Maria Becerra’s Sultry ‘JOJO’ & More Best New Music Latin
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
ROSALÍA feat. Björk & Yves Tumor, “Berghain” (Columbia Records)
Music for musicians and food for thinkers — that’s the best way to describe “Berghain”, the first single from Spanish superstar ROSALÍA’s upcoming album, LUX, featuring Björk and Yves Tumor. Laden with symbolism both in its lyrics and accompanying video, the piece — structured in operatic movements —surprises with Rosalía’s lyrical performance, gliding seamlessly between English, German, and her native Spanish. “Berghain,” possibly a nod to the exclusive Berlin nightclub, is steeped in a gothic mystique that frames its central theme: a woman tormented by a toxic relationship, portrayed most vividly in the video, where Rosalía embodies a Snow White straight out of the Brothers Grimm.
Surrounding her, the London Symphony Orchestra, appearing as she performs domestic chores like ironing, seem to personify the thoughts that haunt her, in a mise-en-scène rich with religious symbolism. In the end, Rosalía breaks free, transforming into a dove that takes flight. As a preview, the single leaves a lasting impression and builds anticipation for the full album, set to be released on November 7. Just watch it above. — LUISA CALLE
Maria Becerra & XROSS, “JOJO” (Warner Music Latina)
Through her latest release “JOJO,” co-produced and co-written with XROSS (real name: Xavier Rosero), Maria Becerra introduces her new alter ego. Sensuality, dominance, and fiery power embody Becerra’s new chapter that sonically, is a hard-hitting dancehall fused with R&B elements, and lyrically, it’s about a girl named Jojo, who has a magnetic force and has no competition. “She knows she’s a badass/ And that no one can match her/ She’s always like this/ Jojo wants dembow,” Becerra chants with confidence. “JOJO” marks the first single off of Becerra’s forthcoming studio album, QUIMERA, set for Nov. 20. — JESSICA ROIZ
GALE, Lo Que Puede Pasar (Sony Music Latin)
On her second studio album, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter GALE delivers a sharp, shimmering pop across 13 tracks that explore heartbreak, new beginnings, and the nostalgia of first times. The LP, which includes the previously released singles “Ciao!“, “Ysilandia” featuring ROBI, “Skittles,” and “Por Si Las Dudas” with LAGOS, also features collaborations with Danny Ocean on “Pa’ Qué Te Quedas” and Abraham Mateo on “No Quería Quererte” — both similar in rhythm (mid-tempo pop songs that explode into a powerful EDM beat) but with distinct vibes and messages.
The set opens with “Perspectiva,” a catchy track about beginning to fall for someone, and closes with “Domingo,” a moving reflection on the passage of time with a soothing vocal and guitar arrangements. The title track stands out for its infectious rhythm and lyrics about the excitement of “anything that can happen” on that first date with that special someone. Beautifully produced from beginning to end, Lo Que Puede Pasar showcases an evolution in the sound of GALE, one of the most sought-after songwriters in Latin music, whose credits include hits for superstars like Shakira, Christina Aguilera, and Juanes. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Banda El Recodo, “Solo Tú” (FONO/El Recodo Enterprises)
One of Camilo Sesto’s greatest classics is given new life in the Sinaloan banda style with this new cover by Banda El Recodo. The trumpets lend a romantic, even sensual touch to this anthem of desperate love, complemented by the vocals of Ricardo Yocupicio and Geovanni Mondragón and the rest of the instrumentation, which includes the essential tuba, clarinets, and horns. Originally released in 1976, “Solo Tú” speaks of a love for which one gives and sacrifices everything. The song is the first single from the upcoming album by “the mother of all bands,” and its video features the band members in black and white tuxedos, giving this work the elegance it deserves. — TERE AGUILERA
Majo Aguilar, “Chilo” (Universal Music México)
In her latest single, the young star of the Aguilar dynasty shows how to transform the pain of a breakup into a feeling of freedom and peace. She does so with great style, to the rhythm of a classic ranchera, but adding sierreño guitars for a contemporary touch. This empowering anthem, which emboldens and motivates her to move forward with dignity after a heartbreak, borrows a popular colloquial expression from the northern Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa, where people often use the word “chilo” to refer to something “nice,” “amazing,” or “great.”
“Chilo, I’m doing great/ Don’t worry, I won’t seek your affection anymore/ Chilo, I’m here at 100%/ I wish you the good and the bad you did to me,” goes the chorus, which highlights Aguilar’s melodic and powerful voice. The track is accompanied by a music video directed by QUIÉN, which features Majo on a recording set, with a vibrant orange desert and skies filled with lightning, creating a dramatic and powerful tone. — NATALIA CANO
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
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