos

Jombriel, DFZM — “VITAMINA”

Ecuadorian reggaeton artist Jombriel joins forces with Jøtta once again on his latest single, “VITAMINA.” Following the success of last year’s “Parte & Choke,” the duo ups the raunch factor some more beside Colombian rapper DFZM. With slick one-liners and a wall-rattling, sweat-glazed beat that harkens back to the sounds of early 2000s reggaeton, “VITAMINA” is yet another example of how newcomer Jombriel is a rising act to watch out for. — Nayeli Portillo

Mabe Fratti - “Cosa Rara (en la playa)”

Lucrecia Dalt’s recent return with the amazing new single “Cosa Rara” has inspired a new version by Guatemalan avant-garde cellist Mabe Fratti. On her take, Fratti places melodies to the forefront while bathing the track in quiet white noise and subdued percussion, with cello and synths weaving melodies in and out of the mix, allowing her vocals to connect on a completely different level. Tapping into truly weird territory, “Cosa Rara” ends with all the instruments breaking free into a brief cacophonous improvisation, pummeling the tension built by the noir atmosphere Fratti spent the whole runtime creating. — Marcos Hassan

Boy Wonder CF, Chael Produciendo, & Nino Freestyle - “Mueve El Cu!!"

This beat-filled, exciting track offers true entertainment to its audience, allowing for free-spirited fun and dance. “Mueve El Cu!!” clearly takes a page out of Brazilian funk’s book when it comes to its chorus, the influence being highlighted by the accompanying music video featuring choreographies well-known to the Brazilian rhythm’s audience. A true Latine party anthem, this banger by Boy Wonder CF, Chael Produciendo, and Nino Freestyle has earned its place in everybody’s playlists. – Júlia Henn

Mariana Seoane & La Casetera - “El After”

Mexican actress and singer Mariana Seoane and Mexican group La Casetera teamed up for their newest track, “El After.” Dipped with elements from cumbia, tejano, and norteño, the refreshed sound gives us Grupo Limite vibes coated with a rhythmic pop flair. “El After” is one of those types of songs you belt out the lyrics to while cleaning the house on a weekend morning – in full señora mode. Or perhaps – if you are a señora – on your way to hang with the comadres to vent about a new lover that you met the night prior. Whatever the case is, it’s a catchy, easy-listening tune to dance to when you’re feeling coqueta and on the prowl. – Jeanette Hernandez

J Noa, LOWLIGHT - “Traficando Rap”

Backed by thunderous drum samples and grandiose horns, D.R.’s J Noa takes us to the old-school with her latest incisive single, “Traficando Rap.” Featuring production by Lowlight (C. Tangana, Bad Gyal, Yung Beef) and a music video filmed in Miami, FL, and directed by Lennyn Salinas, “Traficando Rap” is a vibrant throwback hip-hop jam that is a vehicle for J Noa to boast about her talents, not only as a skilled rapper and lyricist, but as a businesswoman, even at her short age. It’s an electrifying track to bounce to from start to finish. – Cheky

Dogos - “Aeropuerto (feat, Enyel C)”

There’s beautiful nostalgia in “Aeropuerto,” the new crossover between Puerto Rican post-punk band Dogos and rapper Enyel C. Like so many of their contemporaries, the gang is contemplating the waves of Boricuas migrating to mainland U.S. in search of opportunity, as well as the bittersweet memories of loved ones left behind. However, not all is melancholy, as singer Jorge Abejas and Enyel C would rather duet about reunions, recounting late-night boozing and tight embraces over breezy guitars that blow through your hair like driving with the windows down. The accompanying Ferdy Valls-directed music video lets the hijinks run wild, fantasizing about that first day back with sequences at favorite cafeterias, 4/20 breaks on the side of the highway, and even running shady late-night errands for drag mafiosas. A 360 taste of home. – Richard Villegas

The Lilas - “Marina”

Crafting rustic sounds and cultivating warm spaces of moody rock sensibilities comes within the titular new song from Latine surf rock connoisseur Sebastian Villatoro and his passion project, The Lilas. “Marina” is the latest track from the Guatemalan psych rock outfit, reimagining nostalgic ideas into fresh and vivid new surf rock cuts. The song oozes character and Western influences that Villatoro proudly wears on his sleeve, showcasing more of his personality here than in previous works. Led by a hypnotic guitar progression, the song follows a more minimal structure, utilizing subtle elements in the instrumentation for a harder impact. Villatoro’s skills as a guitarist shine as the guitar work takes center stage to hold the listener’s hand through an elegantly painted side of contemporary surf rock. – Alan Baez

54 Ultra - “Talk 2 Me”

New Jersey-based artist 54 Ultra has made significant inroads in his career over the last year, with tracks “Where Are You” and “Heaven Knows” becoming sleeper hits. This week, he drops “Talk 2 Me” and demonstrates his knack for retro-soul and R&B is legit. Coming from a Puerto Rican and Dominican household, he’s an exciting new voice in the burgeoning Latine soul and funk movement. “Talk 2 Me” features all the hallmarks of classics from those genres while also feeling fresh and approachable for new fans and listeners. — Juan J. Arroyo

Pachyman - “Hard to Part”

Puerto Rican artist Pachyman announced an anticipated new project Another Place with the lead single “Hard to Part.” A funky dub reggae love letter to Los Angeles, CA, the track is a timely dedication in the wake of the wildfire tragedies to the city that has provided the musician with a second home, as well as for many others. Much like the city, the soundscape embraces its influences of traditional sounds from dub, synth-pop, and reggae while digesting it into new, innovative outputs. It’s a captivating dynamic, in which the musician works towards recreating the experiences of the city’s alluring and adopting nature even when it’s often required adaptation can create urges to resist or leave. The video is equally admirable and engaging, as it journeys around the artist’s favorite locations around the city of angels, directed by the giraffe sisters, two LA natives who helped bring its visual beauty to life. — Jeanette Diaz

MAGNA - “Cruz”

Emerging Colombian singer and producer MAGNA is in tunnel vision mode. While he is coming off the heels of the release of his album Todo Puede Suceder in January, he’s already working on the next project with his latest track “cruz.” Not one to shy away from genre-bending, the dreamy electronic pop song is produced by frequent collaborator Marcelo Roldán. The overall concept of the catchy song centers on the idea of being reminiscent of the past and reflecting on the struggle between grief and amor. The music video directed by Mau Morgó takes us on a chaotic ride into an old-school office workspace turned after-party. MAGNA is offering us perspective into what we can expect on his next body of work, and it’s hard to not get excited. — Brenda Barrientos

Esteman, Daniela Spalla - “Amantes”

After officially announcing the release of a forthcoming collaborative album called AMORÍO, Esteman and Daniella Spalla have unveiled its sleek lead single “Amantes.” Tinted with notes of serious country rock meets pop twang, “Amantes” finds Esteman and Spalla trying their best to be both truthful and compassionate upon breaking the news of meeting someone new to their beloved, à la Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend.” As messy as the situation is, the singer-songwriter duo approach the encounter with total grace and indisputably sweet, polished harmonies that make the new track their finest collaboration to date. – Nayeli Portillo

Rita Donte - “Paseo De Las Misiones”

Cuban-born, Mexico-based singer Rita Donte has synthesized her musical heritage into a contagious track that manages to keep traditions alive while adding enough innovation to perk your ears up. With a refrain that goes “que me entierren con la conga,” it’s no surprise that “Paseo De Las Misiones” is centered around the rhythm, with multiple percussion instruments marking a beat that will have people moving, thanks to acoustic instruments that give harmonic depth to the proceedings. To drive the point home, the video for this son-inspired track features Donte and her live ensemble ripping it up live, emanating soul and groove through musicianship. — Marcos Hassan

Sophie Castillo - “Pa’ Volar”

With both Cuban and Colombian ancestry, Sophie Castillo is an artist rising to stardom. Her latest release, “Pa’ Volar,” is proof of her talent, present in her smooth voice and sincere interpretation of emotional lyrics. Crafted for those who aim higher, even after heart-wrenching disappointments, the single is the first peek into her upcoming album, set to be released this spring. Intense instrumentals complement the message of this track, which puts Castillo in a place from where, hopefully, she won’t be coming out anytime soon: the spotlight. – Júlia Henn

El Alfa, Arlene MC - “Este Coco”

Dominican dembow pioneer El Alfa is making sure to drop plenty of bangers ahead of his official retirement later this year. This time, he gave Arlene MC’s originally titled “E’te Coco” his earworm signature treatment. First released in November 2024, the new explicit remix oozes El Alfa’s unmatched cadences that make him one of dembow’s most recognized artists of the generation. His risqué lyrics match Arlene MC’s sexy verses that leave you singing, “Eh este coco que lo tiene loco,” on top of a throbbing bass-heavy soundscape. And if that’s not enough inspo to get you in a perreo mood, Arlene MC shows you how to dance to her track, whether in a car, with your partner, or by yourself in the song’s new music video. – Jeanette Hernandez

María Usbeck - “Mantarraya”

Ecuadorian-born, NYC-based artist María Usbeck just announced Naturaleza, her third full-length and follow-up to 2019’s Envejeciendo. “Mantarraya” is its first preview, and it’s a dreamy first look at the album’s theme, which urges listeners to reconnect to nature in order to save it. The song is a charming ode to a manta ray, which she portrays in the music video, co-directed by Jennifer Medina and Usbeck herself. Accompanied by gentle synthwork and driving drums, Usbeck longs for the freedom these animals experience in the sea, painting an aquatic picture that’s breezy and calming. – Cheky

La Marimba - “Corre”

Dominican fusion maven La Marimba has finally hit her stride. After years of cutting her teeth in the island underground, her starring role as merengue icon Fefita La Grande in the recent biopic, La Grande, shot the accomplished singer, multi-instrumentalist, and actress to renown. Now, she’s released her anticipated new album, Tengo Lo Podere, melding merengue, gagá, and atmospheric electronic production while spinning tales of personal liberation and rebirth. Among the LP’s many standouts, “Corre” encapsulates not only the album’s melting pot of sound, but also this unique moment of ascendence in her life and career as an artist and new mother. Her silky vocals glide over galloping percussion as she urges us, or really herself, to run for the hills and unleash the joys and hardships carried within for too long. This is music of movement, bodily and emotional, that’ll have you trying to match La Marimba’s acrobatic high notes with every new listen. – Richard Villegas

Myke Towers, Junior H, The Rudeboyz - “Mal de Amores”

After dominating the Latine trap charts with two sensational albums in 2024 and a deluxe version for both of them, Puerto Rican phenomenon Myke Towers is far from finished, calling on some heavy hitters to continue his reign on the international scene. “Mal de Amores” is the latest cut from the Billboard Award-winning rapper and calls on Mexican star Junior H and Colombian rump shakers The Rudeboyz for a sultry and bumpin’ track. “Mal de Amores” demonstrates what Towers does best: writing versatile, intimate bars over electrifying production. The Rudeboyz provided beat is sentimental in its core, providing the perfect space for real yearning from the two. Despite releasing a deluxe version of over 37 songs, Towers is still producing fresh and exciting ideas, showcasing his powerhouse in song crafting and execution. – Alan Baez

La Necedad - “old town lady (feat. Stz Poetic)”

La Necedad is about as multifaceted as artists come: a musician adept at multiple instruments, DJ, producer, and singer as well. He’s a member of bomba-fusion ensemble Laberinto del Coco, but also has his own solo project. His newest track, “old town lady,” features fellow Puerto Rican rapper Stz Poetic on a moving ode wedded with traditional folk sounds and jazz melodies. Stz’s bars spice up the song without overwhelming it, maintaining the through-line while La Necedad brings it home with his sax skills. The track grooves subtly, easily enchanting those tuned in. — Juan J. Arroyo

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