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.
Grupo Frontera, Jugando Que No Pasa Nada (Grupo Frontera)
Grupo Frontera released their second studio album, Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada, which loosely translates to “pretending nothing is wrong.” The 12-track set stays true to Frontera's trademark – both lyrically and sonically – heartbreaking songs backed by seductive cumbia, tejano and Norteño melodies, even country music on “Echándote de Menos”. More notable, however, are his stellar collaborations: On “Por Qué Será” with Maluma, the artists talk about rejection and unrequited love. In “Desquite” with the help of Nicki Nicole, they bring back the sound of the guarachero tribe. Then there's the much-anticipated “Los Dos,” a collaboration with Morat, which first garnered buzz on social media. In the set, we also find the previously released singles 'Quédate Bebé' and the Christian Nodal-assisted 'Ya Pedo Quien Sabe'. The latter reached No. 1 Billboard Regional Mexican Airplay chart this week, marking the Texas-based group's eighth No. 1. — JESSICA ROSE
Camilo, Tres (Sony Music Latin/Hecho A Mano)
Singer-songwriter Camilo continues to showcase his musicality with a new release from his studio, El Taller Creativo: the latest on Un, Dos, Tres series of EPs. In the latest installment, Camilo delves into different genres, from the cumbia “Misión Imposible” (where he plays the accordion while wishing his partner luck in his search for someone better than him: “But you're not going to find yourself / Well what do you have with me”) to the fusion of merengue with African rhythms “Amor de Extranjeros”. He also presents a new version of his 2018 song, “Corazón de Hojalata,” turning it into a tropical ballad. (Regarding this last song, he shared on his social media: “It's a song I wrote at a time when I couldn't find God. I felt like my heart was made of tin, until I let myself be found and squeaks.”)
Each song is accompanied by a music video recorded at Camilo's studio in Miami. The Colombian artist is preparing for his Nuestro Lugar Feliz tour in several cities in the United States, such as Los Angeles and Miami, as well as in Europe, such as Madrid and Paris. — LOUISA CALL
Peso Pluma, Junior H and Eslabon Armado, “La Durango” (Double P Records)
On “La Durango”, the powerful alliance of Peso Pluma, Junior H and Eslabon Armado combine their talents with ease, creating a rich song with a relaxed yet dynamic tumbato vibe. The track features horns interspersed with lyrics delivered nonchalantly, depicting the artists journey to success and the celebratory lifestyle that follows. “Loyalty is what I'm looking for/ And I collect money easily,” boasts Eslabon frontman Pedro Tovar. The title itself alludes to the rugged Dodge Durango, perhaps symbolizing the artists' dynamic rise in the local Mexican music scene. This trio of mexicana music shows that their combined power is not just a fleeting alignment, but a formidable fusion of talent that sets the bar high for contemporaries of the genre. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Josh Favela, Mis Compas Vol. 1 (Sony Music Latin)
The regional Mexican singer-songwriter delivers an eclectic six-song EP where he masterfully blends norteño and mariachi with his signature hip-hop (“Cuando Llegue El Día” ft. Gera MX), sierreño (“Somos” featuring Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho) and band (“Con Todo Respetillo” with Luis R. Conriquez). In essence, Mis Compas Vol. 1 is a celebration of the rich culture of música mexicana, thriving in the diverse sounds, subgenres and generations that make up local Mexican today.
The roster of A-list collaborators, which also includes Yuridia, Banda MS and Codiciado, allows Favela to exist in multiple worlds at once while staying true to the local Mexican staples and good lyricism that has defined his career. “This is a project with pure friends that I've had the opportunity to work with in the past, either writing songs for them, producing for them, or doing something together,” Favela says in a statement. “And now coming together to do a duet is something that I personally appreciate a lot.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Ryan Castro, EL Cantante del Ghetto (Ryan Castro/Sony Music Colombia)
Castro's long-awaited debut album, El Cantante del Ghetto, is not only a reflection of the qualities that have catapulted the Colombian artist to the top of the charts, but also serves to showcase the culture of the Pedregal neighborhood in Medellin. The 18-track compilation includes the previously released “Quema” featuring Peso Pluma, “Ghetto Star,” “Rich Rappers” featuring Rich the Kid, and most recently, “El Cantante Del Ghetto” featuring Coque and La Eterna . The latter is a salsa track that pays tribute to Puerto Rican legend Hector Lavoe with a heartfelt tribute to his roots, modest upbringing and the vibrant community of his hometown.
The set also features collaborations with Arcangel, Ñengo Flow, Yandel, Jowell y Randy, Zion, Myke Towers, Totoy el Frio and Blessid. El Cantante del Ghetto depicts a testimony to the artist's transformational journey, from his humble beginnings in street busking to global stardom. The music is influenced by classic reggaetón, dancehall and trap, making it timeless. — INGRID FAJARDO
Hear more suggestions from Latin editors in the playlist below:
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/best-new-latin-music-grupo-frontera-album-release-1235679311/