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.
Natti Natasha, Natti Natasha en Amargue (Pina Records/Sony Music Latin)
Natti Natasha continues to explore the sound of bachata on her fourth studio album, Natti Natasha en Amargue, a 10-track set produced by the king of the genre himself, Romeo Santos. From the opening song “Desde Hoy,” through “Escasez de Besos” and “Cansada,” the Dominican singer shows off her deep, raspy voice as she addresses topics such as heartbreak and betrayal with empowering lyrics of growth and self-respect. The set includes the previously released singles “Tu Loca” and “Quiéreme Menos,” as well as a collaboration with Ozuna, “Ya No Comparto,” in which a couple decides their fate after infidelity.
Santos’ trademark is felt from beginning to end, with elegant arrangements, instrumentation and back-up vocals providing a solid framework for the singer. “All these songs are an offering of love and gratitude to the Dominican Republic and to all those who have embraced bachata, in all its forms, especially to my great friend, songwriter and producer Romeo Santos,” says Natti in a statement. The union of both artists is a success. While they’re not reinventing the wheel by any means, Natti Natasha en Amargue sounds like an instant classic. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Xavi & Manuel Turizo, “En Privado” (Interscope Records)
For Xavi and Manuel Turizo’s first collaborative effort, you’d expect them to go either the música Mexicana or pop-reggaetón route — but never a bachata. “En Privado” (in private) is just that, a surprising fusion between the tropical Dominican genre (one that Turizo has dominated) and Xavi’s signature tumbados románticos sound. Produced by Andy Clay, the track is a dedication to “la mas chula del barrio” (the most beautiful girl in the block), with a lot of hard-to-decline invitations and exciting promises. “I’m going to steal you, I’m going to maintain you/ A night in Cancun, and the next in Dubai,” Turizo chants, while Xavi also proposes: “Everything you want, my sweetheart/ I’ll even erase the girls I have on Instagram.” — JESSICA ROIZ
Silvestre Dangond & Emilia, “Vestido Rojo” (Sony Music Latin)
Silvestre Dangond’s melodic vocals could carry the entire song without any other instruments in two, but when his voice joins the vallenato’s accordion, there’s an explosion of rhythms that make this song so catchy. Argentine star Emilia joins Dangond at the minute-mark, adding her velvet vocals to the cumbia track. “Vestido Rojo” is almost like a call and response with Dangond expressing his desire to be with the women in red who seems to be playing hard to get. But he may be overthinking it. Her response? “I didn’t want anything but now I’ll give you everything,” she sings. The Colombian artist says of his collab with Emilia in a statement, “Her way of interpreting gives a new dimension to ‘Vestido Rojo’, and together we achieved a song that we hope will connect deeply with the public.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Calle 24 x Fuerza Regida, “Como Estrella” (Street Mob/Warner Music Latina)
“Como Estrella,” the latest collaboration between Calle 24 and Fuerza Regida, captivates with its evocative blend of somber brass, warm nylon strings, and introspective lyrics. Traversing the themes of perseverance and celestial guidance, the song is layered with Diego Millán’s soaring vocal range and JOP’s impactful interjections. As the chosen theme for Netflix’s series Prison Cell 211, “Como Estrella” superbly enhances the dramatic narrative. “Being part of the Prison Cell 211 soundtrack is a very important step in my career,” Diego Millán shared in a press release. “This series portrays an intense and raw reality, full of strong emotions and personal struggles, and ‘Como Estrella’ fits perfectly with that story. It’s a song that speaks of absence, memories, and the strength left behind by those who are no longer with us.” — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Los Tigres del Norte, “La Lotería” (Fonovisa)
Los Tigres del Norte return to political-social corridos — with the double-meanings and metaphors that have characterized the group’s career of more than half a century. The song’s title is named after to a typical Mexican board game that’s similar to Bingo. Penned by Luciano Luna, the lyrics compare the characters on “la lotería” game to real-life situations and people, referring to current issues that governments have not been able to resolve. “This life is just like the lottery and there are some who play the brave/ They do everything to climb the ladder because the crown makes them influential,” Los Tigres sings in its well-known traditional northern style. The first single from the group’s upcoming album is accompanied by a very special music video: a short film made by filmmaker Sergio Arau, creator of the acclaimed documentary Un Día Sin Mexicanos, which takes on even more value in these times of uncertainty that immigrants are experiencing. — TERE AGUILERA
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
