Anna Weber, Penske Media
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
Fuerza Regida, Perro No Te Enamores (Street Mob Records/Rancho Humilde)
Harnessing the savage spirit of Collados Belicos and the dancefloor frenzy of EDM, Fuerza Regida's latest project, Perro No Te Enamoles, is a bold and unprecedented fusion of regional Mexican bravado and Jersey club action. With lyrical theatricality and unapologetically “fuckboy” charisma, frontman Jesús Ortiz Paz (JOP) tells a gritty story with every bass drop and brass blast, guiding listeners into a bold new chapter they've dubbed “Jersey Collados.”
Produced in Colombia and Mexico City, the irreverent 15-track album is a perfect blend of electronic music dynamism and the soulful undercurrent of musica mexicana. They tapped producers Gord (best known for working on Drake's Baltimore club hit “Sticky”) and Synthetik, the man behind Lil Uzi Vert's Jersey club smash “Just Wanna Rock,” whose cutting-edge production style has brought Mexican music into the main room.
The album's focal track, “Nel,” begins with a stirring vocal and builds to a seductive crescendo before abruptly changing direction, entwining the pulsating pulse of Jersey club beats with powerful reggaeton. “Sofía,” a synergistic powerhouse featuring Major Lazer and Alok, showcases the frenetic flair that characterizes Fuerza's approach while capturing dance music's global resonance. The album culminates with the bombastic, guitar- and brass-driven “Jesús,” the powerful traditional corrido lines of “Belinda,” and the thrilling drill-influenced track “Freestyle.”
The San Bernardino band's innovative leap into Jersey corridos does more than just blend two different genres; it carves out a new niche in the musical lexicon and proves that barrio and dancehall can indeed share a unique, resonant pulse. — Isabella Raygoza
Piso 21 & Ozuna “Fichaje del Año” (Warner Music Mexico)
In their first collaboration, Piso21 and Ozuna deliver a new song that will make any woman feel more confident. On “Fichaje del Año” (translated as “Deal of the Year”), the Colombian group and Puerto Rican artist sing about being the perfect woman, but their partner doesn't realize it. “He doesn't say anything/ Seeing your beauty/ You're the perfect woman/ But he treats you normally/ He doesn't deserve you/ Remember you're the perfect woman,” she sings in the chorus. Produced by ICON, Jowan and Loro, the pop-reggaetón cut features smooth requintos and a gentle reminder that it's important to love yourself above all else. “You have to let go and accept that it's not your place.” […] “He doesn't know how lucky he is to have you,” the song continues. — Jessica Royce
Grupo Frontera & Romeo Santos “Angel” (Grupo Frontera)
While this isn't the first time bachata and Mexican music have come together, it is the first time Grupo Frontera and Romeo Santos have teamed up to create a song. Their first collaboration is a delicate, entrancing bachata song that sees Santos's soothing, velvety voice meet Payo's melodic voice. “Ángel” sings about love and commitment that transcends time and circumstance. Produced by Santos, Edgar Varela, and Casta, the song primarily features traditional bachata sounds, but listen to the end to hear Frontera's signature norteño accordion orchestrating the ultimate fusion of norteño and bachata. — Griselda Flores
Fabiola Rouda: “Que Te Vaya Bien”
Guatemalan singer-songwriter Fabiola Ruda delivers a soul masterclass with her new song, “Que Te Vaya Bien” (Good Luck), an exquisite, nostalgic ballad brimming with sentiment. Combining elements of soulful blues and gospel, the song showcases Ruda's powerful vocals as she gracefully sings about letting go of a love story and hoping for happiness. Ruda composed this emotional song accompanied by acoustic guitar and produced in her home country by Frank Castillejos and David Suarez. — Ingrid Fajardo
Elsa y Elmer “Ké MaL” (Sony Music Mexico)
Elsa Carvajal, better known by her project Elsa y Elmar, debuted “Ké Mal” this week, a pop song perfect for gushing about heartbreak. “It's a pity that in life we met when we were ready/Your life now has a labyrinth/It's a pity that we don't want the same,” sings the Colombian star, wistfully, over the syncopated rhythms of electric guitar and drums. Produced by Elsa and Julián Bernal, “Ké Mal” is the fourth single from her new album PALACIO, due for release on August 30th. It's a great complement to the previously released “entre las libros,” “palacio <3" and "VISTO," featuring Álvaro de Luna. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Monsieur Perinet feat. Bejuco “Jardín del Paraíso” (5020 Records)
Colombian Monsieur Perrine will join Afro-Colombian soul group Bejuco to represent Colombia at the COP16 Biodiversity Summit with the song “Jardín del Paraíso”. Featuring marimba and the sounds of Colombia's rich Pacific coast and inspired by the ancestral songs of the region, this beautiful environmental ode invites you to immerse yourself in the sounds of mangroves and the depths of nature. The song was released in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund to coincide with the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, raising awareness of the impacts of climate on these important ecosystems and their respective communities. The interpretations, musical arrangements and music video create an experience that puts the spotlight on the artists' roots while encouraging the conservation of these natural treasures. — Luisa Calle
Listen to more Latino picks from our editors in the playlist below.