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.
Majo Aguilar, Mariachi Mío (Fonovisa/Universal Music Mexico)
Majo Aguilar’s Mariachi Mío bridges tradition and innovation, fusing mariachi — a centuries-old genre rooted in northwestern Mexican heritage — with the modern tumbado movement that’s rapidly reshaping música mexicana. The result is a personal album that expands the storied genre’s boundaries while preserving its essence. Crafting eight of the ten tracks and involved in production, Aguilar showcases her artistic evolution and cultural pride.
The opener, “No Pidas Perdón,” reflects post-breakup closure through lilting violins and mournful vihuela strums. The focus track, “Que Te Vaya Bien,” offers a mellow kiss-off enriched by harp, brass, and layered rhythms, while “Mala Mala” injects drama into a more traditional framework. Of its two collaborations, Alex Fernández lends vocals to the ranchera “Cuéntame,” while rapper Santa Fe Klan contrasts with a tumbado-infused blend on “Luna Azul.” With her new release, Aguilar reclaims mariachi as her own, remaining rooted in its foundational spirit to forge a fresh path forward. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Debi Nova, Leonel García, “Se Va” (Sony Music Entertainment Centroamérica y Caribe)
Debi Nova and Leonel García join forces on this delicate heartbreak ballad about a relationship that is slowly fading. Driven by a mournful guitar riff, the Costa Rican singer-songwriter and the Mexican musician begin by almost narrating their feelings before harmonizing on intimate verses like, “Today I understood that dreaming only lasts a moment, and I’m sorry/ If you don’t embrace the one who is there, they will leave/ If you don’t take care of that flower, it will wither.” In an Instagram post, Nova shares that she met García 12 years ago when they both participated in a Franco De Vita tour, and that ever since then she “had always dreamed of doing a collaboration with him.” It took more than a decade to make it happen, but it was worth the wait. – SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
J Balvin & Omega, “KLK” (Capitol Records/Sueños Globales/UMG Recordings)
In the midst of his Rayo Tour, J Balvin dropped “KLK” in collaboration with Omega — a tune that could easily become the next summer banger of the year. Produced by Jorge Milliano, the track perfectly blends the Colombian artist’s urban swagger with the Dominican act’s mambo essence, bringing to life an energetic merengue electrónico backed by ferocious güira and conga beats. “KLK,” which is Dominican slang for “que lo que” and loosely translates to “what’s up,” is a celebration of the vibrant Latin culture — the music video, filmed in the barber shops, colmado (mini market), and streets of New York City and the Dominican Republic attests to that. “Que lo wa, qué lo que,” says the catchy hook. — JESSICA ROIZ
Marco Mares, ¿por qué corres? ya estamos ahí (Rebeleon Ent./Universal Music Latino)
Mexican singer-songwriter Marco Mares unveiled his highly-anticipated third studio album, ¿Por qué corres? Ya estamos ahí, which translates to “Why Are You Running? We Are Already There.” This poignant title serves as a heartfelt reminder to embrace the present moment and savor life’s experiences. The album consists of 10 tracks that radiate uplifting vibes, reminiscent of sun-soaked tropical islands. Among these, you’ll find bachata rhythms in “A 150” and “Amor Chiquito”; and an infectious merengue track in “digo que no, pero si” in collaboration with Sabino—all which beautifully showcase Mares’ ability to blend traditional sounds with a contemporary flair. ¿Por qué corres? Ya estamos ahí was produced by Sebastián Krys and Eduardo Cabra, and co-written by Mares with several songwriters, including Raquel Sofía from Puerto Rico, Valentina Rico, Alberto Arcas, and Juan Pablo Vega. Collaborations include Zoe Gotusso, Bebo Dumont, Carlos Sadness, and Sabino. — INGRID FAJARDO
Karol G, “Milagros” (Bichota Records/Interscope Records)
Fresh off the release of her documentary, Tomorrow Was Beautiful on Netflix, Karol G is gifting fans a new feel-good song. “Milagros,” or miracles, opens with bright quena (Andean flute) notes that quite literally sets the tone for the joyful track about the miracles of life. “When I wake up I realize how blessed I am, I go through the world doing my thing, opening doors and closing wounds … what more miracle than to be breathing?” she sings in her velvety voice. Produced by Edgar Barrera and Lexus, the song goes full pop with elements of Peruvian folk incorporated throughout, a new style for the Bichota who is known for her reggaetón hits. “Milagros” is Karol’s first release of the year and fans can hear it at the end of her documentary. — GRISELDA FLORES
Clarent, “Oh Wow” (Warner Music Latin)
Puerto Rican up and coming urban artist Clarent veers into more melodic/dance territory with “Oh Wow,” his second track under his new Warner Latin recording deal. “Oh Wow,” unlike Clarent’s previous “IA” with Mora, features him solo. This immediately catchy club banger , reminiscent of Quevedo’s recent fare, starts mellow then picks up steam with a thumping bass beat that provides contrast to melodic vocals with melancholy lyrics about lost love. It showcases an artist in quick evolution and open to sonic exploration. -LEILA COBO
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
