20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Rico Dalasam to Ruzzi

06.06.25 at 01:27

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 Rico Dalasam, Ruzzi, and Esteman with Daniela Spalla. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.

Rico Dalasam - “IMÃ”

Despite showing up on his latest project, Escuro Brilhante, Último Dia no Orfanato Tia Guga, Brazilian poet and singer Rico Dalasam gives “IMÃ” the video treatment. After being a highlight on his latest album, “IMÃ” being the latest to receive a video is special. With his last LP, Dalasam was on a mission to offer listeners insight into his upbringing and his current lifestyle. The video for “IMÃ” offers that insight, shining a light onto his troubles, but more specifically, his joy. The video adds an extra layer of depth and color to an already personified song, highlighting the vibrant characteristics of Dalasam’s inner workings and giving it the same visually stylized aesthetics as its counterpart. The rich poetry of Dalasam’s lyrics portrays the tragedy in his life, but the track’s beat uplifts the tone with the integral message that joy overcomes, and the video exemplifies that theme beautifully, making for a great introduction to the singer to an unbeknownst audience. – Alan Baez

Ruzzi - “Al Chile”

Mexican singer-songwriter Ruzzi pens some thoughts on leveling up from toxic exes and jumping into the deep end with zero inhibitions on “Al Chile.” Taking some inspiration from corridos tumbados, her latest single kicks off with blasting horns and speedy guitars for a refreshing pivot from her more familiar pop-leaning sound. “Yo te elevo hasta la cima, mi bebé/Al chile si te late a ti la idea/la neta a mi tambien,” she sings flirtatiously after crooning about breakfast in bed and u-hauling in this charming and more romantic corrido. – Nayeli Portillo

Esteman, Daniela Spalla - “El Acuerdo”

Romantic relationships come with an unspoken agreement, and on their new single, Esteman and Daniela Spalla reflect on what happens when each part interprets the rules their own way. “El Acuerdo” is the newest single from Esteman and Spalla’s awaited joint album Amorío, and they stick to the drama of ‘70s ballads à la Raphael or Jeanette previously explored on “Aeropuerto” to give us a classic tale of heartbreak. Produced by theatrics expert Adán Jodorowsky, “El Acuerdo” features a tear-jerking combination of acoustic guitar and piano that provides the perfect backdrop for Esteman and Spalla’s bitter words about a love pact that was betrayed. – Cheky

Brray, Baby Rasta - “100pol35”

Brray knows how to curate a reggaeton banger, and who to hit up for a collaboration. On his newest joint track “100pol35,” he called up veteran reggaeton artist Baby Rasta. The new layered track echoes old-school reggaeton with dembow tinges and beatbox pulses that pave the way for Brray’s catchy baritone verses. Partnered with Baby Rasta’s signature high-pitched vocals, the two reggaetoneros sound right out of the late 1990s/early 2000s handbook. Not only is the track perreo-ready, it also delivers iconic lines like “El que puede puede y que con nosotros nadie puede / Nosotros inspiramos tus películas en las redes,” which is honestly the vibe for the summer. – Jeanette Hernandez

Marineros - “Lo Que Siento”

Dreampop duo Marineros has long been one of Chile’s most emotionally resonant indie acts. Blending pillowy guitar distortion with poetry that unfolds like hurried thoughts scribbled onto restaurant napkins, the alchemic pairing of founders Sol and Cer perfectly captures fireworks of the heart. Their latest single, “Lo Que Siento,” hones in on this point of combustion, when the right kiss sets off a chain reaction that can forever alter the course of your life. “Cuando te conocí, perdí la cabeza,” sings Cer, looking back on such a fateful day, doubling down cheekily with, “Me alegro de que haya sido así / Locura y belleza.” — Richard Villegas

Juan Wauters - “Manejando Por Pando”

Juan Wauters is giving us another tale via song delivered through a simple melody and a few scattered chords. “Manejando Por Pando” is upbeat yet experimental, with Wauters strumming on his nylon string acoustic guitar while synths hover dreamily and finger percussion gives the track its pulse. Likewise, piano flourishes provide a slight son-cubano taste. Lyrically, Wauters tells the story of buying a car and recalling his experience of living abroad, with the singer-songwriter vocalizing with a huge smile on his face. Once again, Wauters proves to be a storyteller capable of recounting a gripping and life-affirming story with just a few words and chords. — Marcos Hassan

Aria Bela - “Gameboy”

Streamer turned singer Aria Bela stylishly merges the worlds of video games and music with her strong new proposal “Gameboy.” The bright sound is energetic and fun, and showcases her versatility both with playful use of her voice in a soft, seductive chorus and rap-like verses that pretty much tell any boy that dares to play against one of the best that they’re not winning and they can say goodbye to their “Try again?” chance. With top-notch visuals, you don’t want to miss where she serves looks worthy of being recreated in cosplay. Paired with cheeky lyrics referencing gaming like, “I pixelated you out of my sight” and “You are not on my level,” Aria delivers a catchy piece that shows her game session in the musical scene is off to topping the high score lists. All we have to do is press START. – La Morra Lisa

Juan Botta - “Capitán”

Juan Botta was born in Argentina, but he’s spent over two decades (since he was 15) calling Puerto Rico home. In that time, he’s made a name for himself as an actor, comedian, and influential personality with followers who have congregated around his affable personality. Now he’s branching out into a long-held passion: readying his debut as a singer. The second single off his album is “Capitán,” which features backing harmonies by Lorén Aldarondo of Chuwi. The track teeters between song and spoken word poetry, as he meditates on the anxiety of not fully grasping your life’s arc when you know — be the journey happy or sad — a void awaits at the end. — Juan J. Arroyo

Rosa Lune - “Emperatriz”

Despite this being the very beginning of their music careers, Mexican-American sisters Rosa Lune exhibit sonic expertise in their latest single, “Emperatriz.” The track is slow and hypnotic as it cradles the listener in its ethereal embrace, allowing for deep reflection about the honest lyrics that float through the dark melody of the song. An ode to female resilience and the courage mustered to carry on with your head held high, “Emperatriz” speaks of the ability to overcome difficult times and dubs the woman who manages the feat an Empress. As for the artists responsible for the track, long may they reign. – Júlia Henn

Indigo de Souza - “Crying Over Nothing”

Wrapping emotional chaos into lo-fi, fuzz-drenched pulsations, Brazilian-American Indigo De Souza captures the quiet devastation that comes without closure on her latest single, “Crying Over Nothing.” Through trembling guitar lines, glittering synths, and her signature vulnerable delivery, she offers brutal honesty: the slow grief of mourning something slipping away and the weight of absence settling in its place. It’s a deceptively buoyant soundtrack for unraveling in private; one where sadness becomes muscle memory, and missing someone happens quietly in the background of trying to move on. The title feels like a soft lie whispered on repeat, something you hope eventually becomes true — and that’s exactly the point. Paired with its intimate, rain-drenched video, the song captures the ache of breaking quietly while the world keeps moving. It holds space for the kind of heartbreak that lingers without logic: minimized out loud, but overwhelming inside. Perfect for nights when tears make more sense than silence, and you keep telling yourself you’re fine, even when the feelings still find their way through. – Jeanette Diaz

Lena Dardelet, Inka - “Ten Cuidao”

After just releasing an EP a little over a year ago, contemporary soul artist Lena Dardelet returns with a sonically layered new track. “Ten Cuidao” plays on the same aspects as her INVIERNO Y VERANO EP, drawing influences from a rich multicultural heritage and meshing luscious vocal melodies over modern merengue soundscapes. But where the single diverges from its predecessor is its utilization of a more nostalgically merengue sound. Dardelet is no stranger to using traditional merengue elements, but “Ten Cuidao” utilizes the upbeat nature of the genre with a modern twist to honor the basics of the genre. To maintain its playful whimsy and more upbeat energy, Dardelet taps in Dominican artist Inka to double down on the messaging. The two’s chemistry adds an extra layer of personality, hitting home the homage of where you come from and femininity. – Alan Baez

Gabriel Dinero - “mejor solo”

Gabriel Dinero’s “mejor solo,” the latest preview of his upcoming EP Ojos Bonitos, is sure to resonate with plenty of late-night ruminators familiar with the internal conflict that is missing an old flame but knowing deep down that you’re better off without them. Dinero’s hushed falsettos offset some of the track’s heaviness as he grapples with letting go. The London-based Guatemalan artist combines gossamer-thin guitars with window-rattling syncopated bass for a deeply melancholic torch song fit for all of the chronic overthinkers out there. – Nayeli Portillo

Marrakesh - “Troquei”

From Curitiba, Brazil, Marrakesh is a rock quartet from Balaclava Records’ impressive roster, and they’re currently previewing their upcoming third album, their first one sung in Portuguese. “Troquei,” their latest single, is an explosive piece of ‘90s alternative rock-inspired goodness that deals with moving on from lost love. The song grows in intensity as it progresses with the use of distortion and syncopation until singer Truno breaks into a scream. Singing “Mas o que eu posso fazer se você não vai sumir,” he bursts out in frustration because, no matter how hard he tries, the presence of his former lover won’t go away. – Cheky

Sofi Mayen - “Tu Amante”

Ahead of her upcoming album Normal, Sofi Mayen released her newest single, “Tu Amante.” With an entrancing, sultry soundscape that features a sexy bass melody, Mayen’s passionate vocals tell her side of a love story, describing that she’s had enough of being just a lover. Featuring empowering lyrics like, “Ya no será, pues no seré la que conocías / La que tú querías,” the Mexican songstress steps up for herself and asks for what she deserves: a full-time, public love. Described as an alternative bolero with subtle synth hues, the new offering is part of Normal, which is expected to be one of Mayen’s most honest and personal albums yet. And based on “Tu Amante” alone, she’s ready to let it all out of her chest. – Jeanette Hernandez

Yajaira La Beyaca, Genosidra - “Pukita”

Reprising the slam dunk collaboration of their 2023 EP Safriska, Venezuelan neoperreo mutant Yajaira la Beyaca and Colombian electronic producer Genosidra are back with a raunchy new club banger called “Pukita.” Drawing hilariously perverse inspiration from the 2000s South Korean cartoon Pucca, the song plays up a lusty game of cat and mouse, where Yajaira propositions her would-be-paramour with increasingly graphic imagery. In the music video, she cavorts around a stark white studio while clad in a full-body latex hybrid of a gimp suit and the titular character’s iconic on-screen attire, followed by a barrage of Shakespearean poetry. “Ponme aguada la que está sequita,” she spits on the hook, gliding over Genosidra’s unrelenting reggaeton machinations, then living up to the bellaqueo of her name with, “Ponme dura la que está blandita.” — Richard Villegas

Darumas - “Ex-Cusas”

International trio Darumas demonstrates their vulnerabilities while also showcasing their razor-sharp musical skills. Opening with a fierce rap verse, “Ex-Cusas” is a song that explodes in irresistible melody and funky grooves. The track talks about being disappointed with former lovers and how they’re now protecting themselves from future disappointments. “Ex-Cusas” gives us a contagious rhythm and a highly singable hook, becoming an instant anthem for those looking for reassurance in times of heartache. With their amazing instrumental chops and knack for huge melodies, “Ex-Cusas” is the type of track that will get into your skin immediately. — Marcos Hassan

Landabur - “ATRÉVETE!”

Chatting voices at a party get abruptly interrupted by the thumping bass and hypnotizing voice of Landabur, a Mexican artist bringing what is sure to become a dance anthem for diversity and love. Over a modern sound featuring disco flares, strong instrumentals, and a memorable sax breakdown that will have everyone busting out the moves, Landabur reminds us that the fight has been worth it. We’ve been brave getting to where we are as a community, so we deserve to party and be surrounded by joy. The perfect song to send to your crush or chosen family during this or any month, “ATRÉVETE!” has a strong message of empowerment without compromising fresh musicality, strong lyrics, and a romantic atmosphere that dares you to take the leap. Go ahead and give that kiss you have been dreaming about, and dive into love passionately and proudly. – La Morra Lisa

water x yung ksti - “UNDERGROUND IS DEAD”

Since their debut a mere two years ago, Puerto Rican rapper water has characterized themselves by their raw and unflinching bars that tackle everything from sociopolitics and suicidal ideations to gender identity and drug use. Their iconoclastic and devil-may-care approach is both rattling and fresh, helping them attract a fanbase that grows with every new drop. This week, they teamed up with fellow indie rapper yung ksti for their joint EP, EL UNDER SOY YO(vol.1), in which they aim their heat missiles at the music industry — those in front and behind the mic. The project has all the hallmarks of a water joint and is an ideal segue into discovering more of what’s made them an artist to look out for. — Juan J. Arroyo

IRMÃS DE PAU - “BAILE NO RXOTA FEAT. EBONY [PROD. LARINHX]”

In their new album Gambiarra Chic Pt. 2, Brazilian duo Irmãs de Pau — which can be translated as “Dick Sisters” and consists of artists Vita Pereira and Isma Almeida — present a fun perspective on female empowerment and sex, as experienced in their existence as trans women from the peripheries of their home country. The project also stars a number of relevant featured artists, such as Duquesa, Ventura Profana, and Polemik. For the song “BAILE NO RXOTA,” the duo enlists the collaboration of rapper Ebony and producer Larinhx in a track filled with heavy drum beats and intense sound mixing, reflecting the influence of both Brazilian funk and rap in their music. – Júlia Henn

Glass Spells - “Nunca es Suficiente”

San Diego-based synth-pop duo Glass Spells breathe nocturnal life into Natalia Lafourcade’s iconic heartbreak anthem with a dark, dance-fueled cover of “Nunca Es Suficiente.” Preserving the emotional architecture and lyrical longing of the original, the duo reimagine the single into their own universe — one charged through a prism of shimmering synths, pulsing darkwave textures, and an alt-club edge. Tania Costello’s vocals hover between reverent and mystic, striking a harmonizing balance between wistful and witchy, adding an esoteric mystique to a song already drenched in yearning. Here, heartbreak isn’t wallowed in; it’s exorcised on the dancefloor. This is more than a cover — it’s a cultural homage, catharsis in motion, and a synth-drenched séance for every goth-leaning romantic who’s ever danced through the ache. – Jeanette Diaz

20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Bebo Dumont to Luedji Luna