New Latin Music is a compilation of the best Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the editors of Billboard Latin y Billboard Spanish. This is the selection of the week.
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Lenny Tavarez, Shine (Kristoman/Warner Music Latina)
Lenny Tavárez releases his second studio album, Shinethree years after its debut CrackFor this 16-track production, Tavárez enlisted longtime collaborators such as Wisin, Feid, Prince Royce, Chencho Corleone, Ryan Castro and Piso 21. In true Tavárez style, the LP mostly offers hard-hitting perreos and spicy reggaetones such as “Empelotica,” “Ojos Chinos” and “Mentí.”
Shine It also showcases the Puerto Rican artist’s ability to navigate other genres outside of the urban space. On “Tu feo,” he teamed up with Prince Royce for a romantic bachata; “Pushi Pashi” and “Tu piel” are both electronic tracks; and “El yate,” with Sergio George, is an emotional salsa. “I feel like I’m in that moment, in balance,” Tavárez says in a statement. “Doing what I want, writing what I want, not following anyone or anything, trusting that every day I strive to be the best version of myself.” — JESSICA ROIZ
L-Gante, Cell 4 (Warner Music Latina)
As a musical expression of his experience in prison last year, Argentine rapper Elian Ángel Valenzuela, known artistically as L-Gante, presents an ultra-personal and emotional debut album titled Cell 4 — the cell where he wrote and recorded music during his 100 days of confinement. In 2023, Valenzuela was accused of threatening a neighbor with a gun and kidnapping his family after a fight at a nightclub, according to The Country.
Cell 4 is a captivating fusion of hip hop, cumbia, reggaeton and trap, with influences from old-school reggaeton. The 13-track set is a fascinating dive into the emerging genre ‘RKT’, a local movement that fuses cumbia with reggaeton. His lyrics describe Argentine culture and life in marginalized neighborhoods. “For some it’s nothing, but for others it’s a lot; we changed the game, we created a musical movement from the depths of the neighborhoods,” he reflects at the beginning of “Sin 0.” focus track From the album, “MVP,” exhibits a unique blend of hip hop that L-Gante has dubbed HHS or Hip Hop Sudaka, and which sets the tone for the rest of the production. —INGRID FAJARDO
Luck Ra, Nicki Nicole, “Doctor” (Sony Music Latin)
In a first collaborative effort, Argentine rapper Nicki Nicole and fellow Argentine Luck Ra release “Doctor.” Co-produced by Ramky and Tatool, the infectious song blends cumbia villera with norteño elements, backed by heavy percussion and a wailing accordion. On “Doctor,” Nicki and Luck’s distinct voices reflect on a relationship that ended with no chance of reconciliation. “And I no longer think of anyone, anyone but you/ and there is no doctor to heal my heart,” goes the short, sweet chorus. The music video, filmed on the colonial streets of Buenos Aires, features the two artists and an adorable elderly couple, showing off their best cumbia dancing skills. — J.R.
Elsa and Elmar, “Drugged with emotions” (Sony Music Mexico/Elmar Presents)
In the single “Drogada de emocionales,” Colombian artist Elsa y Elmar explores the universe of emotions that love awakens. The song, included in her new album PALACIOcombines the delicacy of her lyrics with a vocal interpretation that moves between vulnerability and charm. In the lyrics, Elsa offers us an intimate window into her emotional world, laying bare the euphoria and confusion of falling in love. “I’m high on emotions / With a laugh that I don’t know why / My heels buckle / It’s that I look at you, and it can’t be me,” she sings in this pop song, whose minimalist production allows her voice to shine in every note. LUISA STREET
Take it, Origen (Grand Move Records/Warner Music Argentina)
Just four months after being featured on Our Radar, Ambik impresses with a six-track EP in which she skillfully fuses moving lyrics with experimental sounds. The 16-year-old Argentine singer-songwriter, younger sister of star Tiago PZK, is reminiscent at times of a young Billie Eilish in songs like “A tu espera” and “Cuidar de los dos” which, led by piano and with enveloping choruses, offer vulnerable lyrics and an evocative sound.
He focus track from the album is “Having you again”a track with melancholic guitar melodies and a progressive bass line in which he sings about a past relationship tainted by his own insecurities. With lyrics that show a maturity beyond his years, Ambik addresses themes such as fear, destruction and loneliness in the more electronic “Caos,” before closing with the melancholic pop “Gestos de amor.” Origen It is, all in all, a solid debut EP in which Ambik demonstrates a clear vision of who she is as an artist. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Andrea Bocelli with Karol G, “I live for her” (Decca Records)
Andrea Bocelli has recruited Karol G for a new duet of “Vivo por ella,” reimagining one of his most celebrated songs, “Vivo per lei,” which originally featured Spanish singer Marta Sánchez. In this revamped version, the classical piano is replaced by a mix of bowed (arco) and plucked (pizzicato) violin notes, lending a fresh, slightly faster pace than its 90s predecessor. In this powerful rendition, the passionate Italian tenor’s voice is impeccably complemented by the vibrant delivery of the Colombian superstar. Produced by David Foster and Ellis, the single is one of the highlights of Bocelli’s upcoming album, Duetswhich is released on October 25 and marks his 30th anniversary in music. — Isabella Raygoza
Listen to our playlist of the week, with these and other releases:
