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.
Luis Fonsi & Feid, “Cambiaré” (Universal Music Latino)
The year has kicked off with both Luis Fonsi and Feid in their “salsero” era. “Cambiaré,” an unexpected collaboration, creates versatility in both artists’ careers, notably reconnecting Fonsi to his tropical roots. The lyrics convey melancholy, telling the story of a person who misses someone and feels they are improving to get back with their ex. Driven by salsa’s infectious rhythms and reimagined through a modern lens, the song — which bridges generations and honors tradition — laces Fonsi’s soaring vocals with Feid’s smooth, melodic voice. Crafted by Fonsi, Feid, Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo, with production by Marcos Sánchez, the song comes alive visually in a vibrant and joyful music video filmed in the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico by Carlos Perez of ElasticPeople. — INGRID FAJARDO
Juanes, “Hagamos Que” (Universal Music Latino)
Juanes continues to fuel anticipation for his 12th studio album, scheduled for release this spring, with a radiant fourth single about the desire to begin an eternal relationship with the woman of his dreams asap. “Let’s make it so that/ With every kiss we share tonight, we stop time/ Let’s make it so that/ The clouds come down and we dance on the ice until we’re breathless,” the Colombian superstar sings in Spanish with infectious euphoria in this uptempo rock/pop song. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Ana Tijoux & DJ Dacel, “Vinos y Vinilos” (Altafonte)
The iconic Chilean rapper Ana Tijoux reunites with DJ Dacel, one of the most renowned producers and beatmakers in Chile’s music scene, on “Vinos y Vinilos,” the first single from their upcoming EP, titled 97, paying homage to the year they met and began a long friendship and productive musical collaboration. Recorded between Santiago and Barcelona, the track fuses rap, samples and introspective atmospheres with polished touches by Dacel. It revives classic elements of rap, incorporating sensitive and contemporary sounds, while its lyrics mention many of Tijoux’s greatest musical influences, including D’Angelo, Nas’ Illmatic, Slum Village, A Tribe Called Quest and Black Star. — NATALIA CANO
Lunay, “Ojalá” (La Familia/Rimas Entertainment)
Lunay returns to the scene with “Ojalá,” marking his first single in nearly a year — it follows his collaboration with Hades66 and J Abdiel, “Me Grita,” which came out last February. Now, still maintaining his clean cut, boy-next-door features, the Puerto Rican artist demonstrates a new career chapter. Co-written by the artist himself (real name: Jefnier Osorio Moreno) and co-produced by Jorge Milliano, Puka and Gaby Music, “Ojalá” evokes romanticism, desire and love, backed by a suave Latin Afrobeats rhythm. “Hopefully you will be forever/ After you I don’t want a new girl/ Because you have it all/ I no longer need anything else,” Lunay sings in the chorus with his deep, sugary vocals. — JESSICA ROIZ
Zelaya & Gusi, “No Me Llores” (Jupiter Records)
For the first time, Colombian singer-songwriter Gusi and Guatemalan singer-songwriter Zelaya unite their talents, weaving together the vibrant spirit of their homelands in a song that celebrates love and the richness of life. “No Me Llores” stays true to Gusi’s gentle tropical rhythms and velvety vocals, while Zelaya’s romantic lyrics add a heartfelt touch. The lyrics are warm and optimistic, inviting you to shift your perspective even in difficult moments and reminding you that it is always possible to turn any situation around. Co-written by both artists and produced with Luis Salazar, the song features the beautiful landscapes of Guatemala, visually accompanying the song and bringing it to life.— I.F.
Grupo Máximo Grado & Thalia, “Miro tu cara en la luna” (Warner Music Mexico)
Thalia returns to regional Mexican music, but this time not in the corrido tumbado style. The superstar joins forces with Christian Félix, leader of Grupo Máximo Grado, for this song written by him that makes us want to dance from the very first note. It’s a delightful combination, very much in the style of Juan Gabriel, with an accordion in the background, electric guitar and a drum beat that offers even more energy. Grupo Máximo Grado, one of the most representative acts of the corrido movement of the past decade, is taking a new direction in its career this year with new sounds — and what better way to do it than with a global figure like Thalia? She sounds joyful and is clearly enjoying the rhythm of the song, singing lyrics like: “And we both got lost in time/ We captured our whole story in a tale/ Soon we both fell silent/ It filled us with excitement and suspense”? — TERE AGUILERA
RIA, “Soy Fan” (Virgin Music Group)
With “Soy Fan,” RIA crafts a love-soaked ode to the present — the rare kind of romantic corrido from today’s música mexicana landscape that beams with optimism and gratitude. Framed by the elegance of traditional corrido instrumentation, understated brass accents and rhythmic guitars, the track glows with warmth as the Mexicali newcomer celebrates the euphoria of unconditional love. Romance without complication, “Soy Fan” is a feel-good anthem for the unapologetically enamored. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Banda Estrellas de Sinaloa & Saúl “El Jaguar”, “El 7 Mares” (Luz Record)
On the week marking the 100th anniversary of José Alfredo Jiménez’s birth, this tribute arrives from one of the most iconic bands in Sinaloan music, Banda Estrellas de Sinaloa de Germán Lizárraga, accompanied by another figure in regional Mexican music, Saúl “El Jaguar.” Together, they pay homage to the king of ranchera music with a superb version of “El 7 Mares,” a fusion with mariachi touches that is truly captivating. This classic ranchera song was originally released in 1963 and is a metaphor for overcoming life’s difficult moments. — T.A.
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
