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 Francisca Valenzuela with Los Auténticos Decadentes, jame minogue, and Caloncho with Bomba Estéreo.
Francisca Valenzuela, Los Auténticos Decadentes - “Salú”
Chilean singer-songwriter, musician, and all-around powerhouse Francisca Valenzuela joins forces with Argentine legends Los Auténticos Decadentes on a reimagining of Vida Tan Bonita’s “Salú.” Fans of the Buenos Aires rockers will find traces of their signature ska grooves and bright, energized upstrokes throughout the track. A bouncing 4/4 rhythm and newly-added brass section take Valenzuela’s eloquent and insightful feel-good anthem into overdrive as they toast to what she calls life’s “fincipios,” or those nostalgic (and sometimes bittersweet) moments where one chapter ends and another begins. – Nayeli Portillo
jame minogue - “Con Mi Coqueta”
jame minogue marries the music of his New Jersey Christmas as a youngster and his favorite present-day sounds on his first-ever holiday single “Con Mi Coqueta.” The Dominican-Irish artist splashed this electro-pop tune with a dash of bachata from his parents’ cabinet and a whole lot of Christmas spirit, with charming results. All he wants is to share a glass of coquito with his special someone on this special day, and his wish might come true. – Cheky
Boza - “BOOTY PUTY”
The increasingly popular Panamanian singer-songwriter Boza’s latest track, “Booty Puty,” is the newest ode to the booty. He blends his signature romantic style and soft-spoken words with a risqué and mellow reggaeton beat to create a track fully dedicated to the lower half of the human anatomy. With what sounds like a nod to Las Ketchup’s “Asereje” in the chorus, Boza put together a steamy, fun single celebrating sensuality. – Jeanette Hernandez
Caloncho, Bomba Estereo - “Regalo”
Throughout his young career, Mexican singer Caloncho has proven to be an eclectic collaborator, as heard on this song with Bomba Estéreo, infusing the best dancefloor filler with emotion. Dueting with Li Saumet, their vocals blend perfectly into each other while the rhythm keeps a steady beat verging on the mellow side while still inviting you to dance. “Regalo” is also one catchy tune that will keep you singing in your head for the rest of the weekend, perhaps while shopping for gifts for your loved ones ahead of the Holidays. — Marcos Hassan
Jackie Mendoza - “Pedacitos”
Jackie Mendoza is an artist of brilliant contrasts. The piercing vulnerability of her songwriting juxtaposed against her boundary-pushing electronic production style often triggers a flurry of emotions best negotiated on a crowded dance floor. “Pedacitos” is her latest such release, an ode to friends and family affected or taken by depression while also meditating on Mendoza’s own mental health journey. The track layers mournful vocals and sparse plucks from a ukulele over bass-heavy beats concocted alongside Rusty Santos (Animal Collective, Panda Bear), offering a fascinating first glimpse of her forthcoming LP Galaxia de Emociones, out via ZZK in 2023. – Richard Villegas
AMARÍA - “HacerQuieres”
Puerto Rican pop-reggaetón artist AMARÍA’s newest single, “HacerQuieres,” puts a stamp on itself by admirably leaning into being a catchy perreíto about a cisgender man/trans woman relationship with no ifs, ands, or buts. For all the music industry’s touting of its progressive ideals, it’s been in the indie scene that real strides are made, and AMARÍA takes the extra step of celebrating his love interest’s journey. The song’s lead cares only about giving her a safe space to be loved and appreciated. It’s a sentiment that should always be the case, and it’s especially heartening to hear it in the track’s context. — Juan J. Arroyo
Kosmik Band - “Tudo Está Bom”
The expression “All is well” may be a simple pleasantry to some, but the transatlantic quartet Kosmik Band aspires to turn it into a grand statement on the title track of their debut album, Tudo Está Bom. The four-piece consists of producer and guitarist Enzo Buono and singer-songwriter La Charo (both hailing from Argentina), Brazilian vocalist Nanan, and Spanish guitarist Diego “Twanguero” García, who combine elements of reggae, folk, Brazilian popular music and Congolese rhythms into an epic of just nine tracks. Driven by warm, wandering guitars and La Charo’s soaring falsettos, “Tudo Está Bom” beautifully captures the spirit of what they describe as a “celebration of the joy of being alive.” – Nayeli Portillo
Montoya - “Nubecita” (ft. Pedrina)
ZZK’s Montoya signed up fellow Colombian artist Pedrina for the first single from his upcoming third album El Nido, set to drop in July 2023. “Nubecita” is a success in seamlessly piecing together club aesthetics, pop sensibilities, and Colombian roots rhythms, all wrapped in honey-sweet whimsy that results from Pedrina’s vocals and lyrics, plus the heartwarming synth melodies. This is a weightless trip where love is both the destination and our guide, and all that’s asked from us is to let go. – Cheky
Ramón Vega - "mE RecHaZasTe :("
The new generation has a lot to say – and they’re not afraid of being blunt about it. Following his last single, “BeSos aL vIEnTo :(,” the Mexican artist Ramón Vega’s newest track, “mE RecHaZasTe :(,“ follows the same path of sad boy reggaeton pop as he sings about his broken heart. Through his raw lyrics, he croons about specific memories with his ex-partner until he finally recognizes that he shouldn’t be begging for love anymore. What’s exciting about this young artist is that his previous releases span over dancehall, modern norteño, and electro-pop, which has us wondering what other genres will be explored on his upcoming and already genre-bending album PA TI 🙂. – Jeanette Hernandez
Henrique Rocha - “No Capricho”
Choro is one of the oldest genres born in Brazil to make an impact on the international stage. The fast-charged, jazz-like style became massively popular due to its rhythmic foundation and arguably laid the groundwork for future genres like samba, bossa nova, and tropicalía. More than a century later, Henrique Rocha attempts to revive the style of music by taking its traditions and recording live with an ensemble standing in a circle and capturing the magic live. It becomes something new by infusing the inspiration of musicians today, trying their best to use the language of yesterday to give a possible new sound for the future. — Marcos Hassan
Blue Rojo - “La Foto Del Whatsapp”
Following his prismatic 2021 debut Solitario, Mexican emo-pop crooner Blue Rojo promptly returned to the studio to continue honing his tear-jerking song craft. The fruits of his labor are on full display with his new single “La Foto Del Whatsapp,” spinning a harrowing tale of deceit and heartbreak over thumping electro-reggaeton. The song features stellar production from Diego Raposo and VFRO, as well as a devilish sample of Belanova’s classic “Por Ti,” resulting in a nostalgic earworm destined for boozy Noche Buena glory. – Richard Villegas
Erre - “Realengo”
As a founding member of the Puerto Rican group Los Rarxs, Erre’s role as the band’s reliable rap bard has always made him stand out to listeners. Today he released this newest solo EP, Realengo, and it stands out as his more formidable outing yet. The six-track album arrives just under the wire to close out the year as one of the best Latine rap cuts of 2022. “Los 20” is an instant classic right from its folksy opening notes, and the title track, “Realengo,” is a statement piece that eschews typical trap elements and focuses on pure boast rhymes. It’s Erre in his element, showing off his storytelling talent and setting the tone for the rest of the record. — Juan J. Arroyo