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.
Mau y Ricky, “Libélulas” (Why Club Records)
Mau and Ricky present a new mid-tempo pop single as pleasant to the ear as the waves of the sea. In the nostalgic and relaxed “Libélulas,” the Montaner brothers sing softly about a relationship that has already ended, but which they do not lose hope of resuming. “And if in a few years there is no one else, give me a son/ This is real, this is real/ It doesn’t say anything that hasn’t happened to anyone/ This can work,” goes part of the chorus.
“‘Libélulas’ is a song that we made with the intention of telling a feeling that at some point we have had in our real life,” Mau and Ricky say in a press release. “We wanted to keep the essence of Hotel Caracas, the sonority and aesthetics that has given us so much joy, and we believe that ‘Libélulas’ has all those elements.” Driven by guitar riffs, Latin percussion, and fresh, laid-back arrangements, the song — one you might listen to on repeat while driving – comes with a cheerful music video filmed with a retro style on a beach. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Elena Rose, Maria Becerra, “Pa’ Qué Volviste?” (Kira Records/Warner Music Latina)
In a first collaborative effort, Elena Rose and Maria Becerra drop the very empowering, very relatable “Pa’ Qué Volviste?” Backed by synth melodies and soft keyboards, Elena starts off by saying she woke up and is feeling great—especially after doing everything to forget about her ex. “And now that I’m almost happy/ You ruin my life by writing to me again,” she chants before the beat transitions into a captivating cumbia rhythm meshed with urban melodies. “Why did you come back if you already left?/ I almost erased the kisses you gave me,” Becerra chimes in during the chorus. Its notable hook promises to become a fan favorite on social media: “If they ask for me, tell them that I’m doing good and super hot,” the Venezuelan and Argentine powerhouses sing — both wearing weeding dresses in the music video, as they celebrate life, friendship and being single. — JESSICA ROIZ
Ela Taubert & Joe Jonas, “¿Cómo Pasó?” (Universal Music Latino / Arthouse)
This new bilingual version of Ela Taubert’s single released in February takes the original song — which peaked at No. 12 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay chart — to a new level, making it a universal anthem. The powerful voices of both artists, which alternate and unite beautifully singing in Spanish and English, inject new energy into “¿Cómo Pasó?” — a song about the complexities of love and heartbreak (whose title in English means “How did it happen?”) — adding to verse lyrics such as “Pero si era tan bueno, ¿por qué no duró?” (But if it was so good, why didn’t it last?), and others like the infectious chorus refrain “It looks so easy for you to walk away.” The duo premiered the collaboration on Thursday (November 14) in an electrifying number at the Latin Grammys, where the Colombian singer-songwriter ended up taking the coveted award for best new artist. Given her exceptional talent, no one would wonder how THAT happened. — S.R.A.
Rauw Alejandro, Cosa Nuestra (Sony Music Latin/Duars Entertainment)
Rauw Alejandro is dripping elegance, maturity and glamour on his new album Cosa Nuestra. The 18-track set — which marks a brand new era, both musically and personally for Rauw — takes fans beyond his signature perreo, R&B and trap sounds. Crafted with live instruments, the album finds Rauw flirting with salsa, merengue, bolero and kizomba music, but also honing the electro-funk fusions and keeping faithful to his urban roots.
“If you lose your essence, you lose everything,” he explained to Billboard. “I always try to look for a happy medium, not only what I like to listen to as an artist, but also what my fans like.” Cosa Nuestra, inspired by the 1970s era in New York, represents culture and community, bringing together collaborators such as Bad Bunny, Romeo Santos, Pharrell Williams and Laura Pausini, for this new era of Rauw — one that’s mature, healed and liberating. — J.R.
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
