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.
Jhayco & Peso Pluma, “Ex-Special” (Universal Music Latin)
“Ex-Special” — the latest single by Jhayco and Peso Pluma — is meant to be written as a sweet double entendre. While the protagonist of the song, a former lover, still sizzles in the minds of the Puerto Rican and Mexican pair, what’s most captivating about the song is the craftsmanship. It’s led by an electric guitar in the circle-of-fifths, a common strumming style for vintage Mexican music, or corridos for that matter, that’s normally performed acoustically. Then there’s that EDM-leaning transition into a reggaetón thump that instantly tugs at your hip; this, coupled with atmospheric coos flowing by, adds minimal euphoric effects. Jhayco and Pluma exchange gauzy verses as they continue to position themselves as two of Latin music’s most exhilarating acts.
Formerly known as Jhay Cortez, the songwriter/producer has made a name for himself as one of the most sought-after artists of the Latin trap and reggaetón landscape — yet his willingness to experiment with Latin indie and electronic dance set him apart early on. The Puerto Rican hitmaker is also poised to go on a U.S. tour, Vida Rockstar, which kicks off September 28th. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Mora, ESTRELLA (Rimas Entertainment)
The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter’s new album may be his most eclectic yet, both sonically and thematically. ESTRELLA, 14-track set released on Monday (Aug. 28), finds Mora dabbling in reggaetón, perreo, trap and electronic, featuring a star-studded roster of collaborators — with OGs and newcomers alike, including Arcángel, Yandel, RaiNao, Alvaro Diaz, Dei V and Saiko.
Whether you’re in love, overcoming heartbreak or just want some good escapism music, there’s something for everyone in the album: From the intergalactic romantic opening track “MEDIA LUNA” to the slowed down reflective “DONDE SE APRENDE A QUERER? and the fast-paced, club-ready “LAGUNA” with Arcángel. Putting Mora’s versatility at the forefront, the artist assembled an A-star team of producers for the LP, such as Ovy on the Drums, Sky Rompiendo and MAG. “I would define the album as a combination of all I can musically contribute,” Mora says about ESTRELLA, which you can stream above. — GRISELDA FLORES
Camilo & Diljit Dosanjh, “Palpita” (Sony Music Latin)
Camilo teams up with Bollywood actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh for this mid-tempo pop single with captivating urban desi elements. In the new track — which talks about how their hearts pound strongly for the person they desire — both artists take turns singing in their respective native languages, with Camilo joining Dosanjh towards the end in a verse in Punjabi.
“I already have your address/ A plane has more brakes than me/ The two of us in the room/ And my heart/ Beats and beats…,” says part of the lyrics in Spanish. “Palpita” is Camilo’s second summer song for Coke Studio after his participation in Jon Batiste’s “Be Who You Are (Real Magic)” along with other international artists. “I have always been fascinated by Indian culture and tradition,” he says in a press release. “I had the opportunity to go there and I fell in love. Years later I am very impressed by what is happening with Punjabi music and how artists like Diljit are bringing their tradition, their music and their sound out to the whole world.” In the official lyric video, Camilo is seen sharing happy moments in the studio with Dosanjh. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Marc Seguí & Pablo Alborán, “MARIPOSAS” (Warner Music Spain)
Spanish artists Marc Seguí and Pablo Alborán join forces in “Mariposas” (“Butterflies”), a romantic pop song to fall in love with, featuring piano and violin melodies. The theme is an ode to the illusion, expectation and all the emotions experienced by someone who is beginning to fall in love. Between sweet melodies and accelerated lines, they sing playful verses like: “You are sugar for a diabetic/ Or green and white for a betic/ Your face is naturally pretty, you don’t need cosmetics”/ And in a hypothetical case I want my children to carry your genetic code.”
In the colorful, theatrical-style video — where the color pink, a grand piano and histrionic elements such as the sweater and big shoes that Seguí is wearing predominate — the song departs from the honeyed tinge that tends to prevail in romantic songs to become an honest and fun tune to express yourself about that special one. — LUISA CALLE
Gocho, Wisin & Redimi2, “Conectate conmigo” (Forgiven Music)
Gocho “El Lápiz de Platino” recruits Wisin and Redimi2 to deliver a powerful, heart-touching song that conveys hope and blessings for those who need the message. “Conéctate conmigo,” an urban-tinged ballad, spotlights Gocho’s soft signature vocals, fused with the powerful voices of reggaetón star Wisin and Christian music rapper Redimi2. “This song is about that moment when we say, ‘Enough! I don’t want to keep running away, I don’t want to stay far from God, I want to get closer and connect with God and live in communion and friendship with Him,’” Gocho says in a press statement. The ultra-personal new track is the first single from his upcoming EP, No Soy el Mismo (Lado B), the second part to No Soy El Mismo (Lado A) released in May. — INGRID FAJARDO
Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.
Listen to the New Music Latin playlist below:
