Photo by Alejandro Ortiz.
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 Maabelle, Francisca Valenzuela with Daniela Spalla, and Ela Taubert. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Mexican actress Michelle González has released a new single as Maabelle, which evokes a sexual aura. “FRENEZI” features an effortless blend of amapiano and afrobeats melodies that will completely seduce you. The song’s title translates to frenzy, which alludes to the flirty fever felt all throughout the lyrics and beat. The music video signals this too, showcasing the artist’s behind-the-scenes life in the (equally sexy) city of Miami. – Sofia Viera
The constant back-and-forth that comes with being entangled in an undefined relationship is enough to drive anyone mad. But Francisca Valenzuela and Daniela Spalla stand their ground and dish out a clear ultimatum on their latest collaboration, “Quiéreme o Ándate.” Acoustic guitar strums, seamless harmonies, and soft percussion give the single a breezy and dreamlike quality, even as the singers let their respective beloveds that they’re done with being played with, all with a refreshing straightforwardness (“Decídete, amor: quiéreme o ándate, quédate conmigo o déjame olvidarte de una vez”). – Nayeli Portillo
Colombian pop star Ela Taubert released her newest single, “¿Por Qué Soy Así?” The new track oozes pop-rock elements with a steady drum, bass, and melodic synths in the soundscape’s background. Altogether, the post-break-up track reminds us of the 2000s pop-rock radio era, complete with an emotional bridge highlighting Taubert’s vocals as she sings about prioritizing herself. “¿Por Qué Soy Así?” comes on the heels of her first Latin Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. So, if you don’t know who she is already, it’s about time you put her on your radar. – Jeanette Hernandez
Can’t get someone out of your mind or off? Neither can Immasoul, and she’s here to give you a banger about it. The rising Mexican R&B artist released her latest “NOMEVOY,” offering a taste of her upcoming sophomore album PISTOLA. In an effort to produce an album that stems from morein-the-momentt creation, the song came from an inspired night at the studio with friends in Santo Domingo that details the intoxicating rush that often stems from an incredibly passionate connection. Pulling afrobeats and African-house inspired rhythms into her more signature R&B-laced sounds, the single satisfies the desirous craving by offering a dancefloor moment to keep bodies moving close. A resourceful spin for when you need to get someone, whether for a night or the long run, out of your head and in immediate close proximity. – Jeanette Diaz
Chile’s Rubio, who just got her first Latin Grammy nomination last month, caps off her new Las Voces del Jacaranda project with the experimental pop number “YUGEN.” Inspired by a reflection on the word that gives the song its title, “YUGEN” dives into the darkness and beauty of the universe and humankind that can’t be expressed with words. Rubio sings escapist words surrounded by a tornado of jungle breaks and moody keys, and the feeling reaches its peak towards the end of the song, euphorically exploding into muffled screams, thunderous drumming, and growling synths. — Cheky
Rising trap superstar Lismar returns with a new, vicious track. “Elvira & Tony” is the latest from the 19-year-old rapper and proves to be another honest display of personality for her roster while continuing her streak of hot singles for 2024. While “Elvira & Tony” camouflages among other trap aesthetics and elements, Lismar’s flow still shines through from start to finish. Her choice of production continues this trend within her last few singles, incorporating this rich, ambient texture in the background. With a young tenure in the game, she’s already reached great heights, such as collaborating with famed producer Bizarrap for a session. The song comes with an equally extravagant and detailed video directed by Guillermo Figueredo and accurately captures the luscious and enthralling lifestyle Lismar is building for herself. A lifestyle built on perseverance and investment in an early talent. – Alan Baez
Singer-songwriter davidjosue — real name, of course, David Josué Díaz Rivera — releases his second single this week, “todo o nada.” The song is a sentimental journey through his point of view as a man who hesitates to reciprocate his love interest’s affection, fearing that he hasn’t shed enough of his emotional baggage and could risk causing more harm than good. Of Puerto Rican origin, davidjosue has been a songwriter and producer behind-the-scenes for a while, working with big names such as iLe, Los Rivera Destino, and Ismael Cancel. Now, as he embarks on a solo career in front of the mic, he hopes his tender songs connect with listeners as much as it means to him to share them. — Juan J. Arroyo
In case you haven’t heard, Colombian club music is taking over the world, be it through the techno bedlam of Medellín label TraTraTrax or the meme-fueled delirium of Latin Core godfathers, MUAKK. From the latter camp, producer 2AT has just unveiled his new album Kremayera, a cornucopia of guaracha, gabber, woozy pop culture references, and searing guest spots designed to make your head spin and chest pound. One of the album’s strobing high points is “Sexy Bitch,” concocted alongside Barcelona club siren YOZY. While machine gun drums are jolted with crunchy synths, making for wild dance floor fuel, there’s an indescribable quality to the song’s irreverent spirit that winks at Akon’s bawdy 2009 classic of the same name. – Richard Villegas
For the follow-up to her acclaimed 2020 album, acts of rebellion, Ela Minus took her time to craft a new version of her sound, and hearing “BROKEN” is like witnessing a master at work. Giving us hyperactive beats with emotional melodicism, Ela combines avant garde and pop immediacy, expanding on what we’ve come to understand as her sound to bring about a new dimension of what electronic music can really do. Boasting reassured arrangements, polished sounds, and confidence in songwriting, “BROKEN” invites listeners to get lost in a whirlwind by delivering catharsis and emotional realness. — Marcos Hassan
“Diambas e Dende” is part of Alvaro Lancellotti’s latest album, Arruda, Alfazema e Guiné. The song swiftly guides you through it as the singer vocalizes words and expressions rooted in African languages. The Brazilian artist’s inspiration continues the same as ever, diving deep into different aspects of the many Afro-Brazilian cultures present in the country. This time around, Lancelotti also brings to the table the teachings of yoga philosophy, creating a sonic experience worthy of a 10-day meditation retreat in some remote and beautiful location. – Júlia Henn
We have a new boy band in town — catchy songs, group dances, and all. DND is a five-member group composed of Danny, Emiliano, Isaac, Emilio, and Javi (from Venezuela, Chile, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.) managed by the iconic artist and creative Pharrell Williams and Lionfish Entertainment. Their debut EP is officially out, La Primera Vez, with the single titled “Piña Coladas.” The track (with its grocery store-themed music video) is a fun blend of pop and R&B with a classic reggaeton beat that talks about a romantic day out at the beach, playing tunes and getting high with, of course, piña coladas. – Sofia Viera
Bogotá-born singer-songwriter Andrea Silva (aka Loyal Lobos) follows up last month’s stinging “Limón” with “Summer En Paris,” the latest track off of her forthcoming album Loba Vol. 2. The track is a departure from the brooding and bittersweet ethereal pop songs that lined her debut album Everlasting as she puts a smothering lover on blast amid a solo wolf summer abroad (“Toy de summer en Paris/Jodes que no te llame/Baby so fucking needy/Dejame, no me asares”).“Summer En París” is a dose of intoxicating retro disco-influenced pop driven by an undoubtedly catchy hook and deeply satisfying basslines and is a major flex, as it’s some of Silva’s catchiest material to date. – Nayeli Portillo
Rising Mexican-American cumbia artist Vanita Leo teamed up with música mexicana artist Erre for a new sad cumbia collaboration, “Putazos Al Corazon.” The track explores a post-breakup story, accompanied by a sentimental and melodic acoustic guitar and a rich and traditional cumbia percussion. “The whole theme of this single, along with releasing it during Latino Heritage Month ignites a sense of pride in me,” Vanita said. Her soft, high-pitched vocals harmonized with Erre’s croons come together to provide a nostalgic sentiment to the lyrics that easily resonate with listeners who are going through their own heartbreak. – Jeanette Hernandez
Nicaraguan-American Daniel Noah Miller shares a new heartache-doused single with “Lola.” The melody is a hazy, lush, serene ambient dream wrapped in the bittersweetness of processing the aftermath of letting go. Yearning for older days and ways of how a relationship once was, Miller’s gentle croon guides us through understanding that profound admiration can coexist with the acceptance that relinquishing it carries the best outcome for the people involved (“I’d get married tonight / But I don’t want you to carry me the rest of your life”). The candid, yearnful lyricism is set over softened percussion and keys of mellowed experimental pop, reminding us not all ends are the result of a lack of love – sometimes they’re aided by the deepest expressions of it. – Jeanette Diaz
Pablo Drexler and Roberto Carlos Lange linked up last year after sharing the bill at a Paris show, and they ended up having so much chemistry in the studio that they finished writing “Lejos de Más” in about seven hours. With minimal instrumentation and maximal emotion, Helado Negro and pablopablo created a heartwrenching song that deals with the hardships of trying to make long-distance love work. Their voices softly intertwine over nostalgic piano chords, making us feel the sentimental abyss that comes with geography. — Cheky
As the temperature cools (supposedly), short shorts turn into corduroy skirts, and crop tops are exchanged for puffers, the latest single by Salinas-based artist ¿Qiensave? delivers one final seasonal heater to close the remnants of summer with a bang. “High Class” is the latest collaboration the cumbiamberos ¿Qiensave? and Corpus Christi producer/ DJ El Dusty, and is an incredible reimagining of the group’s cumbia jam from 2019, but with new blood and a faster BPM. “High Class” is the final single from the group’s upcoming remix album that takes some of their biggest hits from the last few years and recontextualizes each with a nu cumbia twist, provided by El Dusty. “High Class” maintains the spirit from the original by sampling the chorus, but the added drums and sped-up backing vocals add an invigorating energy that breathes a whole new life into something that’s still thriving. It’s the perfect final teaser for what’s to come. – Alan Baez
October means espooky season, and artists love to indulge and use it as an outlet to be creative. Puerto Rican solo rock act Ed Harvest ties together both the festivities and homeland love in his new single “Brujita de Bayamón,” or “The Witch from Bayamón” (a bustling city near San Juan). As he rocks out with aggressive electric guitars and drums, he includes a riotous flute solo that would make Jethro Tull proud. The Diego Sarmiento Herencia-directed music video transports Ed to a horror story of his own making, as a beautiful is-she-or-isn’t-she witch seems to bring his lyrics to life and capture him in her thrall, but the ending makes the viewer wonder who was chasing who. — Juan J. Arroyo
Cuban label Guampara Music has long spotlighted emerging artists from the realms of trap and house music, but their latest discovery, Nanny, has the potential to make a splash on the global pop stage. Her new single “Espectacular” lives up to its name with soaring affirmations and vocal gymnastics delivered over a canvas of throbbing electro and atmospheric trip-hop drums produced by Tato Parapar. Nanny, a violinist turned sultry chanteuse, debuted just last year, but a string of percussive, vocally robust tracks has rapidly positioned her as an exciting Caribeña talent to watch. – Richard Villegas
At this point, we’re used to hearing exquisitely composed ambient music from Fernando Corona, aka Murcof, but “Fight” is something amazing even by his standards. Stradling the line between a film score from an unmade movie and a dramatic neo classical composition, these evolving sounds paint a delicate picture as they swiftly move from one melody and texture to the next. Couple it with the out-of-this-world sound design, and you have a masterful example of a virtuoso approaching his art form with finesse and emotion. — Marcos Hassan
Brazilian singer Rod Krieger takes the listener on a journey through time and space by combining psychedelic beats, heavily influenced by ‘70s space rock, and melancholic lyrics that help to build up the hypnotic atmosphere created by his latest album’s title song, “Era.” The album itself, A Assembleia Extraordinária (or “The Extraordinary Assembly”), is an amalgamation of elements taken from an era of music that is long gone, and Rod finds himself picking up its pieces and stitching them back together along with his preferences to create his own style. The self-produced album will also be made into a film released in 2025, in which the artist is also responsible for directing, writing, and editing. – Júlia Henn
