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.
Eladio Carrion, Sol María (Rimas Entertainment)
Puerto Rican trap star Eladio Carrión exhibits a newfound depth and versatility on his sixth studio album, Sol María. This heartfelt ode to his mother not only lends an intimate touch to his evolving sound, but also displays his family values and his journey of making his parents proud, all while retaining his distinctive no-holds-barred flow and swagger.
The album opens with “Bendecido,” a commanding trap ballad that sets the tone with its focus on familial devotion and resilience. On “Sonrisa,” Carrión shines, weaving a narrative about a captivating smile that leaves him utterly smitten, set against an invigorating mix of Jersey club and dembow. “Sigo Enamorau’,” featuring Yandel, reinvents Sean Paul and Sasha’s “dutty rock” classic “I’m Still In Love With You,” while playfully celebrating his admiration for his lover’s assets. He turns up the vibe on “Todo Lit,” merging raucous lyrics with sinister keys atop a subdued trap beat alongside featured guest Duki. Carrión ventures into a sultry R&B terrain with “Hey Lil Mama,” a Rauw Alejandro collab that strikes a balance between sensuality and sweltering beats.
The album culminates with the gut-wrenching outro ballad “Mama’s Boy,” featuring Nach, where Carrión delves into a well of raw, candid emotion, paying homage to his mother in a way that transcends mere words. “Sol María, hoy te doy tus flores,” he croons with honesty and vulnerability, coupled with poignant lyricism.
Throughout Sol María, Carrión seamlessly navigates a range of genres — from Afrobeats to dancehall to Jersey club — without compromising his trap and reggaetón roots. In summary, it’s a testament to Eladio Carrión’s growth as an artist. It respects his origins while pushing creative boundaries, demonstrating his commitment to his craft and the values that shape his music. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Prince Royce, “Cosas de la Peda” ft. Gabito Ballesteros (Sony Music Latin)
Prince Royce has found a way to flawlessly fuse bachata with música mexicana in “Cosas de la Peda,” featuring emerging regional Mexican artist Gabito Ballesteros. The heartbreak song starts off with a wailing trombone that sets the tone for the melancholic lyrics about drowning your sorrows in alcohol after a bad breakup. “Cosas” is an ideal balance of bachata’s hip-swiveling beats and regional Mexican’s signature instruments, such as the requinto, tololoche and trombone (mainly used in corridos tumbados). While it’s not the first time Prince Royce has teamed up with a regional Mexican artist — in 2017 he collaborated with Gerardo Ortiz on the all bachata song “Moneda” — it is the first time he’s merged the two genres, and the end result is chef’s kiss. — GRISELDA FLORES
Luis Fonsi, “Santiago” (Universal Music Latino)
Continuing with the theme of songs inspired by Latin American cities, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Luis Fonsi continues his journey with the single “Santiago”, the third preview of his upcoming album El Viaje. Written by Fonsi, Mauricio Rengifo, Andrés Torres and Keityn and augmented with string arrangements, the heartfelt ballad tells of a couple seeing that the good times in a relationship are in the past and deciding to take different paths. “’Santiago’ talks about when in a relationship you feel an obvious disconnection — when they live at opposite poles, but do not dare to accept reality,” the singer-songwriter expresses about the release. The song’s video featuers a montage of destruction that deepens the song’s message. — LUISA CALLE
Rusherking & Flor Alvarez, “Con Vos” (Fifty One)
As Billboard editors predicted, a new generation of artists is keeping cumbia music alive in 2024. “Con Vos,” a collaboration between Argentine artist Rusherking and newcomer Flor Alvarez (one of Billboard’s On the Radar Latin artists) is a testament to that. The feel-good track, produced by Emanero, is backed by traditional cumbia villera melodies and undertones of urban beats. “With you, I spent the best days of my life, let’s go back to that/ The same look, the same desire to give you a kiss/ I don’t know if you remember, we were happy with little money/ And now that I’m doing better, I want to get back with you,” says the sweet chorus. A known urban act, Rusher has previously flirted with other genres, such as bachata and now cumbia. For Flor, on the other hand, this is the genre that is making her a local household name (she gained virality on TikTok thanks to singing cumbia covers in the streets and trains of Argentina). — JESSICA ROIZ
Jacob Collier feat. Camilo, “Mi Corazón” (Hajanga Records)
English singer and songwriter Jacob Collier teams up with Colombian star Camilo in this sweet, upbeat bilingual pop song about the concept of love evolving over time. Written by the two artists over an in-person jam session in Los Angeles, after having met in Japan, “Mi Corazón” alternates between soft, tender verses and a vigorous chorus that will make your head bop: “My heart/ Mi corazón, mi corazón/ My heart/ Tú siempre vas a estar en mi corazón.” The music video, directed by Ben Proulx, is as joyful and powerful as the track, with wholesome images of children playing in different scenes.
“Camilo is without doubt one of my favorite humans and musical forces on the planet,” Collier said in a press release. “I am overjoyed this song is in the world!” Camilo added: “Collaborating with such a musical genius can be intimidating, but I can honestly say that working with him on ‘Mi Corazón’ was one of the most enlightening, creative, and personal experiences I’ve ever had.” The song is the latest single from Collier’s forthcoming album Djesse Vol. 4, to be released on Feb. 29. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Damian, “Me Enamoro” (WOW! Oficina de Artistas)
Colombian singer-songwriter Damian released his latest single, “Me Enamoro,” which is the perfect love letter. Fusing vallenato, sweet Latin pop, and refreshing tropical sounds, Damian’s soft and endearing vocals describe that true, genuine love that can’t be compared and that is felt from the soul. “Me Enamoro” was penned, arranged, and produced by Damian and multi-Latin Grammy Award-winner Luis Ortega. The accompanying video was directed by Harlyn Camargo and produced by Harlyn Go Inc., and filmed between the Spanish cities of Madrid and Seville. — INGRID FAJARDO
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