New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard’s Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Carin León, Carlos Vives & Chimbala, “La Chancleta” (Socios Music/Virgin Music/Island Records)
The unexpected fusion of Mexican, Colombian, and Dominican musical elements in “La Chancleta” is a delightful surprise, where Carín León collaborates with Carlos Vives and Chimbala. The upbeat song laces Vives’ tropical vallenato rhythms from the Colombian coast with Chimbala’s rapid and infectious Dembow melodies, all while León’s husky vocals bid farewell to a bad love. “No guardaste el pan para Mayo,” says part of the playful lyrics, which translates to “you did not save the bread for May” — a popular Spanish phrase that stresses the importance of saving for the future to avoid problems. — INGRID FAJARDO
Jesse & Joy and Banda MS, “Te Perdí” (Warner Music Latina)
Finding the middle ground between their characteristic pop sound and banda sinaloense, Jesse & Joy venture to experiment with regional Mexican music with Banda MS on the song “Te Perdí.” The sweet female vocals that have conquered different generations merges perfectly with that of Alan Ramírez, one of the singers of the group that is characterized by its success with romantic songs. “And although it sounds silly, I know deep down I lost you/ If your heart is gone, then what is left for me to fight,” goes part of the lyrics to this pleasant-to-the-ear and easy-to-remember song. — TERE AGUILERA
Feid & Maisak, “Se Me Olvida” (Universal Music Latino)
Despite being one of the biggest names in the reggaetón space today, Feid never holds back from supporting the new generation of urbano acts. “Se Me Olvida” attests to that, where the Colombian superstar teams up with promising newcomer Maisak, hailing from Santa Marta, Colombia. Produced by Fenix the Producer and co-penned by the two artists, “Se Me Olvida” is a romantic reggaetón ballad, where the heartfelt lyrics shine on its own. “I keep forgetting that I’m your ex, that I lost you/ And now the love of my life is with the love of her life,” goes the catchy chorus, which first went viral on Maisak’s TikTok — and as a result, Feid jumped on the track. — JESSICA ROIZ
Joaquina, “no llames lo mío nuestro” (Universal Music Latino/Arthouse)
In her latest single “No Llames Lo Mío Nuestro” (Don’t Call What’s Mine Ours), Joaquina captures the strength of a young woman reluctant to make the same mistakes of the past. In this emotional pop track, the Venezuelan singer-songwriter sings to an ex who is looking to get back with her that she has closed that chapter and overcome their toxic relationship. “I can no longer be here for you whenever you want, don’t try to cover the sun with a finger/ You can no longer take the parts of me that you want, don’t come back because I’m no longer waiting for you/ Don’t call what’s mine ours,” goes the chorus. Driven by a guitar sound that’s perhaps more poppy than her previous work, the single is a new evolutionary step in the brilliant career of the youngest Latin Grammy best new artist winner, both musically and lyrically. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Cimafunk, Pa’ Tu Cuerpa (Terapia Productions/Thirty Tigers)
Erik Alejandro Iglesias Rodríguez, known as Cimafunk and originally from Pinar del Río, Cuba, redefines funk with his new album Pa’ tu Cuerpa. The set is a sonic mosaic that fuses Afro-Cuban rhythms with the contagious groove of R&B and the harmonic sensuality of soul, evoking giants like Earth, Wind & Fire, but with a Latin flavor. The album stands out for its originality, creating an exciting, danceable bridge between African American and Latin music. In addition, the musical arrangements are complex and dynamic, while Cimafunk’s performance is pure energy, charisma and mischief in each song.
Among the gems of the album, the single “Cuchi Cuchi” stands out for its magnetism, while “Catalina”, together with Monsieur Periné, shines for its fusion of styles and contagious joy. “Pretty” adds a note of sensuality and flavor, and closer “A tu merced” — a collaboration with Camila Guevara, Pancho Céspedes and Gonzalo Rubalcaba — ends the set with a more introspective cadence. With Pa’ tu Cuerpa, Cimafunk not only delivers “what your body needs,” but solidifies his place as one of the most innovative and captivating artists in contemporary music. — LUISA CALLE
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
