New Music Latin: Top Picks for the Week
The world of Latin music continues to evolve, with established stars and rising talents blending influences from various genres to create fresh, exciting sounds. This week’s picks from Billboard Latin editors bring together a diverse array of artists, from reggaetón and salsa to cumbia and indie rock. These releases highlight the beauty and versatility of Latin music, offering something for every listener. Below are some of the standout songs and albums that you won’t want to miss.
1. Quevedo, Buenas Noches (DQU Productions/Rimas Entertainment)
After taking a brief hiatus following his successful breakthrough in 2022 with the hit “BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 52,” Spanish artist Quevedo returns with his sophomore album Buenas Noches. This album marks a new chapter in his career, as he has signed with a new distribution deal through Rimas Entertainment. With a rich 18-track lineup, Buenas Noches is a reflection of Quevedo’s personal journey and artistic growth.
The album is a combination of introspective lyrics and high-energy beats. The club-ready tracks, such as "MR. MOONDIAL" featuring Pitbull, evoke a nostalgic sense of the early 2000s with their upbeat rhythms and catchy hooks. Meanwhile, songs like "GRAN VÍA," featuring Aitana, bring in dreamy 80s-like synth-pop vibes that add layers of emotion and depth to the album. The song "HALO," a collaboration with La Pantera, mixes neo-reggaetón elements with Quevedo’s signature vocal style, creating an infectious rhythm that is bound to be a hit on dance floors.
What sets Buenas Noches apart is not just its musical diversity but its lyrical honesty. Despite the album’s lively sound, the lyrics delve into themes of love, heartbreak, and loneliness. Quevedo himself mentioned that the album was inspired by his late-night reflections, making it relatable to listeners who have experienced similar emotional journeys. The inclusion of several collaborators, such as De La Rose, De La Ghetto, Yung Beef, Sech, Rels B, and Sin Nombre, adds a refreshing dynamic to the album, making it a standout in his discography.
2. Maluma, "Cosas Pendientes" (Paris LG LTD/Sony Music Latin)
Maluma has long been known for his smooth blend of reggaetón, Latin pop, and romantic ballads. With "Cosas Pendientes," he revisits the essence of his 2015 album Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy, but with a more refined and mature approach. The song, which opens with the sound of an acoustic guitar, is a perfect example of how Maluma balances his signature style with deeper emotional themes.
The lyrics revolve around reconnecting with an old love to resolve lingering issues. In the chorus, Maluma sings, "Apparently she didn’t forget me/she’s still waiting/she wants to ignore me/but the tension is seen, felt." The song taps into the emotions of regret, longing, and reconciliation, offering a sense of closure that resonates with many who have experienced unfinished business in relationships.
The music video for "Cosas Pendientes" adds another layer of storytelling, as it tells a tale of revenge and glamour. Colombian actor Luis Alfredo Velasco, known for his role in La Reina del Flow, makes a surprise appearance, adding an extra element of drama and intrigue to the visual narrative. The video also sees Maluma symbolically shaving his head, signaling a return to the roots of his career and a fresh start. This act of reinvention showcases his ability to evolve as both an artist and a person, signaling that he is ready to embrace a new era of his musical journey.
3. Grupo Frontera ft. Oscar Maydon, "¿Qué Te Parece?" (Music Mexicana)
Grupo Frontera is a group that has made a name for itself with its energetic and romantic take on Mexican music. Following their hit "Hecha Pa’ Mi," the group teams up with Oscar Maydon for “¿Qué Te Parece?” – a feel-good cumbia-norteño track that showcases their playful and romantic side.
The song’s lyrics are a charming serenade to a beautiful lady, offering a dream date filled with luxury and romance. Lines like "What beach should I take you to drink wine and have a romantic dinner? / What shoes do you like? What purse do you want?" set the tone for a whimsical and idealized romance. The chorus continues with the promise of a trip to Paris, referencing the famous Love Lock Bridge, which is known as a symbol of eternal love.
The music video for "¿Qué Te Parece?" adds an extra layer of fun, with Frontera and Maydon performing on a tennis court surrounded by a diverse group of bachelorettes. The visuals emphasize the song’s lighthearted and playful nature, while the collaboration between Frontera and Maydon brings out the best of both artists. The fusion of cumbia and norteño rhythms with contemporary production gives this track a fresh and vibrant feel.
4. Gilberto Santa Rosa, Debut y Segunda Tanda, Vol. 2 (B2B Music)
Gilberto Santa Rosa, the legendary salsa artist known as “El Caballero de la Salsa,” continues to mesmerize audiences with his unmistakable voice and musical expertise. Debut y Segunda Tanda, Vol. 2 is the second installment of a project that began in 2022, showcasing a mix of new songs and reinterpretations of his past hits.
The album opens with the infectious brass-heavy “Piedra y Agua” and the romantic “Como Si Fuera Nuestra,” both of which exemplify Santa Rosa’s talent for combining vibrant rhythms with heartfelt lyrics. Other standouts include “Tratando de Acercarme,” a track that introduces a softer rhythm, and “Fin de Semana,” a cheerful collaboration with Gerardo Rivas. The album also features covers of iconic songs, such as “La Marea” by Rubén Blades, which closes the album on a high note.
For Santa Rosa, this project represents an opportunity to explore new sounds while staying true to his salsa roots. He has expressed that this album is a love letter to music, inviting listeners to share in the joy of dancing or the catharsis of grieving. It’s an album that captures the essence of Latin music’s power to connect with people on an emotional level, making it a must-have for any salsa lover.
5. Kevin Kaarl, "Esta Noche" (Kevin Kaarl)
Kevin Kaarl is one of the rising stars of Mexico’s indie music scene, known for his nostalgic sound and deeply emotional lyrics. His new track “Esta Noche” is a prime example of his ability to evoke a sense of longing and heartache through his soothing vocals. The song’s folky vibe and 90s pop-rock influences make it an easy listen, one that transports listeners back to a simpler time while remaining relevant to today’s indie scene.
“Esta Noche” is the first single off Kaarl’s upcoming album ULTRA SODADE, and its emotional depth is immediately apparent. The track tells the story of love and heartbreak, with Kaarl’s delicate vocals injecting pathos into every line. The accompanying music video is part of a trilogy of visuals that will culminate in a short film, making this song the first chapter in an ambitious and creative project.
6. Leo Rizzi & Lasso, "QUEBRANTO" (Atlantic Records Spain)
In their new collaboration “QUEBRANTO,” Spanish-Uruguayan singer-songwriter Leo Rizzi and Venezuelan artist Lasso blend the sounds of ’80s South American rock with modern pop influences. The song speaks about overcoming pain and finding redemption, with the lyrics offering a sense of hope amidst life’s struggles.
The music video for “QUEBRANTO” complements the song’s retro aesthetic, with visuals that channel the style of ’80s rock, from the fashion to the grainy film effects. The collaboration between Rizzi and Lasso captures the magic of that golden era while infusing it with a contemporary sensibility that makes the track feel both nostalgic and fresh.
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