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.
Xavi, Next (Interscope Records)
In contrast to the typical landscape of Latin music in 2024, Xavi's debut album, Nextdistinguished through his unique vocal prowess and a select set of guests including Tony Aguirre, Los Dareyes de la Sierra and his brother and co-songwriter, Fabio Capri. With 15 tracks that combine fresh discoveries and familiar hits, this album sees the Phoenix, Arizona native expand his creative wanderings and broad appeal.
Next captivates with songwriting that paints scenes of young love caught in the throes of rebellious fervor and wholesome glamour. His vocal performance, both compelling and determined, is supported by an eclectic mix of traditional instruments such as the requinto and tololoche, further enriched by occasional brass touches. The new song “La Luna X Mi” surprises and delights, offering the bright tones of a 12-string guitar. “Filosofía” boasts rich melodies and playful reflections on love. Meanwhile, ongoing hits such as “Corazón de Piedra”, “La Diabla” and “La Víctima” reinvigorate the overall momentum, combining with the newer tracks to create a powerful musical narrative.
A particularly fascinating collaboration is 'Tu Casi Algo', where Xavi and Fabio Capri trade lyrics about the blossoming undertones of romance. With Nextthe 20-year-old artist not only continues to cement his status as a pioneering artist but also challenges the conventions of Latin music, delivering a debut that is sure to resonate and make a deep impact. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Becky G, Encuentros (Kemosabe Records/RCA Records)
Becky G continues to trace her Mexican roots Encuentrosa beautiful 16-track set powered by gooseberries, wailing trombones and equally emotional lyrics that touch on the sadness and grief that comes with heartbreak and ultimately the joy of a healed heart. The 27-year-old Mexican-American artist sings with passion, as Música mexicana greats often do, as she brings stories to life through song with the help of friends like Tito Double P, Oscar Maydon, Oscar Ortiz and Delilah — all of whom represent a new generation local Mexican hitmakers. Encuentros follows, and is a continuation of, Becky's superpersonal Esquinaswhich was released last year.
“This album is deeply personal and raw, chronicling a healing process that is far from linear,” Becky said in a statement about Encuentros. “I found peace within myself and embraced every part of who I am. I am grateful to música mexicana for allowing me to express the fiercest version of myself.” The new album comes on the heels of her new tour, Casa Gómez: Otro Capítulo, which kicks off today (October 11). — GRISELDA FLORES
Pedro Capó, LiL CaKe & DeMasters, “Si Alguien Me Ve” (ReLo-Co. Music/Globalatino Music Partners)
In a first collaborative effort, Pedro Capó and LiL CaKe deliver “Si Alguien Me Ve” (If Someone Sees Me). Led by Venezuelan producers DeMasters, the good team kicks off with pensive Argentinian newcomer LiL CaKe backed by a melancholy ballad: “I know I messed up a lot of times […] you deserve someone better than me, who doesn't make you cry, who doesn't make you suffer,” she sings. The track smoothly transitions into a rhythmic cumbia villera, where Capó continues with an equally nostalgic refrain: “If anybody sees me in the streets/ I'm looking for you/ I think you moved,” further emphasizing in the lyrics that nobody in comparison with his ex. — JESSICA ROSE
Jerri Di, “Asilo” (Universal Music Latino)
Venezuelan musician Jerri D releases an ode to Venezuela with “Asilo,” a song that marks the end of a concept project titled ASILO COLLECTIONS: VOL V – Acceptación. “Dedicated to the 8 million Venezuelans abroad. And in 24 million media,” the singer said in a press release, “Asilo” is a love letter that evokes his longing from exile. “How much I miss you/ I want the old days back/ This love has hit me,” Jerry sings urgently over shimmering synths and a haunting bassline. “Asilo” comes with an emotional music video directed by Reinaldo Díaz and produced by Juan Diasparra, featuring stunning images of Venezuela and its people captured across the country over 33 days. “We wanted to show our land to those who have not known it,” reads a message at the beginning of the clip. “What we found was the reason why millions of us never lost faith in Venezuela.” — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Hear more suggestions from Latin editors in the playlist below:
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/best-new-music-latin-xavi-debut-album-next-1235797936/