New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Caleb Calloway & Saiko, “Carnet” (The Wave Music Group)
Powered by a classic reggaetón drum pattern, “Carnet” sees Caleb Calloway and Saiko revving up the engine — and the vibe — on “Carnet.” A riveting farewell-to-summer track, the Puerto Rican producer and singer join forces to deliver passionate vocals backed by a powerful tropical-laden thump over moody keyboards. The single follows a girl on a motorcycle with no license, but that doesn’t stop her from crossing international borders to hit up the clubs for a night of debauchery. “She doesn’t have a carnet, but she brought her friend,” belts out Saiko. “For me, this song is the close of summer and opens the season of breaking all the clubs with a perreo that will be a classic,” said Caleb Calloway in a press release. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Farruko, Manolo Ramos & Ghetto, “Calor” (CFMB Records)
We feel the heat in Farruko’s “Calor,” a melodic reggae groove alongside tropical/pop newcomer Manolo Torres and longtime collaborator Ghetto. Pulling from Farruko’s many connections in Puerto Rico, the track open with actual broadcasts ruminating about the heat from the likes of radio personality Molusco, then goes into that catchy reggae beat Farruko does so well, lamenting the intense heat of the day (“Y la calor está de madre, Me he bañado cuatro vece’ y no son ni las 2”) but also celebrating. Though perhaps a tad late to be a summer anthem (if only), Torres’ strong vocals and touches like the opening guitars and the saxophone solo give this summer song lasting appeal. — LEILA COBO
Yahritza y Su Esencia, Obsessed Pt. 2 (Lumbre Music/Columbia Records)
A year after unleashing their debut EP, Obsessed, Yahritza y Su Esencia delivers part two, which includes three brand new tracks “Dos Extraños,” “Dubai” and “Rositas.” Like its predecessor, Obsessed Pt. 2 is packed with heart-wrenching, deep lyrics on love and heartbreak. An emotions first song, “Dos Extraños,” powered by a requinto and a subtle trumpet note, finds Yahritza belting lyrics about unrequited love. The opening track is followed by the corrido “Dubai,” with complex and melodic guitar notes serving as the perfect canvas for this more upbeat song. Rounding out the three new songs is “Rositas,” where Yahritza slows things down again to sing this ultimate declaration of love. The sibling trio — composed of Yahritza, Mando and Jairo — teamed up with renowned songwriter-producer Edgar Barrera for the new tracks. The EP also includes previously released songs such as “Frágil” with Grupo Frontera and “No Se Puede Decir Adiós.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Natalia Jiménez, “El Pobre” (Sony Music Latin)
Once again, Natalia Jiménez lends her powerful voice to regional Mexican music in this joyous ranchero-tinged huapango. “El Pobre,” the second single from her upcoming album Antología 20 Años, was written by Jiménez with Mario Domm and Cheché Alara, and features Alara’s Mariachi San Telmo. The song counters material wealth to the poverty of the soul: “Because you are poor, you only have money/ Bad luck, that’s not what I want/ You have everything, everything except me,” belts the Spaniard artist. In the music video, recorded at the iconic Lienzo Zermeño in Guadalajara, the singer appears surrounded by horses, the Alteñitas de Guadalajara skirmishes, the New Jalisco Folkloric Ballet, and multiple charros and Adelitas. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Juan Gabriel, “Méxxico es Todo” (Virgin Music US Latin)
Juan Gabriel sings to his homeland in “Méxxico es Todo,” the first single from the superstar’s second posthumous album after 2022’s Los Dúo 3, and the first with original, unpublished songs. Produced by Rodrigo Cárdenas, the song maintains the distinctive musical stamp of Juan Gabriel, with festive melodies to the rhythm of trumpets, and sounds that flirt with traditional Mexican music, this time with hints of pop. The music video, created by Juan Gabriel’s former collaborator David Tames, is a collage of images of iconic places and symbols of Mexican culture such as the Zócalo in Mexico City, the Basilica of Guadalupe, the Pyramids of Teotihuacán, the Aztec calendar and the tricolor flag with the shield of an eagle devouring a snake. — NATALIA CANO
Carlos Rivera, “Para Ti” (Sony Music México)
Mexican singer-songwriter Carlos Rivera gives us a moving romantic ballad titled “Para Ti,” with a very special dedicatory. The emotional song expresses deep love and gratitude towards that unconditional person who accompanies us both in happy moments and in challenges and can even restore hope for life. In a live broadcast on Instagram, after the release of this single, Rivera shared with the public that the song could well be called “Para Cy”, in reference to his wife, Cynthia Rodríguez.
“You were hope, the one that saved me/ the one that restored the desire to live in me,” he intones in one of the verses. “And this is for you, all my emotions, my songs for you/ All my dreams, today I want to fulfill them with you/ I belong to you, without you I don’t want anything,” he states with devotion in the chorus. If the lyrics of the song have the power to bring a tear to more than one person, the video, which tells the love story of a couple facing the tough battle against cancer, will undoubtedly touch the hearts of many. — LUISA CALLE
Alejo & Yandel, “Trajecito XS” (Warner Music Latina/Y Entertainment/Square Houze)
Just months after Alejo paid tribute to Wisin y Yandel at the 2023 Premios Tu Música Urbano, the rising Puerto Rican act joined forces with Yandel on “Trajecito XS.” Loosely translated to “size XS,” the catchy reggaeton fused with deep house beats references a girl who everyone likes but she only has a good time with one particular person. The track was produced by Huertas & Baezmadeit and penned by Fantasma (Joan Manuel Ubiñas). “Yandel approached me [at the Premios Tu Música Urbano] and it was an incredible moment to have a reggaeton living legend want to collaborate with me. Together, we’ve created a track that seamlessly blends our styles,” said Alejo in a press statement. The vibrant collab also marks the inception of Yandel’s creative hub Square Houze, a new division of his label Y Entertainment. — JESSICA ROIZ
Mario Bautista & Ana Mena, “Antes de Novios“ (Warner Music México)
Mario Bautista dips his toes into the sweet sounds of bachata with “Antes de Novios,” a collaboration with Spanish singer Ana Mena. The song is a rich mixture of Bautista’s signature pop and bachata, backed by infectious percussions. Penned by Bautista, Yera and Keityn, the lyrics narrate a phase that comes after a breakup — one where you tend to reflect about the bond and positive aspects of the friendship, which was at the root of the relationship. Is there still a chance to repair it? “When you feel that life is not in your favor, please do not hesitate to look for me; I know we are nothing anymore, but I still have love for you — please do not forget that before I was your boyfriend, I was your friend and that will never change,” Bautista sings. — INGRID FAJARDO
Listen to the New Music Latin playlist below:
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