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 Isabella Lovestory with Villano Antillano, LULÚ, and Tokischa with Sexyy Red. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Isabella Lovestory - “Fuetazo” (feat. Villano Antillano)
Hondura’s Isabella Lovestory paired up with none other than Villano Antillano to wrap up 2023 with a real bang. Their collaborative new single “Fuetazo” features a nasty reggaeton beat produced by heavyweights Dinamarca and Kamixlo. The track shakes the ground as Lovestory and Villana tap into their power and sensuality to set the record straight, in case there was still any doubt, about their fearlessness and hit-making abilities. Crank this up on New Year’s Eve for a supercharged 2024. – Cheky
LULÚ - “Confundida”
“For all the people who have made you feel that one day you are loved, and the next day you are not,” LULÚ said about her new track “Confundida.” The new offering embraces R&B and pop elements with a touch of trap sounds, giving an edge to her sorrowful croons about a hard, unexpected breakup. Her crisp voice, paired with sparse backing echoing vocals, empowers the Mexican artist’s lyrical narrative and, at the same time, shows the listener a more sentimental, serious side of her artistry. Composed and produced by Morix and Roger Rogerz, the new track makes you curious and want more of LULÚ’s musical talent that is about to flourish. – Jeanette Hernandez
Tokischa - “Daddy (feat. Sexyy Red)”
When it comes to buzzy artists talking frankly about sex in a fun way, you can’t go wrong with Tokischa and Sexyy Red, and it probably seems like this collab was bound to happen. Riding a house beat with control and expertise, Altagracia and Sexyy take turns to get into why they are “your daddy” in a very detailed manner. Toki does her thing in Spanish while Sexyy lays it in English, complementing each other in a very symbiotic way. In short, “Daddy” is an instant classic. — Marcos Hassan
Ozuna, El Rubio Acordeón - “La Propuesta”
Fresh off his latest album release, Cosmo, Ozuna has surprised fans with a unique collaboration. “La Propuesta” marks a significant departure from Ozuna’s usual mellow reggaeton sound, embracing the vibrant and contagious rhythm of Perico Ripiao. Ozuna, who had previously explored merengue in his feature on Omega’s “La Para Remix,” has now joined forces with El Rubio Del Acordeon. El Rubio, a rising star in the Perico Ripiao (Merengue Tipico) genre, is known for hits like “El Abogado (Mariela),” “Los Cabareces,” and “Las Indias de Bani.” His distinctive style injects renewed energy into the authentic elements of Perico Ripiao, seamlessly blending traditional sounds of la güira, tambora, and the accordion with a modern touch that appeals to both older and younger generations. – Joel Moya
Meth Math - “Myspace”
There’s a distinctly online quality to the ethereal perreos of Mexican trio Meth Math. On the new single “Myspace,” they explicitly showcase those influences with a story about a lover who vanishes into the dark web. Droning perreo drums pair dramatically with noisy guitars and eerie, carnivalesque synths, as the accompanying music video nods directly to the emo and goth scenes that flourished on the early social media network throughout the mid-2000s. – Richard Villegas
Moffa - “TOKO”
Much like Moffa’s recent release “saluDARTE,” the Puerto Rican artist shifts gears by trying his hand at a new genre on his new single, “TOKO.” In honor of his Brazilian heritage, the singer and producers Young Martino and Young Hokage went for a take on Brazilian funk – but all the credit is due to Moffa’s engineer, Seba, who came up with the idea. “Ultimately, we became big fans of the genre, and I am excited to keep exploring it,” shared Moffa. The signature drum beat paired with a mesmerizing synth is simply a home run. “TOKO” is about a romantic and seductive escapade, as visualized in the black and white video shot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. — Chelsea Quezada
Valentina Perdido - “Superficial”
Pop comes in many forms — it’s one of the most malleable genres out there — and Valentina Perdido is here to give listeners a dash of her brand. “Superficial” is a retro-sounding throwback with infectious energy, made all the more catchy by Valentina’s terrific vocals. Last year, she released a self-titled EP that channeled smoky jazz-tinged pop ballads in tracks like “Amapola” and “Déjame.” But with this week’s single, she wants to get listeners out of their seats and on their dancing feet. The song’s hookiness stays from beginning to end as she glides on the funky beat, letting herself be guided onto the dancefloor created by its sound. — Juan J. Arroyo
The Americojones Experience - “Que Divertido”
The Americojones Experience is a rock ‘n’ roll quartet hailing from Mexico City. Combining the frantic wails of The Cramps frontman Lux Interior and the jangly guitars of LA’s The Gun Club, “Que Divertido” is chock full of slick, sweaty fun and kitschy humor. Wooly basslines recall ‘60s garage B-sides and a penchant for mischief take the lead in this gritty single from their forthcoming record El Jugador. – Nayeli Portillo
Mäisha - “Pescadores”
Up-and-coming Venezuelan singer-songwriter Alfonsina Lugo starts a new musical journey with “Pescadores,” her new single as Mäisha, which functions as an ode to her beloved Caribbean Sea and a self-exploration exercise. Joined by little more than finger-picked guitars played by collaborator Fiesky Rivas, Afro-Venezuelan percussion, and beautiful vocal arrangements, Lugo paints beautiful images by weaving together words about the sea and fishermen’s work, and she finishes things up with an offering to San Juan Bautista, patron saint of Black Venezuelan coastal communities. – Cheky
Mëstiza & Buvu feat. Anamar - “COMPAÑERA”
With a pulsing beat, flamenco elements, and traditional folklore instruments, the Spanish producer/DJ duo MËSTIZA teamed up with Buvu and Anamar to create the rich “COMPAÑERA.” Upon hitting play, the melting pot of sounds meshes house music with traditional flamenco sounds like Spanish guitars, palmas, and trumpets, which cater to their unique electronic sub-genre. “COMPAÑERA” is part of the duo’s 12-track debut album QUËRELES, out today (Dec. 8). Based on this single alone, we’re hooked and ready to hear what’s next for the avant-garde duo. – Jeanette Hernandez
Lil Ziphe - “AMANECER”
Young love is a very intense thing and letting go is something especially hard to do at that age. Mexican artist Lil Ziphe articulates this phase of breaking up in a personal way, delivering memorable lines that double as a great soundtrack for the final stage of saying goodbye to a love interest. His delivery, along with the beats, tell more than mere words can about finding the way into a future where a broken heart can heal. Lil Ziphe proves to be a voice worth keeping an eye — and an ear — on. — Marcos Hassan
Jonás - “Kilo”
Just in time for Nochebuena throwdowns, smooth-crooning Dominican polymath Jonás has dropped a sexy new perreo earworm titled “Kilo.” The song treads familiar waters of seduction and baddies looking finger-licking good, unfolding over thumping reggaeton drums and warbling bass lines co-produced by Diego Raposo. While this song will likely soundtrack many a Christmas after-party, the gyrations might not be apt for la sala, so enjoy cautiously. – Richard Villegas
Doris Anahí - “Before I Go”
Following up on last year’s EP Aprendiendo por las Malas, Doris Anahí releases Por las Buenas today. On the penultimate track, “Before I Go,” she dances with the concept of death over a plucky and melancholy guitar, even asking questions like, “Will it all go ‘boom’?” Doris wears her heart on her sleeve and is fearless when opening up about being in a mixed-status family and dealing with grief and depression. It’s her vulnerability and the way she reflects on it that makes the former music executive such an endearing artist. — Chelsea Quezada
JC Karo - “Saint Barth”
Hailing from La Habana, singer-songwriter JC Karo has found himself working alongside numerous stars like Anuel AA and Farruko to Carolina Ross and Pedro Capó. This week, he drops his debut EP, SAINT BARTH, and its title track shows off the strength of his talents, now put to use for himself. “Saint Barth” fuses easy-listening alt-R&B vibes with sporadic perreo kicks as he croons about all he wishes he could do with (and to) his lady love. A recent signee of White Lion Records, his experience comes through in the assured sleekness of his vocals and how seamlessly he dominates the beat — a man already in his element. — Juan J. Arroyo
Ulde High - “TROPICAOS”
Venezuelan trio Ulde High’s catalog of songs glimmers with nostalgia. Heavy, syncopated basslines bubble at the surface and influences like icon José José and funk masters Sly and the Family Stone abound throughout their newly-released album Varias Canciones Raras. On “TROPICAOS,” Ulde High finds its groove in a jazzy psychedelic soundscape brimming with bright guitar licks and magnetic verses. – Nayeli Portillo