'Dejame Entrar' by Rauw Alejandro & More Best New Music Latin

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.

Rauw Alejandro, “Déjame Entrar” (Sony Music Latin)

Returning to the sultry depths of his musical roots, Rauw Alejandro seduces with “Déjame Entrar”, mixing tropical beats with wistful lyrics reminiscent of his insane yet simmering 2020 debut. Aphrodisiac. This second single from his upcoming album showcases the craftsmanship of super producer MAG, musician Mick Coogan, Tyler Spry and additional talent, creating a rich soundscape for Rauw's melodic pleas.

The track takes on a dancehall-influenced intensity as it progresses, depicting the Puerto Rican star's plea for a deeper connection. At four minutes, reggaetón rhythms peak along with a bright steel guitar. In its accompanying music video, starring Adrian Brody, Rauw (a.k.a. El Zorro) transitions from a laid-back, hopeless romantic lounging in a hot tub to dancing on a horse field — perfect visuals to complement his passionate, evolving sounds song and its consistent, erotic essence. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Danny Ocean, Venice. (Warner Music Latin)

With just days to go before Venezuela's presidential election — which he already referenced during his performance at the Latin AMAs with a T-shirt dated July 28 — Danny Ocean surprises his fans with a seven-song EP dedicated to his homeland, from an immigrant's perspective. Driven by electronic rhythms that merge with reflective lyrics, the album opens with “A Mí También Me Duele”, which according to press notes he wrote thinking about the authorities that are suddenly not on your side, perhaps as seen in the many protests in the Country of South America over the years.

While some of the tracks could easily pass for love songs, Ocean's intention is deeper. He says he made “Por Siempre y Para Siempre,” for example, “thinking that Venezuela will not forget those of us who are outside.” Other titles are more direct: In “Por la Pequeña Venecia” (Venezuela means “little Venice”), he admits that he is willing to trade justice for peace. in “Una Niña de Venezuela” she talks about the women who had to leave their homes. and in “Dime Tú” he imagines what would be the first thing he would do if there was a change of government in his country. The EP closes with an acoustic version of the 2016 hit “Me Rehúso”, “for all those loves that were forced to part”, as he says at the beginning of the song.

Its cover Venice. it is also deeply significant: A broken piece of Carlos Cruz-Diez's iconic work “Couleur Additive” that covers the lobby floor of Simón Bolívar International Airport and has become a symbol of Venezuelan immigration. It is, from start to finish, a well-produced and thought-out EP. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Ivan Cornejo, Mirada (Zaragosa Records/Interscope Records)

There is an elegance to Ivan Cornejo's music as he meticulously crafts songs that are deep, both lyrically and sonically. Perhaps Cornejo's best album to date (also his major label debut), his songs MIRADA show a maturity in the Mexican-American's songwriting, with lyrics about heartbreak that are more refined, poetic and less trite. It's been two years since Cornejo's last album (Damaged), and is now 20 years old — so this album fully captures that coming-of-age narrative that Cornejo puts on full display, just as it offers a front-row seat to the display of his emotions.

Fueled primarily by traditional Mexican guitars, which have given Cornejo his signature sierreño sound, he also takes in a corrido tumbado (“Herida Abierta”) fueled by strumming tolocoche strings and wailing trombones. There is another standout piece that fully captures how innovative Cornejo can be in his genre (música Mexicana). He takes Emmanuel's brass pop anthem “Quiero Dormir Cansado” from the 1980s and makes it sound like a whole new song with a riveting mid-song electric guitar solo. Throughout MIRADACornejo's commanding vocals shine through, even when he sings in a whisper that demands attention.

Overall, Cornejo sounds more confident in who he is and can be as an artist in local Mexican music, a style generally limited to one sound and one audience. His role in the genre today is clearer than ever with this album — and that is to continue to evolve and revolutionize a style that has been an inspiration to him and a new generation of hitmakers. — GRISELDA FLORES

Lasso & Sofia Reyes, “Siempre Llegas Tarde” (Universal Music Latin)

Lasso is primarily known for his sometimes feel-good, sometimes thought-provoking lyrics and melodies. With “Siempre Llegas Tarde” (always late), his new collaboration with Sofia Reyes, he demonstrates his versatility that transcends the Latin ballad and the pop sphere. Produced by Andres “Chano” Guardado, we find the Venezuelan artist immersing himself in the world of cumbia—a sound already familiarly associated with Reyes—and constantly showcasing his charismatic lyricism. “You're always late, tell me where you are?/ Every time I feel lonely and I need you the most/ You're never here,” goes the chorus. The soft yet catchy cumbia-pop tune is about a couple who love and care for each other but just don't understand each other. A playful music video shot in the middle of the desert details the frustration of the “relationship” between Lasso and the Mexican pop artist. — JESSICA ROSE

DOMELIPA & Ozuna, “Ese Vato” (Lipa Music/Sony Music Latin)

Domelipa and Ozuna team up to release a new track with cool summer vibes. “Ese Vato,” Mexican slang for “that guy,” is about enjoying a simple relationship without formal commitment: “Let's make love, but no contract/ Baby, I liked you for a while.” Produced by Colombian hitmaker Ovy on the Drums, this retro-pop track is driven by smooth drums and groovy bass, while an acoustic guitar adds soft harmonies associated with the beauty of big summer sunsets. “This is an incredible opportunity that helps both of us – Ozuna on the influencer side because he's so popular right now, and me on the music side,” Domelipa previously said. Advertising sign. “It was nice to be able to meet him and talk to him. I admire him a lot, and these are things that a young Dome still wouldn't believe.” — INGRID FAJARDO

Ela Taubert, “¿Para Qué?” (Universal Music Latino / Art House)

Pop artist Ela Taubert releases her new single 'Para Qué', the follow-up to her previous track 'Cómo Pasó?' The tune, full of acoustic guitars and a fusion of folk with pop elements, presents a sound reminiscent of Taylor Swift and Maggie Rogers. In the lyrics, Taubert reflects on a failed relationship, concluding that it's too late to go back, even if the other person wants to. “I want my fans to feel the song, make it their own, make it their anthem and accompany them all the way,” he commented on the release. The Colombian rising star has found her signature sound and is sticking to it, bringing a new twist to the current music scene. — LOUISA CALLE

Hear more suggestions from Latin editors in the playlist below: