New Music Latin is a collection of the best new Latin songs and albums it recommends Bulletin board Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week's picks below.
Darrell, Darrell 2024 (Sony Music Latin)
Just last year, Darell suggested that everyone go to the disco, with his album. Today, he continues to fuel this motto with Darrell 2024a 15-track set fueled by club-ready reggaetón anthems. Showcasing a blend of smooth Caribbean beats and hypnotic percussive beats, the album provides a canvas for the Puerto Rican artist to show why he's kind of an OG. In addition to reggaetón, the sonically rich LP – which puts its signature deep, raspy vocals at the fore – also draws inspiration from Afrobeats on tracks like “Como Vos”, “Real”, “Te Extraño” and “Olivia Con Pluto”. Meanwhile, Darell explains why he's one of the best rappers in the game, with songs like “Profugo” introducing a bold trap sound. The album also features previously released hits “Lollipop (Remix)” featuring Ozuna and Maluma, “Por Ti Conocí El Amor” and “Lambo Sport” featuring Clean Bandit. — INGRID FAJARDO
Fariana, Submarine (La Commission LLC)
Nine years after her debut studio album, Fariana (formerly known as Farina) releases her second album Submarine. In the 19-song set, the Colombian rapper delves into different musical genres that have influenced her new era. While she still manages to captivate with her wild rap bars and dynamic vocal range, sonically, she's evolved and is more experimental than ever. He flirts with dancehall (“Booty Killa”), hip-hop (“Doggys”), afrobeat (“Pienso En TI”), electronic (“On Top of the World”), cumbia (“Mami Gantel” ), reggaetón (“La Fotico”), dembow (“Margaret”) and merengue (“El Caballito”). Submarine it also finds the Medellin-born artist collaborating with El Alfa, Sean Paul, Flo Rida, Omar Montes and Oro Solido, to name a few. But beyond its mundane beats, the album is a reflection of Fariana's nearly 20-year career. “I've learned to dive into my own world and I've learned that even under pressure, I always find a way to do it my way and be a winner. This is what this album is,” he says in a press statement. — JESSICA ROSE
Duplat & Manuel Medrano “Fresa” (M3 Records)
“Fresa” by Duplat and Manuel Medrano is a delightful mix of soul pop with a retro feel that sounds like the perfect score for a romantic comedy soundtrack. The trumpet and brass compositions give it an almost classic, almost timeless feel that transports you to another era. When Medrano's deep voice comes in on the second verse, his deep timbre cuts through the music, blending perfectly with the funky drum beat and guitar riffs. The sax solo in the bridge is captivating and the soulful piano adds an emotional touch that elevates the song. “Fresa”, which could refer to a haughty woman, is definitely a gem for fans of nostalgic sounds with a modern twist. — LOUISA CALLE
Bad Bunny, “Una Velita” (Rimas Entertainment)
Bad Bunny hadn't released new music since their October set Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va Pasar Mañanabut shining a spotlight on the continued plight of his fellow Puerto Ricans—devastated by Hurricane Maria exactly seven years ago—seemed the perfect time to break his silence. With “Una Velita,” the global hitmaker is doubling down on his efforts to call out the inaction of the island's local government as Puerto Rico continues to deal with the aftermath of the devastating Category 5 storm, which not only left thousands dead but also weakened the already weak power grid. “Obviously the light will go out, God knows if it'll come back,” he sings in Spanish over a hypnotic folk beat that builds in intensity. “There were five thousand they let die and we will never forget that.” The track is produced by Tainy and La Paciencia. — GRISELDA FLORES
Darumas, “Francotirador” (Sony Music Latin)
At the time of the Latin Grammy nomination for Best New Artist — just as he predicted Bulletin board — Darumas released “Francotirador,” or “sniper” in English, the Latin pop-funk band's first single since their debut album in May. The all-female trio — made up of Aldana Aguirre, Ceci León and Vedala Vilmond — sings about being resilient and “bulletproof” over a funky rhythm driven by electric guitar and bass. “I fell, got up and silenced those who never believed/ They think I'm made of glass, but it made me harder than metal,” Vilmond sings. “Today nothing breaks my heart because I have it shielded. I'm like a sniper: I never miss the point I aim at.'' The piece can give strength to anyone who encounters it. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Manu Chao, Viva Tu (Radio Bemba)
After a 17-year hiatus playfully referred to as his “Desaparecido” phase – a nod to his iconic 1998 song – Manu Chao returns with his first solo album since La Radiolina, entitled Viva Tu. This LP weaves nostalgic acoustic melodies with a rich palette of world languages. Sung in French, Spanish, Portuguese and English, it unfolds like a love letter to his international fans, filled with guitar melodies, samples and dazzling embellishments like 'La Couleur de Temps' and the rumba-infused title track.
Of the 13 songs, the harmonica-heavy “Heaven's Bad Day” stands out as a pleasant surprise, featuring country legend Willie Nelson as the album's only guest. Another track, “La Colilla,” revisits the vibrant acoustic guitar sounds of 2007's “Me Llaman Calle,” showcasing Chao's ability to recycle rhythms and beats in a compelling way.
The Spanish-French artist's hands-on approach to writing and producing each song is remarkable, especially in today's collaboration-heavy industry. This autonomy not only adds authenticity but also imbues his work with the pride of a craftsman, making Viva Tu an introspective and joyful personal statement. With this latest project, Chao's unparalleled artistry cements his timeless appeal across musical genres with a sound that is uniquely his own. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Hear more suggestions from Latin editors in the playlist below:
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/best-new-music-latin-darrell-new-album-1235780476/