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 Ana Tijoux, Pink Pablo, and Diamante Eléctrico. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Ana Tijoux - “Millonaria”
It’s been nearly 10 years since the release of Ana Tijoux’s genre-bending Vengo. But now, the Chilean rapper is back with Vida, a set of soul-nourishing songs that features cameos from artists like Talib Kweli and iLe. “Millonaria” is about celebrating close kin following the unexpected losses of loved ones. Driven by a bouncy, playful hook and with the guidance of trap-like 808s and clicking snares, Tijoux beams with love and admiration for those who hold her up and bring out her light: “Gente modesta te cuida cuando te tropieza/Gente leal, gente real/Que mas legal que gente normal.” – Nayeli Portillo
Pink Pablo - “low key”
When Pink Pablo decided to split his album into two EPs, he knew there was a rhyme to his reason that would be understood in due time. But with road 2 neverland released in October, and the next installment still a few months off, he wanted to give something to his faithful fans. Cue “low key,” a new one-off single to sate everyone who can’t wait to hear more from him. The song hits all the marks of what makes a Pink Pablo song memorable: melding disparate genres under catchy, lovelorn lyrics. No one sings about their crushes quite like him. — Juan J. Arroyo
REVOL, Lunay, Rusherking, Boza - "Hora y Lugar"
Reggaeton’s popularity isn’t dying out by any means. A recent testament? Puerto Rican veteran music producer REVOL is back with another collaboration to add to your playlist. This time, he teamed up with Lunay (with whom he’s collaborated before on “Fantasia Sexual”), Boza, and Rusherking for “Hora y Lugar,” a song about being enthralled by a new lover while still being in a torn relationship. The new track combines a pulsing pop reggaeton beat while the three versatile Gen Z artists from different regions — Puerto Rico, Panama, and Argentina — convince their new flame to leave her past behind. “Hora y Lugar” is a taste of REVOL’s upcoming music, which is planned to be released in 2024. – Jeanette Hernandez
Diamante Eléctrico - “Porcelana”
Colombian rockers Diamante Eléctrico have been on a wild ride the last couple of years, notably departing from the grizzled guitar sound that first launched them to stardom. They dipped into synthpop on 2021’s Mira Lo Que Me Hiciste Hacer and saccharine Mexi-pop on 2023’s Leche de Tigre. And as the band gears up for their eighth studio album, Malhablado, out this summer, they’ve found fresh inspiration in ‘80s lo-fi beats. The first taste of this new direction is “Porcelana,” a smoldering, hypnotic love letter to the duality of vulnerability and personal fortitude that unfolds over Neon Indian-esque drums and singer Juan Galeano’s silky bass lines. – Richard Villegas
Reyna Tropical - “Cartagena”
“Cartagena” is the infectious lead single from Reyna Tropical’s long-awaited debut album Malegría. It sees them sorting through bad and good feelings, including the grief following the passing of Nectali “Sumohair” Diaz, who was one-half of Reyna Tropical. Singer and guitarist Fabi Reyna is honoring Diaz on the upcoming project while celebrating cultural rhythms, queer love, and more. “Cartagena” is about deep admiration for the earth and its healing power. The bright instrumental from Reyna— and the beat that Diaz produced — is the sonic equivalent of the sun’s warmth, and the percussion packs a punch. — Chelsea Quezada
Gabriela Richardson, Rejje Snow - “Verde Oscura”
Barcelona artist Gabriela Richardson is finally ready to drop her awaited debut album, and we’re now getting a first taste in the form of its first single, “Verde Oscura.” Born out of a jam session with Daniel Caesar, “Verde Oscura” is a dreamy, feel-good R&B track with swooning guitar motifs and string arrangements showing Richardson getting lost in the waters of unrequited love and idealization. It features guest verses from Irish rapper Rejje Snow, whose emotional bars conjure a feeling that fits like a glove in this breezy moment. – Cheky
Lara Project - "COMME des GARÇONS"
Venezuelan-born duo Lara Project are gearing up to have an amazing 2024, and they come guns blazing with one of the best dancefloor fillers to come along in a long time. “COMME des GARÇONS” is an ultra-catchy funked-up pop track with enough ‘80s sheen to appeal to the nostalgic crowd, but the danceable beat will get everyone with feet in the door. The song features hooks for days and an atmosphere of sleazy fun that is hard to beat. With a late-night party flavor and barely contained horniness, Lara Project has scored a potential classic to drop at the function and get the crowd crazy. — Marcos Hassan
Ivan Llanes - “Habana _ New York”
Singer and percussionist Ivan Llanes brings the roots of Cuban salsa into the present with “Habana – New York,” the latest single from his forthcoming album La Vida Misma, out March 22. Llanes taps into the musical linkage between Cuba and New York with a love story and “una rumba con soul” with a full ensemble of keys, horns, and rhythmic percussion. Singer Charles Mack drops in for a verse, and pianist Matthew Whitaker adds a jazzy touch to the bustling track. The result is a deeply nostalgic celebration of the genre’s perseverance throughout the decades. – Nayeli Portillo
Felícita - “Por Tu Amor”
Tapping into her genuine love for the genre, ATL-based pop singer-songwriter Felícita drops a ranchera just in time for the upcoming Valentine’s Day. “Por Tu Amor,” performed in Spanglish, tells a tale of being consumed by heartbreak and overcoming it. Felícita’s impressive vocals perfectly capture the energy fans love about rancheras, giving the track gravitas and the intensity to truly sell the emotion in its lyrics. When Feb. 14 rolls around, while many will be celebrating love, there will be those who will find cause to celebrate shedding an unhealthy love. For them, Felícita has gifted just the soundtrack they need. — Juan J. Arroyo
Los Pibes Chorros - “LA VICIOSA”
Los Pibes Chorros is ready to usher you to the dancefloor. The popular Argentinean cumbia villera group released their first single of the year, “La Viciosa,” a rhythmic banger that narrates a story about a party girl who isn’t changing her ways for anyone. Known for their tongue-in-cheek lyrics since 2001, the ensemble continues to push the envelope with entrancing and provoking stories backed by a pulsing timbal and bass-fueled music production. The new song follows the story of “La Colorada,” which is one of their most popular hits. – Jeanette Hernandez
Junior Zamora - “Hielo”
Since the release of his 2022 debut album EGO, Colombian R&B crooner Junior Zamora has been on an ascendant trajectory. High-fashion visuals and huge crossovers with rap gods Alcolirykoz, as well as hit-making Karol G-producer Ovy On The Drums, positioned the soulful singer as the next to break out of Cali’s dazzling underground. And despite dropping three EPs last year, Zamora is already teasing his forthcoming sophomore LP with a throwback new single titled “Hielo.” For a track that unpacks the chilly distance between two former lovers, the song sizzles over sexy, lurching beats reminiscent of 90s R&B, with soaring vocals that tap into Zamora’s gospel roots. If there’s any justice in the world, someone at BET will add “Hielo” to their music video programming immediately. – Richard Villegas
Picaros - “Bien”
Mexican pop trio Picaros’ debut single “Bien” is a guitar-laced track that member Christian Gnecco wrote for his wife. The ultimate romantic gesture was made to comfort her after she quit her job to pursue a dream. Opening with a voicemail to Gnecco’s wife, the song transitions into a rolling crescendo and motivating chorus. “Bien” serves as a reminder that throughout tough moments, you will be okay and won’t be alone. The Los Angeles-based group made up of Gnecco and his bandmates, Alan Balandra and Abraham Martinez, refer to themselves as the Three Mexican Musketeers and are gearing up to release more music throughout the year. — Chelsea Quezada
Amaro Freitas, Jeff Parker - “Mar de Cirandeiras”
Pernambuco, Brazil, composer and pianist Amaro Freitas returns this 2024 with a brand new full-length titled Y’Y. It includes “Mar de Cirandeiras,” a collaboration with jazz artist and Tortoise member Jeff Parker. The instrumental track is a beautiful dialogue between Parker’s guitar and Freitas’ piano and Rhodes that drinks from classical music and jazz. It’s a journey that takes us from atmospheric landscapes to pointillistic vignettes to pure jazzy bliss, with each note falling on us like a refreshing drizzle on a warm day. – Cheky
Salt Cathedral - “Terminal Woes”
The world is not exactly going through an easy time, and sometimes that can affect our own daily mood. This is not lost on New York-via-Colombia duo Salt Cathedral. There’s a profound sadness at the core of “Terminal Woes,” with Juli Ronderos harmonizing ethereal chords with her voice as she recounts various reasons to feel cheated and overwhelmed by the world. Yet the music around her dances in a way that gives hope that things will get better, with drums providing a lively rhythm and the rest of the instruments providing light around her words. With “Terminal Woes,” Salt Cathedral enters a new realm of complex emotions to guide us through these trying times. — Marcos Hassan