20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From MAGNA to Juan Wauters

04.11.2025 at 01:58

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 MAGNA, Juan Wauters, and Gepe. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.

MAGNA - “déjala llorar”

Colombian singer MAGNA’s usual romanticism meets heartbreak in the artist’s latest single “Déjala Llorar,” a release focused on the beautiful, albeit sorrowful, process of grieving the end of a relationship. The singer’s soothing voice provides a much-needed calming balm to the broken heart, while the optimistic notes of the rhythm made out of the combination of Afrobeats, electronic music, and traditional Colombian sounds fill the listening ear with a joy only achieved by well-crafted music. The stunning accompanying music video, recorded on the beaches of Palomino, Colombia, adds to the melancholic vibe of the tune with its old home video appearance, alluding to a past that is already gone by. – Júlia Henn

Juan Wauters - “If It's Not Luv”

Beloved singer-songwriter Juan Wauters is back with a taste from his forthcoming album, MVD LUV, and “If It’s Not Luv” captures the energy he’s bringing to the table. The track barely cracks the two-minute mark yet manages to get its message across with a lively melody propelled by acoustic guitar strums and synth orchestrations that heighten the sugar rush sentiment of the song. This instant singalong recalls South American folk without sounding anything other than Juan, embodying his artistry. With “If It’s Not Luv,” Wauters gives us a new daily reaffirmation to get psyched to. — Marcos Hassan

Gepe - “NOstas”

Chilean singer-songwriter Gepe has released Undesastre: Cerodrama, a deluxe version of his last album release, which also features four new songs added to the tracklist. On the track “NOstas,” an acoustic guitar ballad melody is a driving force that strips back the instrumentation to emphasize the emotive nature of its lyricism. Through its narrative, the artist explores the confusing, liminal space between a relationship ending after not being able to move past its hardships. The song serves as a momentary slow dance that detangles from cherishing last memories and being ready to take the initial steps to fully move on. – Jeanette Diaz

Majo Aguilar - “No Pidas Perdón”

We’ve all been played by someone who victimizes themselves and has no intention of changing their ways. Luckily, Majo Aguilar has the antidote for our sorrows. On her powerful new single “No Pidas Perdon,” the singer-songwriter gives her ex-beau a thorough reality check over full-toned instrumentals, calling out their insincere apologies and performative remorse: “No pidas perdón si te ves tan alegre y que ni te duele/No pidas perdón/el karma es muy fuerte/y te va encontrar.” – Nayeli Portillo

Alejo - “[[chipo]]”

Alejo is as confident as ever in his latest song, “[[chipo]].” The rising reggaetonero is coming off the success of his March release “NENA,” which garnered a million plays in its first week. With [[chipo]], the Puerto Rican artist continues to shine through and show off his flow through a dark, hypnotizing reggaeton beat. In true Alejo form, the lyrics are lustful and catchy, making it a perfect perreo song for the summer. — Brenda Barrientos

Fabuloso - “Amor”

Sometimes, all you need is love. Peruvian singer-photographer Fabuloso understands just how simple life can be. And with his new cover of Emmanuel Cortes’ smash hit, “Amor,” he lets the butterflies in his stomach take the reins of a blooming romance. The track was produced by Salvadoran polymath Clement, reinterpreting the saccharine corrido as a bouncy guitar-pop earworm. And though Fabuloso’s recent slate of singles has been produced by Guatemala’s Bumont, this is yet another home run highlighting Central America‘s wealth of indie pop talent. – Richard Villegas

SLAYTER - “Ed Hardy”

Born in Puerto Rico but raised in New York City, rapper Slayter has been making music since before he was even a teenager. This week, he releases his first Spanish-language album titled Dile No a Las Drogas. He’s marking the occasion by releasing the single “Ed Hardy,” which features a music video that includes cameos from some of the hottest names in Latine trap, like Bryant Myers, Pressure 9X19, and a blink-and-you-miss-him YOVNGCHIMI. These artists and others like Ozuna, De La Ghetto, and FloyyMenor also feature on the album, which shows off how Slayter can move between trap, R&B, and reggaeton with the ease of someone who’s been doing this for more than half his life. — Juan J. Arroyo

Dámaris Bojor, Caloncho - “Sonora”

Mexican folk stars are making 2025 their year. Dámaris Bojor lassoed in Caloncho for their newest collaboration, “Sonora,” a folk love letter to her hometown. By intertwining American folk and Regional Mexican music, the Sonora native showcases her ability to dive deep into a space historically dominated by white males, giving us hope for a female-led wave in the near future. With acoustic strings, a harmonica, and a deep bass, Bojor unravels a story of unmeasured pride, led by her distinctive yodel-like vocals. “Sonora” is the focus single of her anticipated album Folkpirana, due later this year. – Jeanette Hernandez

Lido Pimienta - “Mango”

Five years after dropping her acclaimed album Miss Colombia, Lido Pimienta is finally blessing us this 2025 with her third (and last?) full-length titled La Belleza. Out May 16, the album steps into the classical music realm, aided by Owen Pallett in the co-production and co-orchestration departments. “Mango,” its first preview, features Pimienta’s stunning chill-inducing voice backed by little more than harp plucks, using suggestive images of eating the titular tropical fruit to create sensual innuendo. It’s beautiful, erotic, and most importantly, it sets off Lido Pimienta’s awaited new era. – Cheky

MOLD! - “ELEVATOR!”

The South Florida-based rock quartet returns with one of the strongest tracks in their arsenal yet, along with a stunning visual that captures the sense of paranoia and discrete panic that’s run array with modern political discourse. Culminating in influences dripped in shoegaze, rock, and post-punk, the group’s first track of the year oozes character in a blend of hard-hitting sounds that’s one of a kind. It’s noisy in the best way possible, filling every pocket of track length with sonically interesting layers that keep my brain engaged. The spacey vocal effects and warbling elements, such as the synthesizer, give “ELEVATOR” a purposeful face of identity. While on the surface, it’s a fun, noisy track about panicking about UFOs, leader Carlo Barbacci’s bellowing chorus speaks of something deeper, something more topical and unsettling. “I won’t follow your direction, it’s my future self,” acts beyond a chorus, but as a call to action; a call to recognize the faults in paranoia and individualism and to take action. – Alan Baez

EMJAY - “boss Remix (feat. Belinda)”

Flaunting all of the best characteristics that make a truly iconic pop hit, “boss Remix” by Mexican singer and songwriter EMJAY, featuring pop icon Belinda, is one of those songs that were made to be played on repeat during parties and road trips with friends. The remix version of EMJAY’s viral song enhances the qualities of the original, adding to its playfulness and catchiness. The lyrics are written as confidence boosts for young women who walk through life with strength and determination, forging their own path on their own conditions. For those hoping to see more of EMJAY, fear not, for the artist’s upcoming new album Me Estoy Volviendo Loca is set to be released next week, on Apr. 17, and it’s bound to reveal a new side of the pop singer. – Júlia Henn

Marilina Bertoldi - “AUTOESTIMA”

Argentine artist Marilina Bertoldi has had enough, and she’s armed with an updated version of new wave to battle it. “AUTOESTIMA” fuses power pop, punk guitars, and electronic elements, bursting like a jolt of electricity directed at real-life vampires looking to drain people of their will to live. Bertoldi attacks the subject matter with a sneer on her lips, disdain, and tons of charisma. While she mentions her native Argentina in the lyrics, the state of the world makes the message of resistance on “AUTOESTIMA” a universal one with a sound ideal for starting a mosh pit and a dance-off at the same time. — Marcos Hassan

Bb trickz - “Malvada”

After dabbling in features for some of the biggest drops of the last years, like with Charli xcx, the Madrid-based rapper Bb trickz is back to release her latest EP 80’z. The tracklist of her first work in two years wraps up with fiery single “Malvada.” An upbeat mixture of Caribbean and electro-trap rhythms melt into each other through the breezy melody as the unapologetic MC flows through, owning being that girl even if it’s being perceived as the bad girl. A reclamation anthem, the single sits in embracing the dominance of choosing to have control over everything in her world amidst the often unruly disorder of her surrounding nightlife. – Jeanette Diaz

Sahir Montoya, ZXMYR – “CAMARON”

“Dicen que me creo bien verga y la neta, es la verdad,” Sahir Montoya shouts about halfway into “Camaron.” It’s a bold move, but it’s not for nothing: the young self-proclaimed “corridos diamantados” singer from Monterrey has amassed a pretty big following over the past year with flashy singles like “Mustangson,” which now has over 1.5 million views to boot. “Camaron” follows suit as Montoya and Guadalajara rapper ZXMYR flex their lavish tastes and ambitious approaches to life over a galloping beat and fiery horns. – Nayeli Portillo

Maeso - “La Botella”

Maeso is showcasing his versatility in his latest song, “La Botella.” The Bachata track is part of a new chapter for the emerging Puerto Rican artist while also a tribute to Latine culture, resilience, and unity. The new song is accompanied by a video where you can see Maseo roaming around the New York City streets, yearning about a past lover he can’t stop thinking about with a bottle of liquid courage alongside him. “[This is] a soulful bachata for you to dance and feel. I’m in love with this song and I hope you feel it too,” he said in a previous post of the song on Instagram. The catchy tune will have you wanting to grab a partner for a quick bachateo. — Brenda Barrientos

Mawiza - “Killari”

The Mapuche death metal band Mawiza is at a crossroads of transition, closing the cycle of their breakthrough LP Kollong with the cinematic music video for “Killari” before unleashing a roaring new record this summer. But “Killari” perfectly underscores this state of flux, weaving rhythmic patterns from a panoply of Latin American genres while also celebrating the feminine energies of the moon as a guiding mother figure. In a press release, singer Awka Nahuel, who identifies as two-spirit, says, “As wentxu or ‘men’ of the Mapuche people, we need zomo newen or ‘feminine strength’ to exist in a permanent state within each of us.” This quest for balance comes to life in the Andrés Hetzler-directed clip, contrasting shots of the band performing in a converted underwear factory with elegant garments created by the Chilean designers Matías Hernán, Ceremonia, and Labios Enfermos. – Richard Villegas

Andrea Lakshmi - “ME VALE VRG WEY”

Mexican singer Andrea Lakshmi has been offering a varied palette of pop, R&B, and soulful ballads over the years but now seeks to show off more of her wilder side. Her new single, “ME VALE VRG WEY,” features a feistier Lakshmi than she first teased in her previous single, “COPYCAT BEEF.” Roughly translated as “I don’t give a sh*t,” she aims the song’s chorus at perceived haters that she dubs “confused fans.” As she raps over the beat, she preemptively shuts down naysayers and leans into the type of artist she’s drawn to be, opinions be damned. — Juan J. Arroyo

Bellakath - “A Que Te Aruño (feat. Six Sex)”

Bellakath is expanding from her usual reggaeton mexa circle. The Mexican reggaetonera tapped in Argentinean perreo rave queen Six Sex for her newest bop, “A Que Te Aruño.” The new joint track features a hypnotizing futuristic laser-like melody on top of a reggaeton and bass-heavy sonic landscape. Throughout the track, the two reggaeton divas trade verses about leaving sexy marks on their love conquests. With a catchy pre-chorus teasing, “A que te aruño, papi, a que te aruño,” the two fiery kittens deliver a fun earworm to boost your ego and hype you up for your next sexcapade. – Jeanette Hernandez

Terno Rei - “Nenhuma Estrela”

São Paulo quartet Terno Rei has one more preview in store for us right before finally releasing their fifth album Nenhuma Estrela next week. The title track follows the previous single’s elegant filtering of ‘90s-tinted sounds, now adding a splash of ‘80s new wave to the mix to create a melancholic vibe. The urgency of the instrumentation reflects Ale Sater’s words of throwing in the towel in a relationship that feels like a prison and can’t be sustained anymore. As we get closer to the end, the Cure-like guitar riffs are heightened by lush synths, and we sink deeper into the feeling. – Cheky

Tufic - “Esta Mordidita”

While others can find difficulty producing art with a speech impediment, others find strength in their differences. Mexico City’s Tufic encapsulates this sentiment of living your purpose despite any obstruction of self with his personal brand of “canciones tartamudas,” a sound that captures the energy and heart of cumbia and bolero songwriting. Tufic’s array of “canciones tartamudas” was the foundation for his sophomore album TETE*, which got the deluxe album treatment along with a new name, TETETE. The album’s standout song, “Esta Mordidita,” is Tufic finding refuge within the zany and energetic approach to dance music. “Esta Mordidita” is progressive cumbia on all fronts and calls on Melissa Lahur for a lofty exchange of back-to-back verses, where the two’s chemistry is out on full display. – Alan Baez

Gustavo Santaolalla y su Bajofondo