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.
Thursday, Buena Noches (DQU Productions/Rimas Entertainment)
After being MIA for quite some time — just as he had a major year in 2022 with “BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 52″ — Spanish hitmaker Quevedo makes a triumphant return with GOOD NIGHThis second album was originally made under a new distribution deal with Rimas Entertainment. Describing this return — which will also include a tour — as “The most beautiful phase of my career” his sophomore standout. The 18-track LP is packed with club hits, including one with Pitbull himself (“MR. MOONDIAL”) reminiscent of the early 2000s, a dreamy '80s synth-pop with Aitana (” GRAN VÍA”) and bop neo-reggaetón with La Pantera (“HALO”).
And while sonically this might seem like an album full of party anthems, its lyrics are quite introspective, after all, this album was inspired by Quevedo's late-night thoughts, he expressed in a press statement. And they happen to be extremely relatable thoughts, as he sings about sex, love, heartbreak and even loneliness with fellow collaborators such as De La Rose, De La Ghetto, Yung Beef, Sech, Rels B and Sin Nombre. His signature deep vocals soar on this nearly hour-long album that ushers in a new, exciting era for Quevedo. — GRISELDA FLORES
Maluma, “Cosas Pendientes” (Paris LG LTD/Sony Music Latin)
With the sounds of an acoustic guitar, Maluma opens the first verse of his new single, “Cosas Pendientes”, which translates to “Things Pending”. This song marks a return to the essence of his 2015 favorite, 'Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy', taking it to new heights, but a little prettier and dirtier. Reconnecting with an old love to resolve issues, he sings on the chorus, “She obviously hasn't forgotten me/she's still waiting/she wants to ignore me/but the tension is visible, palpable.” The song is linked to a short film of revenge and glamour, including a surprise appearance by Colombian actor Luis Alfredo Velasco, known to fans as Dúver Cruz or Manín of La Reina del Flow. The video also highlights Maluma's signature sound while shaving his head, marking an official symbolic return to the early days of his career. — INGRID FAJARDO
Grupo Frontera & Oscar Maydon, “¿Qué Te Parece?” (Grupo Frontera)
Grupo Frontera is on a romantic streak. After their great hit “Hecha Pa' Mi”, the band turn to Oscar Maydon for “Qué Te Parece?” (what do you think?). On the happy, good cumbia-norteño track, the two Música Mexicana he serenades a beautiful lady, offering them the perfect dream date: “Which beach should I take you to for wine and a romantic dinner? / What shoes do you like? What purse do you want? This is how I can give it to you,” declare Maydon's sweet vocals. “If you say yes, we'll travel to Paris, I already have your lock,” he continues on the chorus, referring to the Pont des Arts, also known as the Love Lock Bridge in France. A playful music video, directed by Sauna and produced by Oriental Films, captures Frontera and Maydon performing the song on a tennis court, surrounded by a diverse group of bachelors. — JESSICA ROSE
Gilberto Santa Rosa, Debut y Segunda Tanda, Vol. 2 (Music B2B)
“El Caballero de la Salsa” Gilberto Santa is released Debut and Segunda Tanda Vol. IIa follow-up to a project started in 2022 that features a mix of new songs and reinterpretations of past hits. From the first chords of 'Piedra y Agua', to 'Como Si Fuera Nuestra' – both debuts – Santa Rosa has us dancing with bright brass, powerful choruses and his unmistakable style and voice. The list of new songs includes, among others, “Tratando de Acercarme” which stands out for its softer rhythm and orchestration and the joyful “Fin de Semana” with Gerardo Rivas. As for the covers, there's David Torrens' “Vamos a Ver,” Kelvis Ochoa's “Tun Tun”—with an infectious chorus and romantic lyrics—and Rubén Blades' “La Marea” for a grand finale.
“This album represents for me an opportunity to explore and present something different, while always maintaining my essence,” the salsa icon said in a press release. “It's an invitation to share my love of music, in all its forms, and to dance or mourn together once again.” It's a work worthy of any Latin New Year's party and adds to the extensive repertoire of one of the most beloved artists of the tropical genre. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Kevin Kaarl, “Esta Noche” (Kevin Kaarl)
There's a warmth to Kevin Kaarl's “Esta Noche,” a highly nostalgic song that brings to mind the magic of pop and rock in 90s Spain. Listening to the Mexican indie artist's unique and soothing vocals is almost disarming and it's easy to get lost in the folk vibe of the song as Kaarl sings emotionally and soulfully about love and heartbreak, injecting passion into every verse. “Esta Noche” was produced by his twin brother, Bryan Kaarl, who first teamed up with Kevin for “Te Quiero Tanto”. The music video for the new track is the first installment in a trilogy of visuals that will culminate in a short film. “Esta Noche” is the first single from his upcoming studio album, ULTRA SODA. — GF
Leo Rizzi & Lasso, “QUEBRANTO” (Atlantic Records Spain)
As a nostalgic nod to South American rock of the 80s, the new collaboration between Spanish-Uruguayan singer-songwriter Leo Rizzi and Venezuelan Lasso emerges called “QUEBRANTO”. The pop single manages to capture the magic of the legendary Argentinian rock riffs and the essence of the music of that golden era. In the lyrics, the pair sing about finding a way out of pain and a desire for redemption in the face of life's trials. The music video encapsulates the same nostalgia, with retro visuals and the artists' 80s aesthetic, taking us back to that era. — LOUISA CALL
Hear more suggestions from Latin editors in the playlist below:
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/best-new-music-latin-quevedo-buenas-noches-album-1235836602/
