This is our weekly compilation of newly released bite-sized song reviews from 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 Eladio Carrion, La Favi with Army of Skanks, and Rebecca Black. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Eladio Carrión - “Mbappe”
Following his motivating single “Si Lo Puedes Soñar,” Eladio Carrión released his focus single, “Mbappe,” together with his newest album Sen2 Kbrn 2. “Mbappe” captures his hard-hitting signature flow that categorizes and helps cement Carrión as one of el movimiento’s most exciting rappers. The classic-sounding trap track complements Carrión’s boss mood as he delivers his bars about confidence and working on his craft to elevate his music. With this promising confidence, all eyes are on Carrión as he unveils his diary-like intimate album with featured producers like Bassy, DVLP, and Foreign Teck. – Jeanette Hernandez
Army of Skanks, La Favi - “Alguien Más”
Army of Skanks, Mexico City’s favorite culo-shaking otakus, are back with a brand new EP titled Perreo Hentai, refracting everything from reggaeton to tribal guarachero through their unique lens of video game samples and anime squeals. Among the dizzying back-to-back bangers “Alguien Más” towers above the rest, framing angelic vocals from Bay Area siren La Favi within a kaleidoscopic collage of reggaeton and dubstep. The result? Pure weeb ecstasy. – Richard Villegas
Miranda del Sol - “how’s this?”
Singer, songwriter and producer Miranda del Sol may joke that she has a habit of “lyrically oversharing” in her songs, but she consistently transforms her emotional turmoil into bedroom pop euphoria. Tracks like the confessional “Care About Me” and the subtle jabs throughout “SUPPLY & DEMAND” prove she’s a force to be reckoned with. On “how’s this?,” the Argentine-Cuban artist takes a step back from her hazy pop and R&B palette and pivots to sweeping melodic guitar riffs and a punchier drum and bass-inspired beat to confront her self-doubt. – Nayeli Portillo
Adrian Quesada - "Starry Nights"
Known mainly as a key member of Black Pumas, Adrian Quesada has taken his solo career as an opportunity to produce some vintage funky vibes. “Starry Nights” is a prime example of this approach, riding a soulful groove that could well be found in the soundtrack of a ‘70s blaxploitation film — and even as the basis of a rap classic about two decades ago. Quesada excels at conjuring a sound from another era, with a strong rhythm section as well as strings to lift the melodies to a whole new level. With “Starry Nights,” Quesada delivers the vibe. — Marcos Hassan
Black Pantera - “Legado”
Nov. 20 marks Black Awareness Day in Brazil, a perfect date for Brazilian band Black Pantera to unleash another of their guitar-fueled manifestos. “Legado” is a straightforward punch against racism coming from one of the most refreshing groups in Latin America’s hard rock landscape. Chaene da Gama’s versatile guttural vocals and the pace-shifting drum lines easily match the power-overdriven riffs the trio coined in the past years. A blend of hardcore and thrash metal with an unapologetic anti-racist agenda. — Felipe Maia
Solo Fernández, Rubytates - “LA RUTA NATURAL”
Dominican rock trio Solo Fernández and dynamic indie Mexican band Rubytates team up this week for their joint EP, La Ruta Natural. Crossing paths in Mexico, the members fraternized over shared interests and sounds and got together to record what became the three-track project. The title track is a sonically breezy-yet-lyrically deep song about how letting go and wading into the pain of heartbreak is sometimes the only way to eventually be free. The bands dull the sting of their truths with an energetic rhythm, mixing rock flavor with electro-pop garnishes that impeccably meld both their styles in a way that should garner them fans from both sides of the Latine pond. — Juan J. Arroyo
Reyna Tropical - “Lo Siento”
“Lo Siento” is Reyna Tropical’s first single since member Sumohair passed away in Aug. this year, and it strikes a chord with its blend of celebratory beats and melancholic guitar work, just like grief. Themes of community and environmental preservation, which were close to Sumoheart’s heart, are at the center of “Lo Siento,” with Fabi Reyna singing to everyone in the Latine diaspora who’s in the process of getting in touch with the ancestral knowledge that lives inside us. With the decision to carry on with the project, Reyna keeps on spreading their message of Queer Love & Afro-Mexico. Rest in power, Sumohair. – Cheky
Rebecca Black - “Crumbs”
The Mexican-American viral artist Rebecca Black released “Crumbs,” the first single of her highly-anticipated debut album Let Her Burn. “Crumbs” describes her new era that explores the vulnerability of finding people with herself; “with her submission, dominance, and sexuality,” Black said in a written statement. The catchy electro-pop song features a danceable beat and Black’s personal lyrics that showcase another side of her pop-ready persona. With “Crumbs,” she opens an exciting chapter for her music career – and we can’t wait to hear what she’s going to deliver next year. – Jeanette Hernandez
La Familia Vakana - “Yerba Santa”
The latest boundary-pushing release from Cuba’s Guampara Music arrives with “Yerba Santa,” a thumping ode to the healing properties of cannabis helmed by rappers Gerald and Pellón of La Familia Vakana. Featuring production from DJ Jigüe, electronic dancehall riddims get a boost from pounding Cuban baté while the MCs push back against antiquated, moralist stigma, instead exulting the plant’s history as ancestral medicine. – Richard Villegas
Iara Rennó - “Ewe O”
Brazilian musician and poet Iara Rennó pulled out a nomination to the 2022 Latin Grammys with her conceptual album Oríkì. On the eve of the award, she brings to the world a music video for “Ewe O,” one of the album’s most compelling tracks. The song is an ethereal, dreamy joint that weaves Iorubá, Portuguese, and English into shaman-esque tones. The music video, created by Iara herself, transforms the languid textures of her singing into psychedelic and overlaid visuals. — Felipe Maia
GoldenBoy El Malo - “Que Rico”
At first glance, it might seem like uncurbed lust is at the core of Dominican artist GoldenBoy El Malo’s latest single, “Que Rico.” But as the aching torch song unravels, he laments that “Desde que te marchaste/ya nada se siente igual,” admitting he hasn’t completely moved past the heartache just yet. The track builds around a slow-burning dembow rhythm accessorized with bouncy synths as GoldenBoy El Malo gets nostalgic over the steamy nights spent with his former lover. – Nayeli Portillo
J.Patron - “Flow Cabron feat. D.$UAVE”
Downtempo dembow, nasty rhymes, and Kreayshawn references are all present in this new track by this new school artist. J.Patron, in which he teams up with D.$UAVE to give us a song begging us to turn up the bass and get down with the dirtiest rhythm possible. While it nods to the golden age of reggaeton, “Flow Cabron” has enough digital sheen to feel at home with any modern songs yet has enough attitude to stand out. While boasting has never really left el movimiento, J.Patron might be giving arrogance and skills a new lease of life in the genre. – Marcos Hassan
Carlos Unger - “I.W.Y.”
Mexican crooner Carlos Unger has been belting out R&B ballads for over half a decade, earning him fans who have been searching for a Spanish-language quiet storm. His new single, “I.W.Y.,” continues the steady clip he’s been on the last few months as he drops soulful tracks for lovers. Reteaming with producer Julián Bernal and Illa Mike, the song is a perfect companion to his previous release, “quiero que seas tú,” with both touching on the topic of yearning. It’s another mellow hit for the Guadalajara native’s repertoire, as he continues to demonstrate he can be as smooth as the best of them. — Juan J. Arroyo
Ayleen Valentine - “next life”
Back in June, L.A.-based Miami newcomer Ayleen Valentine dropped tonight I don’t exist, her self-produced debut EP, packed with nostalgic sounds and her moving airy vocals. She’s now sharing “next life” as a single with an accompanying music video, and they work together to amplify Valentine’s words about being tired and dissatisfied with the life she’s living. She’s ready to let go of it and embrace whatever comes next, and we’re left with a heavy heart and beautiful sounds. – Cheky
Sena MC - “Cidade Aquariana”
Keeping the Brazilian drill wave rising, São Paulo rapper Sena MC brings his contribution with “Cidade Aquariana.” The song is a mixed-feeling ode to his hometown, a city where you’re worthy of what you have — as he and other rappers have sung. Sena is an up-and-coming name in the scene that has already pulled out collabs with rising names of Brazilian hip-hop, like Febem. With a lean flow, searching melodious bars rather than frantic metrics, he’s one to have on the radar. — Felipe Maia