This is a weekly compilation of bite-sized song & EP reviews from our music writers. Discover new favs, read nuanced criticism of the week’s hottest releases & more. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Álvaro Díaz & Rauw Alejandro - “Problemón”
Latine rap and reggaeton heavyweights Rauw Alejandro and Álvaro Díaz team up for the latest hot drop “Problemón.” A slow-burning, sensual dance rhythm eases into trap laced beats to create another hit that brings on the perreo to ensure we all stay warm during the winter months. Wrapped around themes of entanglement and forbidden relationships á la sneaky link, this single provides some seductive moments made for those asking why have one when you can secretly have them all? So press play and have a dance with one, two, or multiple lovers. — Jeanette Diaz
Javiera Mena - "Culpa"
On “Culpa,” the iconic Chilean singer invites us to fall into temptation through the powers of disco. With her unmistakable vocals, Javiera Mena approaches her lover to convince them to escape with her to a place beyond good and evil. It’s a hard-to-resist proposition thanks to the song’s electro and Italodisco influences that fit perfectly into her vast catalog of sounds. “Culpa” makes promises of carefree pleasure yet there’s more than a little danger behind her words. — Marcos Hassan
Rita Indiana - “Toy En La Calle 90' (Pomperó Versión)”
On her 2020 comeback album Mandinga Times, Rita Indiana gave us a dramatic jam titled “Toy En La Calle,” where she summons the wild energy of her teenage skater years. Now, the Latin Grammy nominee shared the track’s original version, which pays homage to ‘90s Eurodance à la Technotronic, or as she titled it, the “pomperó” version. The song takes a new careless air, led by neurotic synths and a four-on-the-floor kick, and it has us dusting off our brightest neon outfits. — Cheky
NEZZA, LATENIGHTJIGGY - “Tenerte De Nuevo”
Nezza’s new single is a comeback song, and her point of return is her loved one. With mellow Spanglish lyrics and even mellower reggaeton beat, the up-and-coming singer lashes her sweet vocal lines effortlessly while wandering around with LATENIGHTJIGGY in the music video—the harmony rapper couldn’t be better. Both ride the same wave in the making of a great choice for a Good Morning playlist. “Tenerte De Nuevo” is part of Nezza’s latest compact, Club Solita, an EP you should definitely not sleep on. — Felipe Maia
Tayko - "La Canción que Todos Bailan"
Tayko has been a presence in the Venezuelan rap scene for a minute, dating back to his early collaborations with Piso 8 alongside Veztalone and Robert Tiamo, and more recently linking up with Irepelusa, Willie DeVille, and participating in the popular Comida Para Llevar sessions. He’s been praised as being a high-caliber lyricist unafraid of complex themes, and he proves as much in “La Canción Que Todos Bailan.” On this track, he reflects on the hardship of navigating life in a genuine way and laments the everyday superficiality he sees people around him attach themselves to. — Juan J. Arroyo
Combo Chimbita - “Babalawo”
Fresh off a small tour run, Combo Chimbita returns to share their new single “Babalawo.” The mesmerizing track uses its sounds to transform into an enchanting ritual of self-affirmation. It reinterprets their intimate moments and first explorations with spiritual guidance as the visuals add to the single’s power by incorporating a stunning display of interpretive dance led by Puerto Rican queer icon Edrimael Delgado Reyes. With a baseline in Caribbean sounds, the band has once again seamlessly incorporated influences of instrumental rock riffs, trap beats wrapped in singer Carolina Olivero’s hauntingly captivating voice. — Jeanette Diaz
A.Chal - "Zorro"
For just a few seconds during the intro of the “Zorro,” A.Chal almost launches into a full-on corrido before a ghostly synth and 808’s drop, launching a track that could power a drive around the city until the break of dawn. The instrumental is the perfect vehicle for Alejandro Chal Salazar’s nocturnal vibe and he makes the most of it, delivering lyrics with a sense of wildness just underneath his smooth vocals. A.Chal’s seductive music expands into a peculiar brew to enchant listeners, and true enough, his spell works like a charm. — Marcos Hassan
Jarina de Marco & Esty - “Pare de Sufrir”
For her new single, Jarina de Marco paired up with singer and TikTok sensation Esty to take back their power after getting rid of a bad lover. Made together with Mediopicky and Stint, “Pare de Sufrir” is a reggaeton-inspired number where both Dominican artists take turns to give an old flame the middle finger, as they get back in touch with a sense of self-worth that was dimmed by a toxic relationship. — Cheky
Tragatierra - "Ola de Calor"
A new electronic music collective called Tragatierra–led by singer-songwriters and producers Ignacio Redard and Vigliesoni–is boldly entering the spotlight and bringing a refreshing dose of ‘90s-flavored acid house to Chilean dance floors. Their latest single “Ola de Calor” arrives as the southern hemisphere approaches its euphoric summer months, spinning warbling synths and Redard’s booming choruses into an anthem of late-night seduction. — Richard Villegas
Carolina Zac - "Lo Que Digo"
After a pandemic-wide string of nostalgic synthpop singles, Carolina Zac has finally unveiled her highly anticipated debut album, Posible. Across every release, the Argentine singer-songwriter and producer has canvased the negative spaces of human connection accompanied by atmospheric synths and punchy drum machines. On “Lo Que Digo,” one of the record’s yet undiscovered gems, ethereal vocals narrate a tale of broken glances and breathless exchanges—a seemingly ill-fated romance tailored for dance floor catharsis. — Richard Villegas
marcos g - "Sin Ti"
There are several songs capable of making the listeners travel around the world, or through time, and the best ones achieve that in the span of seconds. “Sin Ti” fits in this category. We just need a few guitar plucks and the murmuring voice of marcos G to picture it: a speakeasy with Ambar-wooden tables, warm charming lights, and a tiny stage where the Miami-based artist is the main act. Or maybe even less than that—a room just for two. The sultry song is an interesting move by the singer-songwriter, now much more into concocting an R&B tune that leaves out excessive pop shortcuts. — Felipe Maia
YoSoyJenn X Elektrikbeat - “FAMA”
The near-exclusive chokehold male artists have had on rapping about fame, bling, money, and bedding conquests has waned in recent years, due in no small part to the trailblazing women of hip-hop who decades ago dared to break barriers about what is and isn’t “ladylike.” As women start making overdue inroads into Latine rap and reggaetón, artists like JenN are embracing the freedom to boast, and in “Fama,” she pulls no punches describing the high life she enjoys. The GLAD Empire signee reminds you ladies is pimps too, and you better get used to it. — Juan J. Arroyo