Nueva Música Latina is a compilation of the best Latin songs, albums, and videos recommended by the editors of Billboard Latin and Billboard Español. This is the selection of the week.
Eslabón Armado, Vibras de Noche II (Armado Records/Interscope Capital)
True to their sad sierreño roots, and to the melancholic themes that have placed them at the forefront of Mexican music, Eslabón Armado solidifies their position even more with Vibras de Noche II. As is tradition, since their big success in 2020, Eslabón, led by their composer Pedro Tovar, has released their annual album, and this one is very special. It is the continuation of their LP Vibras de Noche from five years ago, which spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart. The second part is just as emotional, as Tovar navigates through love, heartbreak, and loneliness, themes that have driven most of their songs.
The 15-track set (plus an intro and an outro) opens with “Sad Intro,” which sets the stage for what’s to come. “How has your situation been, Pedro?” a woman’s voice asks. “Honestly, it hasn’t improved at all. I still think about her and I don’t know what to do,” Tovar responds. He then goes on to deliver songs – with piercing guitars – like “Te odio,” which unleashes emotions about love and loss, and “Otras 24 horas,” in which he gets nostalgic about the past. “Why don’t you look at me like you used to? at the beginning you wanted my kisses and you would lay on my chest,” he laments. In “El alegre,” Tovar changes his tone and goes from the absolute heartbreak to realizing that it’s time to move on. The only collaboration on this album is surprisingly with Macario Martínez (“Esa noche”), the viral folk singer from Mexico who went from being a street sweeper to a hitmaker earlier this year. – GRISELDA FLORES
Anitta, “Larissa” (Republic Records/Universal Music Latino)
Throughout her career, Anitta has stood out in the music world as a strong and determined woman. But in “Larissa” – the theme song of her newly released documentary Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta – the Brazilian superstar allows herself to show a more vulnerable side as she sings about a relationship between two people who are not afraid to be themselves. “We are opposites, but I bet on this between the two of us/ That we are both here, that’s not a coincidence,” the trilingual artist sings in Spanish. “My music has always been about strength, right? Especially female strength. But when it comes to this song and the movie, I feel like I have discovered a new kind of strength by allowing myself to be fragile, to fail, and to make mistakes,” Anitta said in a statement. Written by the artist herself along with Essa Gante, Daniel Sobrino, and producer Caleb Calloway, “Larissa” incorporates elements of pop, reggaeton, and Brazilian funk, showcasing Anitta’s versatility as an artist. The accompanying music video, directed by Giovanni Bianco, is a visual feast that perfectly captures the song’s message of embracing one’s true self. – SUZETTE FERNANDEZ
Ozuna, “La Funka” (Aura Music Corp/Sony Music Latin)
After taking a break from social media, Ozuna is back with a bang with his new single “La Funka.” The Puerto Rican superstar returns to his reggaeton roots with this infectious track, which is sure to become a fan favorite. Produced by Hi Music Hi Flow, “La Funka” is a high-energy party anthem that showcases Ozuna’s signature flow and catchy hooks. The music video, directed by Nuno Gomes, is a colorful and vibrant visual that perfectly complements the song’s upbeat vibe. With “La Funka,” Ozuna proves once again why he is one of the biggest names in Latin music. – SUZETTE FERNANDEZ
Karol G, “200 Copas” (Universal Music Latino)
Karol G continues to dominate the charts with her latest single “200 Copas.” The Colombian superstar showcases her powerful vocals and emotional range in this heartfelt ballad, which tells the story of a love that has come to an end. Written by Karol G herself along with Ovy on the Drums, “200 Copas” is a perfect blend of pop and reggaeton, with a touch of mariachi. The music video, directed by Colin Tilley, is a cinematic masterpiece that perfectly captures the song’s emotional lyrics. With “200 Copas,” Karol G proves once again why she is one of the most versatile and talented artists in the industry. – SUZETTE FERNANDEZ
Bad Bunny, “Yonaguni” (Rimas Entertainment)
Bad Bunny continues to surprise fans with his latest single “Yonaguni.” The Puerto Rican superstar takes a break from his usual reggaeton sound and delivers a romantic ballad that showcases his vocal range and versatility as an artist. Written by Bad Bunny himself along with Tainy, “Yonaguni” is a heartfelt love song that pays tribute to the Japanese island of the same name. The music video, directed by Stillz, is a visually stunning and emotional journey that perfectly captures the song’s message. With “Yonaguni,” Bad Bunny proves once again why he is one of the most influential and innovative artists in the industry. – SUZETTE FERNANDEZ
Natalia Jiménez, “Nunca es tarde” (Sony Music Latin)
Natalia Jiménez returns to the music scene with her new single “Nunca es tarde.” The Spanish singer-songwriter showcases her powerful vocals and emotional depth in this heartfelt ballad, which tells the story of a love that has stood the test of time. Written by Jiménez herself along with Claudia Brant and Antonio Rayo, “Nunca es tarde” is a beautiful and timeless love song that will resonate with listeners of all ages. The music video, directed by Pablo Croce, is a simple yet powerful visual that perfectly captures the song’s message. With “Nunca es tarde,” Jiménez proves once again why she is one of the most talented and beloved artists in the Latin music industry. – SUZETTE FERNANDEZ
Rauw Alejandro, “Todo de ti” (Duars Entertainment/Sony Music Latin)
Rauw Alejandro continues to dominate the charts with his latest single “Todo de ti.” The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter showcases his smooth vocals and infectious energy in this upbeat track, which is sure to become a summer anthem. Written by Rauw himself along with Tainy, “Todo de ti” is a perfect blend of reggaeton and dance-pop, with a touch of tropical vibes. The music video, directed by Marlon Peña, is a colorful and fun visual that perfectly captures the song’s playful lyrics. With “Todo de ti,” Rauw Alejandro proves once again why he is one of the most promising and talented artists in the industry. – SUZETTE FERNANDEZ
Camilo, “Millones” (Sony Music Latin)
Camilo continues to captivate audiences with his latest single “Millones.” The Colombian singer-songwriter showcases his unique blend of pop and urban sounds in this catchy track, which tells the story of a love that is worth more than all the money in the world. Written by Camilo himself along with Edgar Barrera and Jon Leone, “Millones” is a perfect example of the artist’s ability to create infectious and relatable songs. The music video, directed by Evaluna Montaner, is a romantic and dreamy visual that perfectly captures the song’s message. With “Millones,” Camilo proves once again why he is one of the most promising and talented artists in the Latin music industry. – SUZETTE FERNANDEZ
Natti Natasha, “Ram Pam Pam” ft. Becky G (Pina Records/Sony Music Latin)
Natti Natasha and Becky G join forces for the first time in “Ram Pam Pam,” a catchy and empowering anthem that celebrates female empowerment and independence. Produced by Daddy Yankee and Gaby Music, “Ram Pam Pam” is a perfect blend of reggaeton and dancehall, with a touch of Latin pop. The music video, directed by Daniel Duran, is a fierce and colorful visual that perfectly captures the song’s message. With “Ram Pam Pam,” Natti Natasha and Becky G prove once again why they are two of the most influential and talented female artists in the industry. – SUZETTE FERNANDEZ
Sebastián Yatra, “Pareja del año” ft. Myke Towers (Universal Music Latino)
Sebastián Yatra and Myke Towers join forces for the first time in “Pareja del año,” a romantic and catchy track that celebrates the ups and downs of a relationship. Written by Yatra himself along with Towers, “Pareja del año” is a perfect blend of pop and reggaeton, with a touch of urban sounds. The music video, directed by Nuno Gomes, is a cinematic and emotional visual that perfectly captures the song’s message. With “Pareja del año,” Yatra and Towers prove once again why they are two of the most versatile and talented artists in the industry. – SUZETTE FERNANDEZ