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.
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Christian Nodal, “Un Vals” (Sony Music México)
After surprising listeners with the first single from his upcoming album —“Incompatibles,” a predominantly pop track — Christian Nodal returns to his mariachi roots with “Un Vals.” Written by the artist himself, the song stands as an anthem for love, both musically and lyrically. “I will love you slowly while the world rushes by,” sings the Mexican music star in a line that encapsulates this declaration of eternal love. The gentle quality of the accordion notes, heard from start to finish, lends the track a special cadence — one further enriched by the sounds of classic trumpets and the guitarrón. — TERE AGUILERA
Blessd, El Mejor Hombre del Mundo (Cigol Music Group/Warner Music Latina)
Blessd unveils his latest album, El Mejor Hombre del Mundo (the best man in the world), a declaration of his aspirations, just days before welcoming his first child. Arriving alongside the kickoff of his first U.S. tour, this 12-track album breathes fresh melodies into the Colombian singer’s signature streetwise sound. Guided by the creative vision of Ovy On The Drums, the project unites powerhouse collaborators like Myke Towers, Crudo Means Raw and Anuel AA, crafting a vibrant soundscape that fuses mainstream appeal with raw, heartfelt storytelling. El Mejor Album del Mundo unfolds as a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and growth. The focus track, “Si Las Paredes Hablaran,” pulses with intimate energy before bursting into salsa rhythms, symbolizing Blessd’s own artistic evolution. He ventures into new musical landscapes with the infectious Caribbean groove of “Contigo Sí,” while “Gracias Mi Dios” delivers a touching message of gratitude and resilience, serving as a reminder that none of us are ever truly alone. — INGRID FAJARDO
Luísa Sonza, Brutal Paraíso (Sony Music Brasil)
Ahead of her Coachella debut this weekend, Luísa Sonza drops an ambitious 23-track opus, Brutal Paraíso. Produced by the likes of Roy Lenzo (Lil Nas X) and Tommy Brown (Ariana Grande), the album showcases the Brazilian pop sensation’s versatility across genres and languages, blending elements of baile funk, R&B, bossa nova and pop into a genre-hopping fever dream. Highlights like “Amor, que pena!” see Sonza pairing her sensual vocals with delicate bossa nova guitars and piano flourishes. Other standout tracks include “Loira Gelada,” a New Wave-inspired escapade, and “Fruto do Tempo,” which features bright, poppy production that complements her voice beautifully.
She enlists Colombian star Sebastián Yatra on the bilingual, funk carioca-leaning “Tu Gata” and Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko on the risqué “Safada.” Undeniably ambitious, Brutal Paraíso teeters between plenty of brilliant moments and occasional chaos amidst its sprawling tracklist. Still, Sonza’s fearless experimentation and knack for bold collaborations make her one of Brazil’s most exciting and boundary-pushing pop stars. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Cimafunk & La Tribu, “Cocinarte” (Mala Cabeza Records/Thirty Tigers)
With a vibrant blend of funk and Cuban rhythms, Cimafunk and La Tribu fire up the stove for “Cocinarte” — a sensual, playful song that revels in double entendre. “All I want is to cook you up… The grease is already sizzling hot,” go some of the lyrics. Its sophisticated musicianship captivates the listener, incorporating autochthonous rhythms such as son, dicharancho and bolero. As the first single from Cimafunk’s upcoming album, TE TOCA — scheduled for release in May — “Cocinarte” is an explosion of flavor, perfect for the dance floor. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Jay Music, “La Ventanita (Remix)” (Jay Music Inc.)
On “La Ventanita (Remix),” Guatemalan artist Jay Music recruits Cuban hitmakers Nando Pro and La Companioni to give the timeless Latin party song a modern reparto twist. Originally released as a merengue in 1992 by Dominican star Sergio Vargas, “La Ventanita” metaphorically refers to a “little window of love” that has closed following a breakup. Keeping the song’s sentiment intact — with lyrics that describe having a literal shattered soul and longing for someone — the former Billboard On The Radar Latin artist adds his own cheeky and saucy verses, chanting: “You shut the window on me, so I walked in through the door/ I’m doing things my way — come on, place your bet/ I’ve got a proposition for you: a night of pure madness, until the sun comes up,” as an attempt to win back that special lady. Sonically, Jay revamps the classic merengue into a reparto rhythm backed by reggaetón, rumba and the signature clave instrumentation that’s key to the Cuban genre. The official music video was filmed by Robot Vision at the popular Cuban social club Neme Gastro Bar in Miami, where Jay was accompanied by a group of viral Cuban dancers. — JESSICA ROIZ
Julieta Venegas & Yahritza y Su Esencia, “La Línea” (Altafonte/Lolein Music)
The drama impacting families and couples separated by immigration policies in the U.S. serves as the unifying thread of “La Línea,” the third single from Julieta Venegas’s upcoming album, Norteña, set to be released in May. In this moving love song — narrated in the first person — the Mexican-American singer-songwriter is joined by regional Mexican music phenomenon Yahritza y Su Esencia, bridging generations and realities through the sounds of the accordion, guitar and trombone, with lyrics that stir deep emotions: “That bitter line leaves us with no way out/ It makes us think that this is the end/ But you know well, my love, we’ve already seen so much/ Our love remains strong; this won’t extinguish it,” they sing. The track takes on even greater significance given that the sibling trio experienced firsthand the pain of a separation caused by immigration issues. Although it depicts complex and sorrowful situations, Venegas asserts that her song is ultimately “about love and hope.” — NATALIA CANO
Pancho Barraza, 35 Aniversario (Vol.1) (FONO/Pachy Music)
For an occasion as significant as his 35th career anniversary, regional Mexican music singer Pancho Barraza presents 10 tracks bearing his distinctive signature style, accompanied by banda, norteño and even Latin pop arrangements. “Todo o Nada,” a collaboration with Lucero, surprises right from the start, with piano chords hiding the entrance of a tuba in an excellent fusion. On “Amarte a la Medida,” featuring Olga Tañón, the pop elements take center stage — with violins and trumpets adding a special touch. The same holds true for “Discúlpame,” on which Piso 21 infuses their signature romantic style while Barraza contributes his characteristic emotional depth.
Elsewhere on the album, his fellow Sinaloans from Banda MS appear on “El Último Minuto,” delivering their classic Sinaloan sound, while Los Dos Carnales inject energy into “Borracho de Besos” with their accordion work. The focus track, “Ojalá,” is the icing on the cake: a blend of vallenato and Mexican music that invites listeners to dance and showcases Barraza in a whole new light. — T.A.
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
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