This is a weekly compilation of bite-sized song & EP reviews from our music writers. Discover new favs, read nuanced criticism of the week’s hottest releases & more. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Ivonne Galaz – “Ni Una Más”
Regional urbano takes a feminist turn with “Ni Una Más,” an empowering dedication to, and for, women who often succumb to many forms of violence ranging from imposed societal expectations to the femicide crises experienced across Latin America. Produced by Jimmy Humilde, under the rising Rancho Humilde label known for reimagining corridos tumbados, Galaz is vulnerable yet assertively poised in her delivery that utilizes its lyricism to shed light to an important issue. —Jeanette Diaz
Camila Moreno – Déjame (feat. Ximena Sariñana & Lido Pimienta)
Ahead of her fourth album, Camila Moreno summoned a true Latin-American journey in her new single bringing together the Mexican singer Ximena Sariñana and Colombian Canadian artist Lido Pimenta. The trio’s performance in “Déjame” is an exhibit of the finest and newest Latin America singer-songwriting. With the help of a muffled electro-tribal beat, subtle guitar chords and sci-fi synths, the single is an explosive and yet gentle demonstration of self-love and collective power sparkled out by beautiful vocal harmonies. —Felipe Maia
Goldilocks – “La Que No”
Future Famous is the debut LP from Goldilocks, a Spanish non-binary artist now based in Queens, New York. Standing out on the album is “La Que No,” a single that does particularly well to showcase how Goldi (pronouns she/her/ella) offers distinct take on reggaeton, in which electronic and ambient accents warp familiar rhythms into experimental, pioneering realms. And here, Goldilocks’ bars are delivered with a certain blasé, like the self-produced musician is trying to keep it cool despite the lure of “esas nalgas.” Expect to see plenty more of her, as the EP title indicates: “[The album] is about manifesting your reality. It’s inspired by Mohammad Ali’s belief that he was the greatest before he ever was,” Goldilocks explains in a press release. ––Jhoni Jackson
Depressiego – "Que Bonito"
Monterrey’s Depressiego has unveiled a brand new single titled “Qué Bonito,” a 21st Century bolero spinning a tale of heartbreak loaded with venomous barbs and tearful strolls down memory lane. A swirling mix of acoustic guitar, booming kicks and syrupy pop vocals, the track is accompanied by a RUBA-directed music video invoking pseudo-flamenco fashions and enough telenovela melodrama to earn a Televisa co-sign. —Richard Villegas
Nicolle Jadad, Humano En Tránsito – “Armonía ”
It’s been over a month since protests across Colombia attracted international scrutiny for the high stakes of the country’s economic future, as well as the abhorrent human rights violations perpetrated by the government of President Iván Duque Márquez. Colombia’s diverse and outspoken music community has been swift to act, amplifying the voice of the streets while others make sense of this heightened state of chaos and anxiety. Singer-songwriter Nicolle Jadad falls into this latter category, teaming up with producer Santiago Mejía of Humano en Tránsito for “Armonía,” a soaring, meditative new single about trying to find your way out of the storm even in the blackest of nights. —Richard Villegas
Dre'es – “Texas Speed”
With previous singles like the impossibly chill “2011,” Dre’es has been giving us music we can turn to when we need serenity, and his new song, “Texas Speed,” follows that same line. Surrounded by cloudy synths and a beat that’s barely there, the Mexican-American artist reminisces about past relationships and friendships, turning up the nostalgia as he borrows a page from Frank Ocean’s “White Ferrari.” —Cheky
Aida Rojas – “En Tu Piel”
Young Venezuelan singer/songwriter and member of the Ls Lvndrs collective Aida Rojas gives us a soft, intimate poem with her new song “En Tu Piel.” With frequent collaborator Hilandera handling production duties for the first time, Rojas puts her voice and cuatro front and center to share her feelings of love beyond the surface and highlight the reassuring powers of a deep emotional connection. —Cheky
Os Amantes – “BYE!” (Jaloo, Strobo)
Over the past decade, artist Jaloo and the duo Strobo have blossomed from the Amazonian state of Pará to the forefront of the Brazilian indie scene with a radical take on pop music. In 2019, they decided to join forces in a new project, the trio Os Amantes, and “Bye!” is their best single so far. What they’ve achieved together is a hit-and-run, power-punk song with shredding guitars and tenacious bass lines or, better saying, the perfect packaging for the mixed feelings of love and hate cleverly portrayed by Jaloo’s lyrics. It’s a good preview of Os Amantes’ first album, set to release by the end of June. —Felipe Maia
Blessd y SAEL - "DE BUENA"
The young Colombian artist known as Blessd has witnessed his home country become prime exporters of a reggaeton sound that has conquered the world; now, he’s decided to bring back a raw, vintage approach. His verse on “De Buena” burns with the fire of ‘00s dembow with sex-crazed lyrics as he maintains the hooks in place. The track represents the best of both the old and new schools of reggaeton, mixing it for a superb blend. —Marcos Hassan
Nightts – “Fuego en Malibú”
“Fuego En Malibú” is the latest release from Veracurz’s own Nightts. This eclectic pop-duo made up of DJ Romanceanime and soudtrackdefifa showcases a rich blend of R&B and gloomy pop, setting the perfect tone for an endless summer night alongside your bae. —Joel Moya
Vf7 – “Caso Perdido”
How does a 14-year-old celebrate graduating eighth grade with high honors? By unveiling a bonus track to round out her recently released, massively popular debut reggaeton album, Núcleo, of course. Rising (or more like full-blown soaring) Puerto Rican artist vf7 dropped “Caso Perdido” today, her answer to someone toxic she’s left behind but keeps trying to pull up again anyway. Maybe it’s her gathering two million listeners and hundreds of thousands of followers that’s got them desperate? Whatever the case, this young artist isn’t having it. She is booked, busy and unbothered. –Jhoni Jackson
Merlis Camilo – “Como Antes”
Dominican singer-songwriter Merlis Camilo, has been smoothly building a presence since releasing tracks like “Mi Juego” and “Hechicera.” Now releasing “Como Antes,” the singer approaches intense heartbreaks and unforgotten lovers—a nod to the memories of past relationships and nostalgia of sorts—but most presently the passion of forbidden love. The song premiered with an audiovisual piece that was co-produced and directed by Natalia Burbano and Fredy Sarria Martos from Piso 13 Films and Alma Music Group, an independent record label founded by Camilo. —Jennifer Mota
Brainstory – “Long Day”
Brainstory brings us an ambient stoner anthem that travels through a definite state of vibes and visuals as they narrate an out of your mind (and this world) experience. Taking their classic soul-inspired sound, “Long Day” brings us a jazz-heavy instrumental melody that makes some pit stops in the electronic and psychedelia realms. Also on the roadmap? An encounter with an extraterrestrial that only the highest of dreams are made of. —Jeanette Diaz
Terciopelo – “Without Your Fire”
Summer is almost here, and listening to “Without Your Fire,” we can almost feel the anticipation burning in the air. While not a typical “song of the summer,” the track by this Barcelona outfit brings to life a perfect, easy-going vibe. The R&B-flavored electro-pop track about an unforgettable loved one shimmers in its loungy instrumentalism, setting the mood for the ideal summer afternoon hang. —Marcos Hassan