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.
Fuerza Regida, Pero No Te Enamores (Street Mob Records/Rancho Humilde)
Harnessing the blistering spirit of corridos bélicos and the dance-floor fervor of EDM, the latest venture from Fuerza Regida launches into a bold, unprecedented meld of regional Mexican bravado and pulsating Jersey club in Pero No Te Enamores. With lyrical theatrics and unapologetic “f–kboy” charisma, frontman Jesús Ortiz Paz (JOP) ushers listeners into this audacious new chapter they’ve coined, “Jersey Corridos,” embedding a gritty narrative into each bass drop and brass blast.
Crafted in Colombia and Mexico City, the irreverent, fifteen-track album is a riveting blend of electronic music dynamism and música mexicana’s soulful undertows. They enlist music producers Gordo (known for his work on Drake’s Baltimore club hit “Sticky”) and Synthetic, the architect behind Lil Uzi Vert’s Jersey club smash hit “Just Wanna Rock,” whose cutting-edge production styles thrust Mexican music into the main room.
The album’s focus track, “Nel,” starts with stirring vocal delivery that ascends into a captivating crescendo; it then pivots sharply, intertwining throbbing Jersey club beats with vigorous reggaetón. “Sofía,” a synergistic powerhouse featuring Major Lazer and Alok, captures the global resonance of dance music while demonstrating the exuberant flair characteristic of Fuerza’s approach. The album reaches a peak with the robust, traditional corrido strains of “Jesús” and “Belinda,” with guitar- and brass-driven bombast, and with “Freestyle,” a track that introduces a thrilling drill influence.
The San Bernardino band’s innovative leap into Jersey corridos does more than fuse two disparate genres — it carves out a fresh niche in the musical lexicon, affirming that the barrios and dancehalls can, indeed, share a singular, resonant heartbeat. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Piso 21 & Ozuna, “Fichaje del Año” (Warner Music Mexico)
In a first collaborative effort, Piso 21 and Ozuna deliver a new track that will boost any woman’s confidence. In “Fichaje del Año” (which translates to “signing of the year”), the Colombian group and Puerto Rican artist sing about the girl who is the complete package, but the partner she’s with doesn’t recognize it. “He never tells you anything/ Look how beautiful you are/ You’re the ideal girl/ But he treats you normal/ He’s no good for you/ Don’t forget you’re the ideal girl,” they sing in the chorus. Produced by ICON, Jowan and Rolo, the infectious pop-reggaetón tune with suave requintos also serves as a friendly reminder that self-love comes above all. “You have to let go and admit that it’s not your place […] that man doesn’t know how lucky he is to have you,” continues the track. — JESSICA ROIZ
Grupo Frontera & Romeo Santos, “Ángel” (Grupo Frontera)
It’s not the first time bachata and Mexican music fuse, but it is the first time Grupo Frontera and Romeo Santos team up for a song. Their first collaborative effort is a delicate and swoon-worthy bachata where Santos’ soothing and velvety vocals meet Payo’s melodic voice. “Ángel” is about the type of love and devotion that transcends time and circumstances. Produced by Santos, Edgar Barrera and Casta, the song is mainly powered by the traditional bachata sound but if you stick around till the end, you’ll hear Frontera’s signature norteño accordion take command for the ultimate fusion of norteño and bachata. — GRISELDA FLORES
Fabiola Roudha, “Que Te Vaya Bien” (Fabiola Roudha)
Guatemalan singer-songwriter Fabiola Rouhda delivers a master class in soul with her new single, “Que Te Vaya Bien” (good luck), an exquisite and nostalgic ballad filled with sentiment. The song combines soulful blues and gospel elements, showcasing Rouhda’s powerful vocals as she gracefully sings about letting go of a love story and wishing them the best. Accompanied by her acoustic guitar, Rouhda composed the emotional song, which was produced by Franc Castillejos and David Suarez in her home country. — INGRID FAJARDO
Elsa y Elmar, “Ké MaL” (Sony Music México)
Elsa Carvajal, better known by the name of her project Elsa y Elmar, brings this week “Ké Mal,” a perfect pop song to vent about heartbreak at the top of your lungs. “Too bad that we crossed paths in life when it was ready/ And in yours right now there is a labyrinth/ Too bad that now we don’t want the same thing,” the Colombian star sings with pathos over the syncopated rhythm of an electric guitar and drums. Produced by Elsa and Julián Bernal, “Ké Mal” is the fourth single from her upcoming album PALACIO, which will be released on Aug. 30. It’s a splendid complement to the previously released “entre las libros”, “palacio <3″ and “VISTO” featuring Álvaro de Luna. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Monsieur Periné feat. Bejuco, “Jardín del Paraíso” (5020 Records)
Colombians Monsieur Periné join Afro-Colombian soul group Bejuco to represent their country at the COP16 Biodiversity Summit with the song “Jardín del Paraíso.” Featuring marimba and sounds from Colombia’s rich Pacific coast, and inspired by ancestral chants from the area, this beautiful ode to the environment invites you to immerse yourself in the sounds of the mangroves and the depths of nature. The song is also released in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund around the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, to bring awareness to the climate impact on these vital ecosystems and their respective communities. The interpretation, musical arrangements and music video create an experience that spotlights the artists’ roots, while encouraging the preservation of these natural treasures. — LUISA CALLE
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
