Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup this week offers a diverse mix of fresh releases from some of the biggest names in Latin music, including Quevedo, Kevin Kaarl, Maluma, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Nicki Nicole, and Ricardo Arjona. From introspective albums to bold new singles, here are the highlights of this week’s music releases:
1. Quevedo – Buenas Noches (18-track LP)
Spanish reggaeton artist Quevedo is back in the spotlight with Buenas Noches, his long-awaited sophomore album. With 18 tracks and collaborations from high-profile artists like Sech, Aitana, Pitbull, and Rels B, this album is a reflective journey through the late-night thoughts and experiences that Quevedo has come to embrace. According to Quevedo, the title Buenas Noches isn’t about sleep but the moments that happen after midnight—those quiet hours when the world slows down, and introspective conversations or creative bursts unfold.
With themes of reflection, solitude, late-night studio sessions, and the wild energy of parties, Buenas Noches presents a raw and honest snapshot of Quevedo’s life during the quiet hours of the night. The album’s tone fluctuates between upbeat reggaeton tracks and more mellow, introspective tunes, offering something for every listener. Quevedo’s fans have eagerly awaited this release, and it’s clear from the artist’s statement that it’s deeply personal to him.
2. Kevin Kaarl – “Esta Noche” (First Single from ULTRA SODADE)
Kevin Kaarl, known for his melancholic yet captivating sound, is back with "Esta Noche," the lead single from his upcoming album ULTRA SODADE. The song, produced by his twin brother Bryan Kaarl, offers a soft and delicate contrast to Kevin’s deeply emotional vocal delivery. The track draws on folk and indie elements, showcasing Kevin’s unique ability to blend vulnerability with poignant lyrics. His soothing voice draws listeners into a world of late-night reflections and heartache, a theme that is sure to resonate with fans of his previous work.
“Esta Noche” offers a glimpse into the emotional depth of ULTRA SODADE, a project expected to explore the complexities of love and loss. This single is an emotional rollercoaster and a testament to Kevin’s ability to weave intimacy and melancholy into every note.
3. Nicki Nicole – NAIKI (Trap Album)
Argentinian rapper and singer Nicki Nicole delivers her much-anticipated trap album NAIKI, showcasing her signature blend of fierce lyrics and genre-blending production. Known for her unique style that combines trap with Latin urban sounds, Nicki Nicole continues to solidify her place in the Latin music scene with this bold release. Her fans can expect a dynamic mix of hard-hitting beats, introspective verses, and infectious hooks.
NAIKI explores the complexities of Nicki’s personal journey, addressing topics like self-empowerment, love, and identity. The album is a raw and unapologetic expression of who she is as an artist and a woman, making it a must-listen for fans of Latin trap and hip-hop.
4. Ricardo Arjona – Three New Singles from Seco
Guatemalan icon Ricardo Arjona continues to evolve with his latest project, Seco. This week, he released three singles from the upcoming album: “Despacio Que Hay Prisa,” “Todo Termina,” and “Nirvana.” Arjona describes Seco as a deeply personal exploration of life, blending various musical styles and influences that go beyond the conventional boundaries of Latin pop.
The three singles give fans a taste of what’s to come, with Arjona’s signature poetic lyrics paired with diverse instrumentation. “Despacio Que Hay Prisa” is a soulful ballad with slow, meditative rhythms, while “Todo Termina” explores themes of endings and moving on. “Nirvana,” on the other hand, offers a more upbeat and experimental sound, hinting at Arjona’s willingness to push musical boundaries.
For Arjona, Seco represents a reinvention of his musical style, diving deeper into vulnerability and emotional complexity. These singles mark the beginning of an album that promises to be both raw and innovative, pushing Arjona’s artistic boundaries even further.
5. Gilberto Santa Rosa – Debut y Segunda Tanda, Vol. 2 (Salsa Legend’s New Album)
Salsa icon Gilberto Santa Rosa returns with Debut y Segunda Tanda, Vol. 2, the second part of his project that blends new material with some of his most beloved hits. As one of the most influential figures in the salsa world, Santa Rosa brings his impeccable vocal delivery and passion to this album, which features a mixture of traditional salsa and fresh collaborations. Songs like “Piedra y Agua” and “Como Si Fuera Nuestra” highlight his ability to fuse infectious rhythms with heartfelt lyrics.
Santa Rosa’s Vol. 2 follows up on the success of the first installment, and it’s clear that he’s not resting on his laurels. His signature sound continues to captivate audiences while he remains a vital force in Latin music. Debut y Segunda Tanda, Vol. 2 is a testament to Santa Rosa’s continued mastery of salsa, offering fans new tracks while honoring his musical legacy.
6. Maluma – “Cosas Pendientes” (New Single)
Maluma, the Colombian reggaetón sensation, drops “Cosas Pendientes,” a heartfelt song about unresolved emotions in a relationship. Known for his romantic ballads and infectious rhythms, Maluma takes a more introspective approach here, reflecting on his experiences of love, regret, and reconciliation. The song’s mellow acoustic guitar opening contrasts with the upbeat rhythms that build throughout, making for a perfect fusion of romance and reggaetón.
The music video for “Cosas Pendientes” adds an extra layer of storytelling, with Maluma showcasing his acting chops. It also features a dramatic narrative involving revenge and redemption, with actor Luis Alfredo Velasco making a special appearance. Maluma’s vulnerability shines through both in the song’s lyrics and in the video, making “Cosas Pendientes” a standout in his recent releases.
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