20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Selines to RaiNao
Courtesy of the artist.
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 Selines, RaiNao, and Silvana Estrada with pablopablo. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Selines – “Nostalgia”
Selines released her second album Nostalgia with her focus single under the same name. With Latine folk influences, the emerging Mexican-American singer-songwriter shows that she’s a new name in the growing folky, música mexicana scene worth listening to. Led by Selines’ soothing vocals and rhythmic acoustic guitars, “Nostalgia” explores time and how quickly it leads to new homes; a resonating nightmare for those scared of change. Beyond highlighting her alternative-folk sonic offering, Selines’ new album also demonstrates the demand for bilingual albums that capture a Gen Z perspective on growing up and embodying both cultures rather than shying away from one. Nostalgia is out now. – Jeanette Hernandez
RaiNao – “GRIS”
With “GRIS,” RaiNao leans into the beauty of the almost. The new single drifts through a smoky, rumba-inspired atmosphere where longing lingers in every detail, in the salty air, fading dusk, grainy textures, and memories that never quite settle. Built around restrained percussion and soft Caribbean rhythms, the track feels intimate and weightless at once, capturing the strange ache of a romance that existed more in possibility than reality. Produced by RaiNao alongside Tainy, Koji Jose, and Wiso Rivera, “GRIS” continues the artist’s signature sensory world — emotional, immersive, and quietly hypnotic. Accompanying the release is the short film oídos que ven GRIS, a meditative audiovisual piece designed to blur the line between sound, memory, and imagination. Whether experienced with eyes open or closed, “GRIS” invites listeners to sit inside its soft shadows and feel everything. – Natasha Melina Argudo
Silvana Estrada, pablopablo – “Antes De Ti”
Only half a year after sharing her breakthrough album Vendrán Suaves Lluvias, Silvana Estrada gives us new music in the form of a collaboration with Madrid singer-songwriter pablopablo. Written in Mexico City after the two linked up during Estrada’s Mexican tour, “Antes De Ti” sounds like a raw document of an inspired moment, as both singers softly and effortlessly intertwine their croons over an acoustic guitar. They beg a significant other not to remember a past when they weren’t in love, when life wasn’t about each other, in an attempt to not spoil their relationship with their baggage. Occasional string flourishes add color to a picture that feels like peeking through a window into their joint songwriting process. – Cheky
ROBI, Ivana – “FA-TAL!”
In an environment where reggaeton and its offshoots have dominated for almost two decades, it’s been hard for other genres to get traction in Puerto Rico. But the archipelago currently has a growing pop movement happening, and ROBI has emerged as its clear leader. He has collabs with artists like Young Miko, Sebastián Yatra, and Jay Wheeler under his belt, and his newest single “FA-TAL!” continues his latest hot streak. Fresh off his breakout “BRRREAK!,” here he teams up with Monterrey native Ivana for a catchy track that’s thematically the opposite of that one—telling your love interest to step more into your life, throwing caution to the wind. — Juan J. Arroyo
Grupo Firme, Octavio Cuadras – “MATCHA LATTE”
Staying true to their sound beloved all around the world, Grupo Firme presents a fresh collaboration with the voice and irreverent bars of Sinaloa-born Octavio Cuadras in a track that contrasts their lifestyle with that of the ones they love. “I’m finishing up a drive by, you’re wrapping up pilates,” or “I’m drinking my boss’ whiskey, you’re drinking matcha latte,” while stating that the love for that special lady who wears their initials on her freshly done nails can overcome everything—even a mom who opposes the relationship. A swaggy accordion and playful guitars accompany this unusual love story, which was debuted as a surprise during a live performance in Colombia. So hold on tight to that matcha latte and to your loved one because this will be on repeat, even if mom doesn’t like it. –La Morra Lisa
Son Rompe Pera – “Reptilio”
Son Rompe Pera is soundtracking a conspiracy theory on their latest single “Reptilio.” Bringing us freshness into their brand of cumbia-punk, we have a lively burner that asks one very important question that can’t be far off everyone’s mind: what if reptiles in suits really are running the world? Pulling from campy sci-fi paranoia and grim political undertones alike, the Mexico City band turns B-movie absurdity into something strangely timely. Produced by Adrian Quesada, the track barrels forward with distorted tropical rhythms, punk urgency, and enough groove to make societal collapse feel weirdly danceable. But beneath all the humor and reptilian references, there’s still a sharp jab at power, corruption, and the increasingly surreal state of modern life. However, “Reptilio” never fully separates the joke from the truth, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it hit so hard. — Jeanette Diaz
Grupo RYE – “Canto y No Lloro”
You may suspect that this reinterpretation of the chorus to “Cielito Lindo” is probably not going to be a family-friendly song when its first lyric is a reference to White Line Fever. Atlanta’s own regional sensations Grupo RYE come out blazing with intense guitar strumming and subwoofer-rattling tuba, delivering a song about self-determination, triumph, and good times to be had, legal or otherwise. The outfit demonstrates its strengths in “Canto y No Lloro,” blending trap-like verses with the interpolating chorus that gives an extra edge to its message, delivering a surefire party starter that can be celebrated on both sides of the border. — Marcos Hassan
Jade Baraldo – “Doente”
On “Doente,” Brazilian singer Jade Baraldo turns obsession into something hypnotically beautiful. Floating through smoky production and tactile layers of sound, the track captures the suffocating side of unconditional love, and the addicting quality of being on the receiving end of it. Baraldo’s unmistakable voice sits at the center of the storm, balancing sensual whispers with dramatic depths, her soft rasp carrying both vulnerability and danger in equal measure. As part of the album Não Há Nada Mais Honesto Que Um Sonho, “Doente” embodies the record’s emotional intensity, transforming heartbreak and emotional excess into an intoxicating pop experience that lingers long after the final note. – Júlia Henn
Bruno Berle – “Manhã”
Coming off the billionaire extravaganza of Met Gala week, the refreshing simplicity of Bruno Berle’s new single “Manhã” arrives as a welcome palette cleanser. Hailing from Northeastern Brazil, the singer-songwriter has been on an ascendant trajectory since debuting in 2022 with No Reino Dos Afetos, an international cult hit that melded folk, R&B, and shimmering bursts of MPB. “Manhã” is the first teaser of Berle’s upcoming album, Sem Fronteiras, stripping away all artifice with a poetic mantra that contemplates the morning light and the many opportunities to sing and love that come with every new day. It’s moving, soul-nourishing songwriting at its best, and a reminder that beauty can be more than adornment—it can also be the story. — Richard Villegas
Sebastián Yatra, Alonso – “Lo Que Me Pasa Con Vos”
What started as a normal display of celebrity admiration online has gone beyond a pop-rock ballad. The friendship between Sebastian Yatra and internet personality Alonso has flourished into a genuine connection, resulting in a track built on the heart of companionship. “Lo Que Me Pasa Con Vos” is a collaboration born from a genuine coming together of two friends from completely different backgrounds. Alonso is not just a fan coming from one side of the internet, but he’s a practicing musician who’s used Yatra’s music for his own personal practice. This comes full circle as he contributes a few chords to the instrumental. “Hearty vocals” are gritty, they’re coming with actual effort and match the sentimental, warm harmonies from Yatra. The track is built on a vivid sentiment of warmth and a reminder that some far-fetched connections can grow into something beautiful.– Alan Baez
Xavi – “Find Us Again”
Xavi is expanding his sonic universe. This time, the Mexican-American singer-songwriter is diving into the country folk scene with his debut English-language single “Find Us Again.” Known for his raspy, distinctive, and emotional croons, Xavi showcases a range of falsetto notes at the end of the song, which are worth exploring further. At the same time, it brings a breath of fresh air to his musical repertoire, moving his sound forward instead of sticking to the same old formula. In an era when música mexicana and country music are finding common ground, Xavi is showing up and showing colleagues how it’s done with “Find Us Again”—and we hope to hear more of it. “Find Us Again” is part of his upcoming sophomore album Dosis. –Jeanette Hernandez
Aron Luix – “Tus Ojos”
Dominican rising star Aron Luix is setting the mood with his new single “Tus Ojos,” a warm and addictive track that blends tropical rhythms, modern Latine melodies, and heartfelt emotion into one immersive experience. The song feels like a late-night beach conversation with friends: it’s relaxed, intimate, and impossible not to vibe to. Inspired by the lingering memory of a girl and the eyes he just can’t forget, Luix captures that dreamy feeling of being completely stuck on someone in the most natural way. The visualizer feels like the kind of night everyone wishes they could bottle up, with friends around a bonfire, good energy, late-night laughs, and that one person you can’t stop thinking about no matter how hard you try. Produced by Reggi El Auténtico and Joshua Andrey Bracho, “Tus Ojos” taps into a carefree, emotional vibe that feels natural rather than forced, for a sound that’s both fresh and easy to keep on repeat.– Natasha Melina Argudo
Diles Que No Me Maten – “Perquisidor”
Mexico City’s Diles Que No Me Maten is fast-approaching the release of their upcoming new album Escrito en Agua, set to drop on June 12. Their second single “Perquisidor” is a slow burner, evolving at a glacial pace from a guitar-backed spoken word to a magnificently delicate post-rock moment embellished by a lush string arrangement. Singer Jonás Derbez just wanders and observes the world as he gets lost in the details, seeking clues to something he knows he’ll never discover, giving his words a rhythm that makes us walk with him. Director Emilio Pichardo pairs the song with a mesmerizing music video that’s an evocative portrait of Mexico and its people in black and white. – Cheky
Leo Rizzi – “Nueva Era”
This week sees the release of LA BELLEZA DE LAS FLORES, Leo Rizzi’s sophomore LP, and his newest single is probably the most intentional of all. “Nueva Era” features the Spanish-Uruguayan vocalist reflecting on his insecurities and the factors that have undermined his self-esteem. “I’ve always felt like a stranger,” he sings, noting he’s often cared too much about others’ opinions. But as he continues, he declares the beginning of a new era, freed from those shackles. It’s a more boisterous turn than his usual soft rock sound, but it’s appropriate for the topic: crashing through walls will always be loud. — Juan J. Arroyo
La Cruz – “Only”
Delivering an extremely upfront declaration of intent, Venezuelan master of memorable hooks and phrases La Cruz presents his latest track. “Only” is naughty, with a bright synth that intertwines with a thumping bass and hot percussion, delivering perhaps his more “pop-adjacent” sound so far while retaining that reggaeton soul he navigates effortlessly. In the accompanying visualizer, we see La Cruz rushing through a nightclub filled with blurry lights while sipping through an array of cups, embodying the feeling of the lyrics of both rolling on substances and on top of a bed. We always crave more from La Cruz, and if “Only” is the signal, we are running to whatever dancefloor this is blasted on. – La Morra Lisa
Siempre No – “el descanso”
Siempre No is channeling the frenetic energy of woman-fronted indie-punk with full force on their latest “el descanso.” The track spirals through the kind of emotionally messy situationship limbo that leaves you wanting to cry, scream, and somehow still dance around your room all at once. Overdriving indie jangle rock melodies, which include some seriously killer driving guitar riffs and emotionally charged vocals, the band captures the exhaustion of being kept around by someone who was always capable of choosing, just never you. Vomiting on the street, ignored handwritten notes, Kate Winslet in The Holiday references, the details feel hyper-specific in the way real heartbreak tends to be, circling the same question over and over: ¿qué carajos quieres de mí? It’s a rage-stage breakthrough song, the sound of someone finally snapping under the weight of mixed signals and emotional limbo, only to realize the person ruining their mental health was honestly kind of embarrassing the whole time. Rather than softening things up, the band fully leans into the confusion and resentment, turning it into something cathartic enough to scream back at yourself and somehow still feel alive inside the mess. — Jeanette Diaz
Rizomagic – “Plutarco (feat.) Conjunto Media Luna”
With vital and inspiring projects like Rizomagic releasing breathtaking music, experimental cumbia is having a fantastic moment in 2026. This Colombian producer has taken the best of the original sounds of the genre (courtesy of Conjunto Media Luna), giving it the rebajadotreatment, and adding a bunch of different elements to it. The result is “Plutarco,” a track that brings heft and dimension to the groove. It will give your feet motion and your head a universe to get lost into, carving sonic territory where inner space is the place without sacrificing its dancing appeal. — Marcos Hassan
Ian Cobiella – “Have I Been Good To You”
With “Have I Been Good To You,” Los Angeles-based artist Ian Cobiella turns personal heritage into art as he finds inspiration in his own cultural background to write a song that allows anyone to dance along to. His Cuban-Bolivian roots find new footing in this beautiful sonic blend of indie pop and rock, creating a track that feels both deeply intimate and impossible to stand still to. Not only because of the hypnotic drive of salsa-inspired percussion and mad bass line, but also in the lyrics that mirror the emotional chaos at the center of the tune with borderline obsessive words that accentuate the intensity that envelops Cobiella’s creation. The raw live vocals provided in the humorous, yet frenzied, accompanying music video only add to the atmosphere of this unforgettable track. – Júlia Henn
2AT, Nixss – “I 8 my Bo$$ [odio a mi jefe]”
DJ, producer, and Latincore imp 2AT continues churning out some of the most intriguing and irreverent tunes in Bogotá’s ultra fertile club scene. For the new EP, HyperTribal, he’s teamed up with the producer Nixss, who broke out last year with a series of speed-racing guarachas, together crafting a collection of thumpers exploring the crossroads of EDM and Andean 6/8 beats. Get lost in the David Guetta evocations of “Electro Bala” and swoon with the millennial hipster nods of “MP3.” But the EP’s most cheerable moment arrives with “I 8 my Bo$$ [odio a mi jefe],” an uproarious slice of tribal guarachero loaded with anti-corporate bile. Alternating vocal duties, the pair take turns poking fun at exploitative employers, while a stylish black and white music video gives us the Office Space x Boiler Room crossover we didn’t know we needed. — Richard Villegas
Jwords – “Love Crime”
Arriving with a brand new project, carrying the same intentional, mellifluous-painted brand of underground hip-hop beats, New York-based producer, writer-rapper Jwords returns with a bold new statement. “Lovecrime” is one of the standouts from Jword’s latest project, Sound Therapy, the first full-length project for the Brooklyn creative since 2022’s Self Connection. In the time between, Jwords has dropped plenty of loosies, Bandcamp exclusive EPs, and continued her run as half of hip-hop duo H31R. Safe to say she’s been keeping busy. Sound Therapy is an extension of Jwords intricate, playful approach to producing, utilizing minimal drum loops as a support for spacey, airy melodies. “Lovecrime” is one of the biggest examples of this, providing a much more intimate performance over a sonically surreal and intentional instrumental.– Alan Baez