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 Zion & Lennox, Tei Shi, and Andrekza. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Zion & Lennox - "Desnúdate"
Valentine’s week isn’t over. Following “WAYO,” the Puerto Rican musical duo released a new single. “Desnúdate” evokes a TBT classic salsa song’s emblematic rhythmic elements paired with Zion’s signature sultry vocals singing about getting undressed. The cherry on top? Lennox’s deep and characteristic verse, ultimately making the track their own. Overall, the duo has been reinventing themselves by dropping new sounds lately, and we can’t wait to hear what’s next. – Jeanette Hernandez
Lennis Rodriguez X Dímelo Ninow - “Caile”
Lennis Rodriguez suffers no fools in “Caile,” an electro-reggaeton banger that doubles as the perfect post-Valentine’s Day anthem. Last month, the Spain by way of República Dominicana artist announced the release of a new album, the follow-up 2021’s show-stopping Colores, where she dabbled in everything from Afro-Caribbean rhythms to bold, trap-leaning pop songs. Made in collaboration with Dímelo Ninow, the producer behind standouts like the star-studded remix of Lunay’s “Soltera” and “Hasta Que Dios Diga” by Anuel AA & Bad Bunny, “Caile” rides on thumping, club-ready cadence as the singer remains unintimidated in the face of the object of her desire. – Nayeli Portillo
Tei Shi - “¿Quién te manda?”
After previewing her comeback project with two standout singles, Tei Shi has officially announced Bad Premonition, a new five-track EP dropping on Mar. 17, along with a North American tour. She also shared “¿Quién te manda?”, a new song co-produced alongside Chairlift’s Patrick Wimberly and Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Jake Portrait, where she tackles her terrible experience with her former record label. The beat snaps with an updated mix of ‘90s downtempo and ‘00s radio R&B, as she opens her heart to share this tale of manipulation and deceit. – Cheky
Jean Dawson - “Ghost”
Following the release of his third full-length LP back in Octo., noise pop vanguardist Jean Dawson is already back with a dissonant new single titled “Ghost.” “Wish all my days were a little bit longer / Wish my eyes were a little bit stronger,” he mumbles over echoing guitars, spinning a soaring ode to alienation, which could easily be a Sonic Youth B-side. – Richard Villegas
Tianna Esperanza - “Granada”
Tianna Esperanza has shared her long-awaited debut album with the vulnerable risk of allowing the tracklist to be an intimate and in-depth dive into the multifaceted fragments of her identity. A natural and intentional storyteller, Esperanza uses her lyrics to reflect upon the history of her lineage and tap the listener into a charged moment of unraveling the story of her bloodlines on “Granada.” The only Spanish language track is introduced appropriately with the stark and solemn sounds of the Spanish guitar that builds into a more symphonic and robust production, as her narration and reclamation of her bi-racial identity progresses and grows stronger alongside the single’s passing minutes. — Jeanette Diaz
kheb (feat. Solecito, TAPIÄ) - “la trinidá”
Creating art, especially as a music producer, inevitably involves the confounding process of getting stuck. Writer’s block, despite its name, is not exclusive to those who pick up a pen (or word processor). For his new project, jclsp2 EP, kheb dedicates the visualizer for the album’s intro to that very same dilemma, showing how he worked through it to give us his new opus. It’s an indier-than-indie smorgasbord of alternative Latine hip-hop, lo-fi trap, spoken word, and a dash of reggaetón that peers into a burgeoning scene’s nascent innovations and spurts. Just as he did with his passive remix of Enyel C’s “Ta To,” kheb shares how old recipes can sound new when they’re given a new spin. — Juan J. Arroyo
Myke Towers - “En Nadie”
This Puerto Rican emcee is on a hot streak at the moment, having dropped “Los Ángeles” just a few days ago to add to the significant number of songs he has already shared in 2023. By bringing his pop tendencies forward to deliver a catchy song with tons of attitude, the uptempo track keeps things moving with a hook for days and unstoppable verses. This ode to a woman he loves is perfect for those still in the mood for Valentine’s Day and could well become a bona fide hit for the artist. — Marcos Hassan
Andrekza - “Inoxente”
She’s finally back. The Venezuelan genre-bender Andrekza is making her comeback with “Inoxente.” This experimental reggaeton pop track features the chameleon-like artist dabbing into a heavier reggaeton side—all while cementing the fierce, energetic, and hype persona she’s building. What’s impressive about Andrekza is that she wears many hats regarding her art. In “Inoxente,” she continues to be hands-on as the video’s creative director, featuring colorful wardrobes, eccentric costumes, and masks, as well as TikTok-ready dance movements. Whatever she’s up to next, one thing’s for sure: she’s going to ooze fun vibes while at it! – Jeanette Hernandez
GALE - “Nuestra Canción”
Puerto Rican singer-songwriter GALE first teased fans with a snippet of “Nuestra Canción” via Instagram earlier this week, where she confidently proclaimed, “Esta vida es muy corta/pa’ llorar por cualquiera.” In this EDM-loaded pop jewel, melancholic synths and pulsing electronic percussion balance out the alternative pop powerhouse’s saccharine, tough-but-tender hooks. Taking visual inspiration from 1996’s Romeo + Juliet and Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” era, the singer summons up the courage to take on the dancefloor by herself, exorcizing the pain of a breakup while also celebrating the relief that comes with finally letting go. – Nayeli Portillo
Tícia - “Nego”
With her debut four-song EP Sagrada e Profana, Brazilian artist Tícia dives into her roots and connections to the diverse Afro-diasporic culture that blooms in Salvador, Bahia—the blackest city outside the African continent. On the EP’s third track, “Nego,” she rides a futuristic, crisp beat made out of dismantled pieces of funk carioca to tell a story of a love that’s tender, dangerous, passionate, and above all things, black. – Cheky
Azul de Viena - “De Nubes y Montañas”
A delightful dose of dreampop nostalgia out of Oaxaca, Azul de Viena has been gaining considerable buzz in Mexico following a string of catchy indie rock singles and a banner performance at last year’s Festival Marvin. Their latest gem comes with “De Nubes y Montañas,” a galloping collage of jazzy drums and humming guitars that reminisces on glory days past, strolling through memories forged with friends under clear blue skies. – Richard Villegas
Noia feat. Ela Minus - “didn’t know”
Barcelona-born, Brooklyn-based composer, producer, sound designer, and mixer Gisela Fullà-Silvestre joins forces with Ela Minus on her second single release ahead of her upcoming album. The experimental, bilingual track reads into softer edges of forward-leaning electro-synths. The artists combined airy vocals provide a harmonic contrast to the electroclash sounds of the melody’s undertone. The duplexity in sound plays well into the song’s emotional contrast theme that revolves around the more vulnerable territory that dating encompasses while attempting to exist within the confines of a more industrial landscape that is New York City. Inspired by the ability of reflection and friendship to save you through it all, the song is a sensual ode to nightlife. — Jeanette Diaz
Drú - “Todo Lo Haces Bien”
Puerto Rican R&B artist Drú has kept himself busy for the last 18 months, ever since catching a second wind with the single “Por Ti.” Since then, he’s dropped six singles, including two-track EP Contrario. This month’s release is “Todo Lo Haces Bien,” an airy mid-tempo song that continues his streak of marrying the recognizable stylings of quiet storm with alt-perreo syncopation. It’s a fusion that feels both fresh-yet-still in debt to both the music that inspired it and the culture where it was made. The creative music video reflects its no-frills approach, with lyrics that touch on the inevitability of infatuation when someone seems just perfect for you. — Juan J. Arroyo
Jackie Mendoza - “Mousetrap”
On the eve of the release of Jackie Mendoza’s new album, Galaxia de Emociones, we get another taste before the full meal comes out. “Mousetrap” is the perfect showcase for Mendoza’s talents, making her one of the most interesting artists. Fusing a trap beat with dreamy soundscapes and poppy melodies to create something not found anywhere else, “Mousetrap” will live rent-free in your mind for all the right reasons. Free association lyrics underline the lysergic feeling of the song, giving us a song to swoon to and bliss out in harmony with our own inner thoughts. — Marcos Hassan