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New Music Latin is a collection of the best new Latin songs and albums it recommends Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week's picks below.
Anita, Funk Generation (Republic Records & Universal Music Latin Entertainment)
Nobody does funk like Anitta. Singing in Spanish, Portuguese and English, the trilingual superstar doubles down on her efforts to globalize Brazilian funk Funk Generation. The rousing 15-track set (her third trilingual album) is a masterclass as Anitta serves up cheeky dance tunes that will have you gasping for air – a nod to set opener 'Losa Ya Breath'. A staunch supporter of funk, Anitta has no intention of adapting this music to mainstream or pop, she does the exact opposite by introducing the mainstream to a genre that breaks all the rules and thrives on experimentation. For collaborations, he casts a wide net that catches artists like Brray, Bad Gyal, DENNIS, PEDRO SAMPAIO and Sam Smith.
“My new project is very special, because it signifies my intention to create an international funk album, something I've always dreamed of,” Anitta says in a statement. “It's satisfying to see that funk is now a source of inspiration and art in the world music scene — a genre with merit, awards and admiration.” The set comes on the heels of her upcoming first North American tour, which kicks off on May 21st. Wow, Anita! — GRISELDA FLORES
Mark Anthony, Muevense (Sony Music US Latin)
If anyone knows how to create tropical anthemic hits, it's Marc Anthony and his latest album Muevense attests to this. Its title, in fact, is designed to get listeners moving to festive beats. Known for revitalizing salsa music in New York and far beyond, the Grammy-winning performer shines alone on this 10-track release, with the exception of the ranchera single “Ojalá Te Duela,” which features local member of Mexican music Pepe Aguilar. From the refreshing opener to the infectious energy of “Ale Ale” — which already has the makings of a 2024 summer anthem following its debut at the Latin American Music Awards — Marc Anthony's musical prowess is undeniable. Throughout tracks such as “Si Te Enamoro”, “Amarte a la Antigua” and “Pasemos a los Besos”, the artist showcases his vocal prowess, allowing his voice to soar like no other.
“A new Marc Anthony album is always cause for celebration and speaks to the timelessness and consistency of his voice and his musical collaborators that at any moment you can turn on any radio station and within the same ad-free music block, hear a song he recorded last year next to a song he recorded 30 years ago,” writes Lin-Manuel Miranda, “He's our Sinatra, and when we hear him, we also hear the echo of all the memorable moments in our lives.” We couldn't agree more. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Aitana & Sebastian Yatra “Akureyri” (Universal Music Spain SL)
Aitana and Sebastián Yatra return to music together, and apparently as a couple, with their third collaboration 'Akureyri'. The poignant pop ballad, which would allude to reconciliation in the months after their split was confirmed, speaks of a strong emotional connection between two people going through a difficult time. apart from wanting to escape reality, they fantasize about a future together and forget about the worries of the present. The cover of the release is reminiscent of the film of Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, about a couple who undergo a procedure to erase the memories of their relationship. The video, directed by Felíx Bollaín and produced by Habemus Roma, was analog recorded in the song's title town, Akureyri, Iceland. Additionally, it includes various clips of the pair during their trip to the location last year in the post-credits scenes. — LOUISA CALLE
Mau y Ricky, Guaynaa, “Gran Día” (Why Club Records)
Mau y Ricky are pure sunshine on “Gran Día,” featuring Puerto Rican artist Guaynaa, an upbeat pop song with upbeat lyrics about the good and simple things in life. “Today's gonna be a great day 'cause I'm gonna kill it/ Guaranteed money, baby, it's gonna rain today, no, no, no, no/ If you run out of battery, I wanna give you a new one/ A life from another league, I'm hotter than yesterday” they sing.
Released under new independent label Why Club Records in association with Warner Music Latina, “Gran Día” is the latest single from their upcoming album. Caracas Hotel, a tribute to their native Venezuela, where the brothers recently returned in search of their identity after moving with their family to the US as children. Beautifully shot by director Daniel Durán, the music video was shot in Llanos, Venezuela during their trip and features the humorous voice of iconic Venezuelan radio host Luis Chataing. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Luis Fonsi & Laura Pausini “Roma” (UMG Recordings)
Luis Fonsi makes a substantial stop on his new album El Viaje's trip to reunite musically with a special friend, after 16 years together. Longtime friend and collaborator Laura Pausini arrives to join her powerful voice with Fonsi's on the magical collaboration 'Roma'. This beautiful ballad, written by Fonsi, along with producers Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo, was announced during one of Laura's world tour concerts in Miami last month. This single is accompanied by a video shot in black and white at an airport, directed by Carlos Perez, and depicts the reunion of an eternal love, like those couples who always find a way to meet again. — INGRID FAJARDO
Belinda & Natanael Cano, “300 Nights” (Warner Music México)
Belinda's era of corridos tumbados gets a co-sign from the pioneer of the subgenre, Natanael Cano. The two collaborate on “300 Noches,” Belinda's latest single, which cements her commitment to Mexicana music. The track is impressive both lyrically and sonically: It opens with a gentle piano melody and Belinda's evocative delivery, setting the tone for this truly heartbreaking song. “I've been waiting so long for you to understand that you've left me behind/ What do I do now to forget?” she sings almost crying.
The requinto guitars then take center stage, turning the ballad into a corrido tumbado, or coquette corrido (a term coined by Belinda). It doesn't take long for Cano to come up with Belinda, as he sings of sadness about not being able to move on from a broken relationship, when clearly the other one already has. “I can't be king without my queen,” he declares. “I loved being able to work with Beli on this song,” Cano says in a statement. “I'm a fan of hers and I'm excited to see more female artists raising the flag of corridos tumbados. Belinda put on her 'coquette' and it was magical.” — GF
Bruses & Humbe, “Bestia”
Tijuana poet Bruses and Monterrey singer-songwriter Humbe join forces to reveal a delicate mix of electro alt-pop that delves into the complexities of battling inner demons while embracing a glimmer of hope. The pair tackles sensitive subjects, combining complex elements with finesse. With lines like “They're talking bad about you, my monsters/ They wanna meet you/ I'm looking for love in places where no one can see me/ Kiss kiss in the dark,” Bruce delivers her lyrics with a seductive mix of vulnerability and quiet disdain .
“'Bestia' is a song where Humbe and I found ourselves,” he says in a statement. “His light and my darkness were complemented in a way I had never heard before.” Bruises recently signed to RCA and will appear at Central Park's SummerStage for LAMC's 25th anniversary celebration on July 10. — IR
Hear more suggestions from Latin editors in the playlist below:
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/best-new-latin-songs-anitta-marc-anthony-1235667794/