Jesus Fernando Espinosa
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.
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Check out the latest videos, charts and news
Karin Leon, Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 (SociosMusic)
It's no secret that Karin Leon's musical influences are extremely diverse. In fact, he once told Billboard that the first song he sang as a child was Queen's “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and that he was born in Sonora, Mexico, where Mexican music dominates, which is why he started singing regional Mexican music. In just a few years, he has become one of the most important representatives of Mexican music today, singing with both R&B beats and Norteño accordion, globalizing a style that was once considered niche. Now, with Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, he fully embraces his experimental roots, generously showcasing his musical chameleon and innovation.
From pop (“Otra Vez”), R&B (“Despídase Bien”), choral (“Casi Oficial”), alternative rock (“Frené Mis Pies”), and even cumbia ska (“No Sé” with Pantheon Rococo), it's worth noting that León hasn't completely abandoned the norteño sound that made him a star. The 34-year-old singer enhances his core sound by incorporating subtle influences from country and R&B. One thing is clear: no matter what genre he sings in, León is right on the money, cementing his place as one of the most versatile and multitalented artists in Latin music. To fully experience Karin León, it's important to listen to the album from start to finish. This is a masterful album that sets the bar high for future releases. And this is only the first of two volumes. — Griselda Flores
Olga Tañon, Así Yo Soy (Opción1 Entertainment)
If the opening title track is any indication, Olga Tañon is living life to the fullest (and without rules) on her new studio album. On the breezy mambo reggaeton of “Así Soy Yo,” she makes it clear that she's not changing her ways for anyone. What remains consistent, though, is her reign as “La Mujer de Fuego,” with Christian Alicia on “Vamos A Ser Feliz,” with Sergio Vargas on “Escondidos,” and with Eddie Herrera on “Ya No Soy Ajena,” a clever response to Herrera's 2001 smash hit, “Tu Eres Ajena.”
The Puerto Rican tropical star continues to experiment on Así Yo Soy. Her powerful voice and strong, relatable lyrics shine on the vallenato track “Enseñame,” sung by Jorge Celedon and Rainier, the Mexican tune “Amarte Me Hace Daño,” and the punky “America.” Rock out to “Tu Quieres Que Contigo Yo Me Vaya.” The setlist closes with the deeply personal ballad “No Sé Quien Soy,” a collaboration with Rainier. — Jessica Royce
Mau y Ricky, Hotel Caracas (Warner Music Latina)
For their third studio album, Mau y Ricky literally returned to their roots, spending three months traveling through their native Venezuela, 15 years after moving to Miami as children. Under the guidance of producer Malay (Frank Ocean, Lorde, Fletcher) and inspired by the music they listened to growing up, the Montaner brothers created songs with entirely acoustic arrangements, lots of horns and brass, experimenting with pop, funk, Latin and urban sounds.
The result was Hotel Caracas, a 15-track album that includes the previously released singles “Vas a Destrozarme,” “Pasado Mañana,” “Gran Día” and “Canción 2” featuring Guaynaa, as well as collaborations with Arcángel “Hasta Olvidarte” and Ilegales “Espectacular.” Each song is accompanied by a music video filmed in different locations in Venezuela and a 15-episode documentary directed by Daniel Duran that follows their exciting journey, available to watch here.
“Hotel Caracas is a journey into the future while reconnecting with our roots,” Mau y Ricky said in a press release. “Fueled by curiosity, we rediscovered our passion for writing songs without following conventions or rules.” Featuring songs like “Muriendo de Miedo,” “David Beckham,” “Amarte Tanto” and “Karma,” it's a fun-filled journey full of nostalgia, humor and good vibes from start to finish. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Gusi, Monte Adentro (Gaira Musica Local)
On Monte Adentro , Gusi infuses his pop sound while embarking on a deeply introspective journey to reconnect with his Caribbean roots. “This album is an invitation to see where we belong,” Gusi enthused at the launch of his new album in Miami on May 30. “Many of us came to America with dreams of potential that never ended, but there is always an invisible thread there that connects us to some corner, some place.”
The seven-track set is a collaborative project between Gusi and iconic Latin producer Emilio Estefan Jr. They worked together at Crescent Moon Studios in Miami. In Gusi's words, “Being in that studio felt like I'd won an award.” They worked on the album for 10 days. Estefan spoke to Billboard during the release, explaining that for him, music has to be done quickly to maintain its magic. “Music is like love; you click and fall in love quickly and then you fall out of love quickly,” he says.
The album aims to celebrate the diversity of Latin America, and that's beautifully expressed on this album filled with a rich blend of accordion, trumpet, guitar and Gusi's sweet voice. You can hear it on “Amores No Correspondidos,” “Me Voy Contigo” and “Mil Ave Marias,” featuring the folksy flauta de milo. Meanwhile, the focus track is the album's namesake, and it encapsulates everything that means to Gusi and the importance of always wanting to go back to his roots. — Ingrid Fajardo
Omar Montes, Lola Indigo & Las Chuches, “EL PANTALON (RUMBAS)” (Sony Music Latin)
Spanish singer Omar Montes delivers a summer blast with his vibrant collaboration with fellow hitmakers Lola Indigo and Las Chuches on “El Pantalon Rumba.” This upbeat flamenco rumba-meets-urban track is a remix of Las Chuches' 2004 hit “El Pantalon.” “Looking for the square to buy some pants/Make them fit, make them fit hesitantly,” the pair sing in unison, while the video clip sees them strolling through a local market searching for (you guessed it) the famous pants. — Luisa Calle
Manuel Medrano “Perfecto” (Warner Music Mexico)
Manuel Medrano takes his time between albums, and they turn out great because of it. Perfecto was released three years after Eterno, but it was worth the wait. Perfecto is sophisticated yet commercial, exploring pop, funk, dance and soul with elegance and attitude. “Verano En NY” lives up to its title: mellow, urbane and fun. “Este Cuento” is uptempo pop that mixes dance and acoustic guitar. “Luna” (with Arthur Hanlon on piano) is a grand acoustic ballad backed by atmospheric strings. And “Miel” is pure disco. Throughout, Medrano's deep, distinctive voice and well-crafted lyrics shine through, always a delightful combination. — LEILA COBO
Grupo Firme, “El Beneficio de la Duda” (Music VIP Entertainment)
Grupo Firme is known for their party songs, but how well can they sing ballads? In “El Beneficio de la Duda,” composed by José Favela, Eduin Caz unleashes emotion rarely seen in his music. Accompanied by an accordion lament, this norteño ballad is short and beautiful. “I don't deserve the benefit of the doubt, but I'd be grateful if one day you gave it to me,” Caz pleads in the video, singing in the rain and showing another side of his great musicality. — L. Cobo
Manu Chao, “Viva Tú” (Radio Bemba)
Manu Chao's latest single, “Viva Tú,” has a nostalgic, poetic feel and pays tribute to heartfelt connections. The eternal troubadour captures life's simple joys and weaves them into a personal yet universal ode. The song is enhanced by the stirring strumming of a nylon guitar over the mellow rhythm of a rumba. Flamenco-inspired vocal embellishments further enrich the track. The song previews his upcoming solo studio album, due later this year, and his first since 2007's “La Radiolina.” “Cada día que me enamoro,” he sings, as he celebrates everyday heroines, from the baker to the cleaner, with each verse bursting with admiration and celebrating the subtle beauty of everyday interactions. — Isabella Raygoza
Listen to more Latino picks from our editors in the playlist below.