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 Manu Manzo with Calacote and Maffio, Bella Dose, and DannyLux with maye. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Manu Manzo feat. Calacote & Maffio - “PEGAiTO”
Manu Manzo is showing off her oozing, unapologetic sensuality in “PEGAiTO.” The Venezuelan-American artist teamed up with Calacote and Maffio to create a vibrantly sexy, electronic, and reggaeton-influenced collaboration designed to turn up the heat at any club. Part of her recent album Luna En Geminis, the steamy collaboration features Manzo’s enticing voice, Maffio’s teasing responses in the chorus, and Calacote’s higher distinctive vocals on top of the rhythmic and hypnotic number. The result? Your next go-to jam with the perfect excuse to get closer to your dance partner.– Jeanette Hernandez
Bella Dose - "FFIL"
Not only does Latine girl group Bella Dose serve looks, but they also serve vocals. On their newest track “FFIL” — an acronym for “fuck falling in love” — members Melany, Brianna, Thais, and Jenni express frustration and impatience over their feelings for someone, wanting their love interest to hurry and open up first. It’s a doo-wop style R&B and pop song, with exquisite harmonies reminiscent of British girl group Little Mix. The group is gearing up to release their sophomore album L-POP, coming soon. — Chelsea Quezada
DannyLux feat. maye - “Mi Hogar”
After releasing his critically acclaimed album DLUX, DannyLux continues his victory lap with an expanded visual for one of the project’s stand-out tracks. “Mi Hogar” finds the young singer along with Latina performer maye as they find escape and love between the sands of youth in a scene that’s straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. “Mi Hogar” is one of the LP’s most intimate cuts, finding the vulnerable moments in a young and passionate relationship. The singer manages to spend every second in tempo, guitar strum, and drum hit to capture something innately personal and vivid. A whimsical energy in the instrumental manages to sway with Danny’s heartfelt lyrics, resulting in something that finds the line between comically romantic and real. This energy is only exacerbated by maye and her vocals. “Mi Hogar” ends with the line, “Thank you for existing,” which can be said about the track itself. – Alan Baez
Luna Luna - “lonely lullaby”
The Dallas-native band is back with another pop track for the lonely hearts. “Lonely Lullaby” deviates from Luna Luna’s signature sound but not from their focus on love and love lost. The track opens with a soft electric siren and heavy percussion, building anticipation and drama for what awaits the listener next. The beat pauses, and lead singer Kavvi is given a moment to jump in with the track’s first verse lamenting the loss of a lover and the loneliness that lingers after one says goodbye yet again. The melody dives headfirst into a fast-paced UK breakbeat, evoking early-2000s nostalgia. But despite its somber storytelling, Kavvi shared, “This song is all about energy. While working on new music and knowing we were going to tour, I wanted a song that really builds and gets the crowd to explode.” – Rosy Alvarez
Lorelle Meets The Obsolete - "Ave En Reversa"
Sometimes first impressions can be deceiving. Case in point, the first few minutes of “Ave En Reversa” find Lorelle Meets The Obsolete streamlining their music into something simple, relaxed, and melodic. Soon enough, they submit to their most experimental tendencies by exploring the psychedelic limits of their craft. Once they hit the middle part of the song, they send it to outer space. The Mexican psych-rock outfit goes from sing-songy vocals and indie sleaze minimalistic guitar to pulsating synths and skronky chords before a doo-wop-inspired bassline brings the song back to the minimalistic first section. Here, we can find everything that makes Lorelle one of the most interesting bands playing today. — Marcos Hassan
LAPERRERA - “JOYITA MÍA”
Compay Segundo and Ry Cooder meet Mos Def in Puerto Rican alt-rapper LAPERRERA’s newest single, “JOYITA MÍA.” Hailing from a niche hip-hop scene that’s slightly more esoteric — but no less catchy — than the average Latine trap act, LAPERRERA is slowly carving out his slice of the pie without compromising style or voice. Last year’s album, FELICIDADES FRANKIE, was one of the best of the year and with this single he starts planting the seeds for his next phase. “JOYITA MÍA” is a fawning ode to a love interest that inspires awe, admiration, and not a little stirring in the loins. — Juan J. Arroyo
Charles Rojas - “Feel Right”
Sometimes the vibes are off. And sometimes you just need some thumping disco to get your mood together. NYC-based singer and producer Charles Rojas is betting on that straightforward thesis with his latest single “Feel Right,” where thumping bass lines, rattling percussion, and Nile Rodgers-inspired riffs promise to propel you into a groovier state of mind. But don’t think it’s all nostalgia here — the song’s trappy closing bridge is as unexpected as it is inspired. – Richard Villegas
Maga Córdova - "Reloj De Arena"
Maga Córdova is officially back with “Reloj De Arena.” In this new upbeat song, the Ecuadorian singer-songwriter channels the exact feeling of longing to see someone again. With lyrics like, “Cuando te vuelva a ver / Te escribiré en mi piel / Para tenerte siempre,” the artist wears her heart on her sleeve. She describes not making the same mistake of letting go of her lover again. Sonically, the song embodies a rhythmic beat with a distinctive groovy bass-like element and a flute sound that sparingly makes an appearance throughout the feel-good pop track. Together, the new track captures the exciting, anticipating emotion that one gets when they’re about to see their love after time apart from them, no matter how long it’s been. – Jeanette Hernandez
Bentley Robles, LEXXE - "I JUST WANNA DANCE!"
Not a soul can kill Mexican artist Bentley Robles and LEXXE’s vibe on their collaboration, “I JUST WANNA DANCE!” The queer independent musicians wrote the dance-pop song in a session together, where LEXXE says she felt inspired by Cher and Shania Twain. Those inspirations certainly shine through in the song, with carefree lyrics and eclectic production by Florio. Additionally, the music video features charming choreo that you can tell they both had a lot of fun with. Robles is preparing to release his long-awaited sophomore EP in the fall, and he says to “expect pop perfection.” — Chelsea Quezada
Los Eclipses (Eva de Marce & Dan Solo) - “Claroscuro”
The sonic Franco-Mexican duo returns with a new song that may be the best entry from their latest series of singles. Mexico-based producer/ DJ Dan Solo and singer Eva De Marce are the brain and brawn of Los Eclipses, a duo with a sound that mimics early ‘70s avant-garde lounge jazz with a progressive techno twist. The two complement each other’s strengths musically through the power of contrast, with “Claroscuro” being the best example of their synergy. Marce’s vocal range is subtle and sweet, yet hauntingly charming, with a sound that sets a mood that brings a toned-down atmosphere to any track. Solo’s suave mix of pop, house, and electronica creates a genre-defining blend that suits Marce’s moody style, resulting in a multi-layered earworm. The song begins with this boiling, volatile setting led by the piano that eventually bursts into a heavier switch with a killer analog melody, resulting in something refreshingly new and nostalgic at the same time. – Alan Baez
Moffa - “DAMMN”
Puerto Rican rising star Moffa’s latest track is an addition to a string of successful singles that have put him on the map and within reach of el movimiento’s biggest artists. In collaboration with producer Th3 Trilogy, Moffa’s beloved vocals shine as they’re complemented by a classic reggaeton drum beat and floating background synths. The track’s catchy hook and namesake, “Diablo, nena, damn,” paired with Moffa’s emotive flow, offer an exciting bounce to the steamy and sensual verses between them. Luckily, Moffa also dropped a music video with the single. It is set in an auto shop where the singer is approached by two baddies who pull up in need of car repair. Some of the more playful moments in the video incorporate a female mechanic seen working alongside Moffa and rolling with the punches as all the workers admire the women. “DAMMN,” is sure to pop into listeners’ minds as they encounter their own baddies out in the wild. – Rosy Alvarez
Los Látigos - "Nocturno"
Back in the 2000s, Los Látigos blended electroclash grooves with catchy melodies and fun lyrics that you could shout along at the club. They were part of the golden age for bands who straddled the line between rock and dance music with tons of camp. After years in hiatus, they’re back with “Nocturno,” which brings the groove back to the dancefloor, this time in a less frenetic manner. This soulful track features introspective verses that contrast with the funky guitars and catchy hooks that propel the chorus. It places a new sense of maturity for the band and it gives a new side of this much-missed project. — Marcos Hassan
AMARÍA - “Arrullo de Hechicera”
Music for summer days usually makes one think of the sun and surfing. But summer nights need soundtracks too, and AMARÍA offers his own with this week’s “Arrullo de Hechicera.” Under the haze of atmospheric notes and subdued electronic synths, he raps about a girl’s night out on the town, giving texture to his detailed jangueo romp and humanizing the song’s lead. The music, produced by Miut, GAVO NETTI, and Aurelio Adasme, elevates the storytelling and helps vividly paint the scenes within. Coupled with AMARÍA’s tactful lyrics, this so-called lullaby about youthful wants and desires is an ideal inclusion to any evening sunset playlist. — Juan J. Arroyo
Nutopia - “Palomino”
Marty Mcfly was Boricua? Ok, not really, pero Puerto Rican indie rockers Nutopia hopped into their neon-lit Delorian to take us on an epic ride back to the future in their latest single, “Palomino.” Huge, saturated guitar riffs meet stadium-sized drums in this shimmering ode to nostalgic beach trips and colorful plastic knick-knacks. Among the tongue in cheek over-the-topness of it all, you can feel a genuine longing for the simpler days of youth every time the band chants, “Quiero agua y sol.” – Richard Villegas