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New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Edén Muñoz, Como En Los Viejos Tiempos (Sony Music México)
Singer-songwriter and producer Edén Muñoz has little left to prove at this point of his fruitful career, both as former frontman of Calibre 50 and now as a soloist. But Muñoz isn’t the type to be complacent, and is always looking to one-upping his previous releases. His latest album, Como En Los Viejos Tiempo, is no exception. As a producer, Muñoz is known for being meticulous about his sound — and the first song on the set, “Bye Bye,” is a testament to Muñoz’s broad production skills, melding his signature norteño sound with hints of cumbia, backed by big band instrumentals.
Accompanied by heavy hitters in the música mexicana realm, including Gerardo Ortiz, El Fantasma and Los Dos Carnales, Muñoz zigzags across styles such as quebradita (“La Nena”), corrido (“Alias Jabón”), cumbia (“Que La Dejen Ir al Baile Sola”), huapango (“Peca de Bonita”) and norteño (“El Que Quiere Puede”). Offering a wide-ranging palate of Mexican music sounds, Como En Los Viejos Tiempos is Muñoz’s most eclectic and experimental set to date. The 18-track is the Mexican artist’s first album under Sony Music México, with whom he signed in October as a partnership with Sony Music Latin. — GRISELDA FLORES
Carin Leon & Grupo Frontera, “Alch Si” (Socios Music/ADA Latin)
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A year after their first collaborative effort, “Que Vuelvas“ — which hit the top half of the Hot 100 in January — Carin Leon and Grupo Frontera join forces again on “Alch Si.” On their new track, penned by Leon, Edgar Barrera, Horacio Palencia and Diego Bollela, and produced by Barrera, the two Mexican acts sing about getting over an ex, but not really. “I’m not crying, her memory got in my eye,” chants Frontera’s Payo Solis at the start of the country-tinged norteño track. ”I don’t drink to forget her, nor do I take advice/ To stop loving her, what number do I have to call?/ In a masochistic way, I check her Instagram/ Looking at her stories and how another guy takes her away from me/ I’m not crying, just a little tear came out,” part of the chorus goes. — JESSICA ROIZ
Thalia & Estilo Sin Límite, “Choro” (Sony Music Latin)
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Thalia ventures into the world of corridos tumbados in this fun song with Estilo Sin Límite, which encourages women to free themselves from chatty, arrogant men who seek to woo them. Powered by a tololoche, requinto and brassy instruments, the second single from her upcoming album A Mucha Honra (which the Mexican star previewed exclusively in October at Billboard Latin Music Week,) “Choro” was produced by Edgar Rodríguez from Yellow Room and executive produced by Jimmy Humilde. (It was co-written by Thalia and Dania of Estilo Sin Límite.) Its title, in Mexican slang, refers to an over-the-top person who uses his words to make people fall in love. “Choro, I know he has a very good choro/ But I don’t cry for him anymore/ I’m not like his ex-girlfriend, I do improve,” goes part of the chorus. The colorful music video, directed by Lalo González (a.k.a. Lalo the Giant,) shows both singers in suburban and rural sets alongside mariachis, partying with many, many women. It is, in the best Thalia fashion, pure feminine power. – SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Carlos Vives & Ryan Castro, “Los Sabanales 3.0” (Sony Music Latin)
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Carlos Vives and Ryan Castro have released their first collaboration, “Los Sabanales 3.0,” to kick off December and welcome the holiday season. The track features an updated sound and new lyrics, with both artists adding their own spin: Vives’ accordion and Castro’s thumping reggaetón beats. Bringing together two generations, the song celebrates the most popular and beloved song of the great Calixto Ochoa, preserving the original song’s essence and its most memorable verses. Vives aims to put the spotlight on iconic composers of Colombia and breathe new life to their work, making it accessible to new generations. The song is featured on Vives’ remastered and expanded album Clásicos De La Provincia. — INGRID FAJARDO
Miguel Campello, “El Sentir de los Sentimientos” (Chatarrero Records)
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This week, Miguel Campello unveils the introspective ballad, “El Sentir de los Sentimientos.” Adorned with exquisite nylon strings and trumpet riffs, and enveloped in the fervor of rumba guitar strums and his resounding flamenco vocals, the song navigates the ebbs and flows of personal contemplation. In its purest form, the composition exalts our innate human capacity to experience emotions. “[It’s] a song with rumba soul that tells the passing of the days, full of stories that make us laugh and cry because singing is feeling that you feel, ‘the feeling of feelings’“, the singer-composer wrote on his Instagram. The single is part of his upcoming release Amanecer y Anochecer, which will consist of five songs, and is a continuation of 2023’s Noche y Día. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Milo J, 111 (Dale Play Records)
Following the EP En Dormir Sin Madrid, in collaboration with popular Argentine producer Bizarrap, Milo J showcases his musical prowess on his debut album 111. Infused with a South American bohemian essence reminiscent of tango and bolero, the album seamlessly combines traditional tones with a contemporary flair. The 16-year-old rapper delivers songs like an old soul weaving through the complexities and youth of angst.
The nine-track album highlights a masterful blend of acoustic and electric guitar arrangements, often intertwining the two in unexpected ways that both surprise and captivate the listener. Milo J’s lyrics are medicinal, deep and vulnerable. At strategic moments, the instrumental backdrop fades momentarily, allowing his tenor voice to take center stage and carry the emotional weight of the song. The album boasts diverse collaborations, such as “Carencias de Cordura” with Yami Sadfie, where Milo J ventures into the Andes with a pasillo that resonates across generations. In “Una Bala,” featuring Peso Pluma, he effortlessly delves into regional Mexican sounds, while he opens Pandora’s musical box with “Alumbre” with Nicki Nicole, unveiling a cinematic theme, and joins in unison with Yahritza y Su Esencia on “Te Fui a Seguir.” Romantic songs like “M.A.I” and “Deseo siempre” stand out for their lyrical sensuality, delivered with an elegance rarely found in today’s popular music. 111 demands to be listened to with undivided attention. — LUISA CALLE
Indee, “ORO”
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Immersed in the vibrant, sultry sounds of Afrobeats, Barcelona artist Indee unveils her self-released first single of the year, “Oro,” marked by golden-piano stabs and her seductive vocal delivery. Produced by Jay Kalo, the track is an ode to life and companionship, as Indee explores the quest for genuine friendships that are as valuable as gold. “In these crazy times, where everyone is chasing the spotlight/ Where is the soul of the body I touch?” she croons. The accompanying music video captures the star’s flawless dance moves and takes audiences on a journey through various iconic spots in Barcelona, showcasing the city’s dynamic backdrop. “When I speak about Gold I wanted to convey the idea of the mineral in its purest, unrefined state,” she wrote on her socials. “This song is an acknowledgement of the truly important things in life, for not all that glitters is gold.” — I.R.
Stream the New Music Latin playlist below:
Warner Music Cono Sur (which covers the Southern Cone of Latin America) and Lotus, the events production company behind Lollapalooza Chile, have launched a new label, booking and management company. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news According to both companies, this new division of Lotus also integrates […]
Daddy Yankee is closing out his farewell tour, La Última Vuelta, with a series of four back-to-back shows, dubbed “La Meta,” in his beloved Puerto Rico kicking off Nov. 30. The last show, however, will be live-streamed globally.
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Taking place Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Coliseo, the final concert, which, according to a press release, will be a “totally new show,” will be able to be streamed by fans who purchase a $20 ticket. The live stream event will be powered by streaming company Kiswe with a “state-of-the-art technology will guarantee that fans worldwide experience the passion and thrill of Daddy Yankee’s final show.”
Yankee’s La Última Vuelta trek, which kicked off last year following his retirement announcement, landed at No. 13 on the Top 40 Tours of 2022 with a total gross of over $125 million, according to last year’s Year-End Boxscore charts.
The Puerto Rican hitmaker announced March 2022 that he was retiring and would culminate his decades-long career with a world tour and his new album Legendaddy, which he dropped that same month. The set peaked at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart (dated April 9, 2022).
“This career, that has been a marathon, I finally see the finish line. Now I get to enjoy what you all have given me. They say that I made this genre global but it was you guys that gave me the key to open the doors to make this the biggest genre in the world,” Daddy Yankee said in a statement then. “I confess that it’s the biggest treasure I can have in my career. I always worked so I didn’t fail you, so I didn’t get into problems, with much discipline, to inspire the new generation to be leaders. Today, I’m announcing my retirement from music by giving you my best production and my best concert tour.”
Born Raymond Ayala, his career exploded with 2004’s breakthrough hit “Gasolina,” launching a genre that altered the sound and business of Latin music and became a global phenomenon.
“This historic night will mark the end of a three-decade journey for one of the most iconic Latin American artists of our time,” said Glenn Booth, CEO of Kiswe. “We are thrilled that we have been chosen to help millions of fans experience Daddy Yankee’s final performance on a touring stage and witness his heartfelt farewell.”
At this point, Ivan Cornejo is no stranger to Chicago. By now, he’s performed four times in this city in a span of three months: an official Lollapalooza aftershow (Aug. 4), Lolla (Aug. 5), then again Thursday (Nov. 16) and Friday (Nov. 17) as part of his Terapia Tour. The trek marks his biggest and most ambitious outing yet in the U.S.
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“¿Cómo andamos Chicago? (How are we doing, Chicago?)” he asked at the top of his nearly two-hour set at the Aragon Ballroom on Friday, the second of his back-to-back sold-out shows. The response? A roaring crowd that welcomed the 19-year-old back to the Midwest. Wearing dark grey slacks and a silk, beige-hued shirt, Cornejo looked the part of a therapist. Even at the beginning, a voice welcomed those Cornejo’s loyal fanbase to their therapy session. “Take a deep breathe in, your session has begun.”
The emotions were palpable throughout the night. Those in attendance — from kids who were accompanied by their parents to groups of teenagers — didn’t hold back and sang every single song on Cornejo’s set at the top of their lungs.
The 31-city tour finds the 19-year-old Mexican American artist — wise beyond his years — connecting with his equally young fanbase who felt deeply his lyrics about heartbreak. Some were brought to tears. It’s the effect Cornejo’s evocative delivery has on his fanbase. Singing with such pathos, Cornejo tugs at your heartstrings with nostalgic and melancholic songs about love and loss, powered by prickly acoustic and electronic guitars. As a collective, Cornejo and his fans heal each other.
While often boxed into the regional Mexican genre, Cornejo goes beyond that style. More precisely described as alt-música mexicana, the California-born artist serenaded fans singing his sad sierreño anthems “Me Hiciste Un Loco,” “Está Dañada,” “Estás En Mi Pasado” and “Perro Abandonado,” which he said he wrote when he was going through a heartbreak.
“I was really hurt when I wrote this song. I felt really lost but more than anything, I felt like a perro abandonado (abandoned dog).”
He also sang a medley of covers, including the Plain White T’s track “Hey There Delilah,” Jesse & Joy’s “¡Corre!” and Dareyes De La Sierra’s “Hasta El Día de Hoy.” He closed with “Donde Estás,” the song that everyone was waiting for, literally fans would chant the title of the song throughout the show.
“Arriba la terapia,” he declared at the end, loosely translating to “long live therapy.”
Cornejo closes his Terapia Tour on Nov. 22 in Ontario, Calif.
In 2021, Cornejo topped Billboard‘s Latin Songwriters chart thanks to his hit “Está Dañada,” which then became only the second regional Mexican song to enter the Hot 100 tally. He won new artist of the year the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards and, he’s now up for top Latin album at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards for Dañado.
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
NBA teams up with Nicky Jam
The NBA and Mitchell & Ness launched a limited-edition apparel collection in collaboration with Nicky Jam featuring the Miami Heat. According to a press release, the singer-songwriter “provided design input” on the merchandise — including a Heat hoodie, Hardwood Classics jersey, t-shirt, shorts and a hat.
“I’m thrilled to collaborate with the NBA and Mitchell & Ness on this new collection, bringing Miami flavor to life with the Heat’s vibrant colors complemented by locally relevant design elements,” the “El Perdón” singer expressed in a statement. “These pieces are a testament to the NBA’s cultural impact extending beyond the court into music and style. As my fans know, I’m always representing the Latin community, and it’s exciting to build on the league’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.”
See the collection here.
RBD Barbie dolls
Mexican supergroup RBD is getting their own Barbie dolls. The collector’s dolls — available in a set of five or sold individually as Rebelde characters Mia (Anahí), Roberta (Dulce Maria) and Lupita (Maite Perroni), Diego (Christopher von Uckermann) and Giovanni (Christian Chávez) — commemorate the group’s reunion tour after a 15-year hiatus. The dolls are decked out in emblematic concert outfits or their signature Elite Way school uniform.
“¡Y soy Rebelde! Pop stardom meets pop culture icons with the special edition RBD x Barbie dolls,” read the caption of the post shared on the Barbie instagram page unveiling the RBD Barbie dolls.
Women rule 2023 Latin Grammys
For the first time in history, women win the top four categories at the Latin Grammys. It happened on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the 24th annual Latin Grammy Awards where Karol G won album of the year (Mañana Será Bonito), Natalia Lafourcade won record of the year (“De Todas Las Flores”), Shakira, along with Bizarrap, took home song of the year (“Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53”) and Joaquina won best new artist.
Lafourcade’s acceptance speech for best singer-songwriter album for De Todas Las Flores was fitting for the historical night: “I dedicate it to all women friends, let’s not stop composing, let’s not stop believing in our art, in our music.”
Belanova’s comeback
Mexican pop trio Belanova — known for 2000s hits such as “Rosa Pastel” and “Por Ti” — will make its comeback to the Vive Latino stage after a six-year hiatus, the festival announced earlier this week. Vocalist Denisse Guerrero, keyboardist Édgar Huerta and bassist Ricardo Arreola will perform at the event taking place March 16 and 17, and held for the first time at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.
Other artists set to perform at Vive are Maná, Hombres G, Silvana Estrada, Fito Páez, among others. See the lineup here.
The 2023 Latin Grammys are a wrap. This year, there was no one big winner. Karol G, Shakira and Natalia Lafourcade tied with three major awards each. Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina won best new artist. So you could say that women were the big winners of the night. Karol won album of the year and best urban […]
From Shakira’s golden performance of “Acróstico” to Rosalía’s epic show opener performing “Se Nos Rompió El Amor,” the 24th annual Latin Grammys has been filled with memorable musical numbers. Originally sung by Rocío Jurado, written by La Magdalena and Manuel Alejandro — Rosalía sang a great tribute to her native Spain — filled with gut-wrenching […]
Dressed in a gorgeous golden dress by Dolce & Gabbana and singing with a gold-covered microphone, Shakira took center stage to perform “Acróstico” at the 2023 Latin Grammys. An emotional, open letter to her two children, Milan and Sasha, the heartfelt ballad is up for song of the year at Thursday’s (Nov. 16) awards show in Seville, Spain.
The Colombian superstar started her performance in an enclosed stage surrounded by mirrors and heavenly lighting. She then walked toward the stage where a piano accompanied her and then, a video played of her two sons singing lyrics from the song. Both Milan and Sasha were in attendance and proudly cheered on their mom from their seats.
The stripped-down performance of “Acróstico” followed Shakira’s first win of the night for best pop song, thanks to her Bizarrap collab “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53.”
“I want to share this Grammy with my colleagues with whom I have had the pleasure of working and learning,” Shakira said in her acceptance speech. “With my Latin audience in Spain, in Colombia, in the United States, in Latin America. The Latin public that has taken me to the highest heights, those places I dreamed of since I was a child and to whom I owe everything. I also want to share this with my Spanish public who has been with me through thick and thin … who have never stopped giving me love and support for a single day. I will never forget that. This is for you.”
The 2023 Latin Grammys feature performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Bizarrap, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, Christian Nodal, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Eslabón Armado, Feid, GALE, Iza, Joaquina, Juanes, Kany García, Laura Pausini, Leon Leiden, Maluma, Manuel Carrasco, Maria Becerra, Milo J, Natascha Falcão, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Paola Guanche, Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía and Sebastián Yatra.
The 24th annual awards show is taking place Thursday at the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Seville. It airs on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S. and is broadcast on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Check back to Billboard.com throughout the night for the latest news on performances, special awards and more.
Emilia and TINI unite atop the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart as their team-up, “La_Original.Mp3,” bursts in at No. 1 on the Nov. 18-dated ranking. It’s the second song to launch at the summit in 2023, after another Emilia collaborative track, “Los Del Espacio,” with the all-star team comprising LIT killah, Maria Becerra, FMK, Rusherking, Duki, Tiago PZK and Big One (seven weeks in charge).
“La_Original.Mp3” sends Luck Ra’s “La Morocha,” featuring BM, to No. 2 after the latter’s seven-week domination.
“La Original,” which also scores the Hot Shot Debut of the week, belongs to Emilia’s sophomore album, .Mp3.
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Further, three other .Mp3 tracks debut this week. With those new recruits, Emilia boasts 10 concurrent tracks on the tally this week — seven from her new set, including a re-entry. Here’s a look at her song collection on this week’s Billboard Argentina Hot 100.
No. 1, “La_Original.Mp3”, along with TINI (debut)No. 5, “GTA.Mp3”No. 13, “Los del Espacio”, along with LIT Killah, Tiago PZK, Maria Becerra, Duki, Rusherking, Big OneNo. 22, “No_Se_Ve.Mp3”, along with Ludmilla and ZeccaNo. 35, “Salgo a Bailar”, along with FMKNo. 36, “Exclusive.Mp3” (debut)No. 41, “En la Intimidad,” with Big One and Callekero FinoNo. 58, “Jagger.Mp3”No. 67, “Iconic.Mp3” (debut)No. 71, “Facts.Mp3” (debut)
The Greatest Gainer honors goes to Tan Bionica’s “La Melodía De Dios,” which climbs 25 places from No. 88 to No. 63.
Finally, one other song debuts: Jung Kook’s “Standing Next to You” at No. 97.
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Who will have a big night at the 2023 Latin Grammys? Each year, Billboard offers its analysis of who will win and who should win in the main categories (song of the year, record of the year, album of the year and best new artist).
This year, leading up to Latin Grammys on Thursday (Nov. 16), we’ve gathered our Latin editorial team and embarked on a lively discussion, with educated guesses based on the marketplace and past voting behavior (not endorsements). Our participants are Leila Cobo, Billboard’s chief content officer, Latin/Español; Jessica Roiz, assistant editor, Latin; Griselda Flores, senior writer, Latin; Ingrid Fajardo, social media manager & Latin’s staff writer; Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard Español’s deputy editor; and Isabela Raygoza, Billboard Español’s associate editor.
For the first time held outside the United States, the annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain on Nov. 16 on Univision starting at 8 p.m. ET, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Danna Paola, Sebastián Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega will serve as co-hosts.
Here are our predictions:
“No Es Que Te Extrañe,” Christina Aguilera
“Carretera y Manta,” Pablo Alborán
“Déjame Llorarte,” Paula Arenas Featuring Jesús Navarro
“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” Bizarrap Featuring Shakira
“Si Tú Me Quieres,” Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerra
“Mientras Me Curo Del Cora,” Karol G
“De Todas Las Flores,” Natalia Lafourcade
“Ojos Marrones,” Lasso
“La Fórmula,” Maluma & Marc Anthony
“Despechá,” Rosalía
“Correcaminos,” Alejandro Sanz Featuring Danny Ocean
Griselda Flores: I think Shakira and Bizarrap should win and will win. “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” is the perfect example of a song that should be up for record of the year, because this honors the producer and Bizarrap is super hot right now. Pair him up with Shakira, who’s had a massive year, and they double their chances of winning. They are two well-known names for voters, and because of that and because the production of this song is incomparable, it deserves to win. That music session also had a massive impact culturally — it was playing everywhere!
Leila Cobo: The Shakira Bizarrap session should win. I think that the way Bizarrap produced this track is really masterful — so is the way he produces every track for every artist, but what he did here, just like quoting her old songs and making the references that are both lyrical and musical, is so clever. He was able to read her. There’s a lot to discover in that song, and I think from a production standpoint, it was brilliantly done. It’s a great example of production and songwriting being done at the same time — you could almost see this whole thing being created before your eyes. However, I’m not sure it will win. Voters might go for Christina Aguilera’s “No Es Que Te Extrañe,” Pablo Alborán’s “Carretera y Manta” or Fonseca and Juan Luis Guerra’s “Si Tú Me Quieres,” which is a beautiful song.
Sigal Ratner-Arias: I agree with you, Leila. I feel that Bizarrap’s song with Shakira stands out, because it’s so different and so original musically, in terms of the lyrics and how it’s put together. It’s very masterfully done, every detail of the song is perfect. On the other hand, I don’t know if it’s going to win, because it could go to “Si Tú Me Quieres,” which is very beautiful. I re-listened to Lasso’s “Ojos Marrones” and I think it’s perfect pop from start to finish and beautifully produced. That has a chance, too.
Isabela Raygoza: Not to jump on the bandwagon but the Shakira-Bizarrap session is also my favorite, although I suspect the winner could be Natalia Lafourcade’s “De Todas Las Flores.” I think it’s such a beautiful recording. She’s a darling for the Latin Grammys and it was captured on analog tape and produced by Adan Jodorowsky, the French-Mexican producer, who is a fantastic musician. The live instruments and how the orchestration comes together really did it for me. I predict that song will win, but my favorite is Bizarrap and Shakira’s session.
Natalia Lafourcade performs in concert during Noches del Botánico Music Festival at Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII on July 8, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.
Jessica Roiz: I would love to see Shakira and Bizarrap take it, because it would make a statement given how powerful this song was when it dropped at the beginning of the year. However, I do have other favorites on this list that have grown on me musically. “La Formula” is one of those, because it has really good melodies — it’s not your typical salsa song, it has some urban in there. I feel that the Recording Academy noticed it too, and that’s why it’s on the list. But I also agree with Sigal about “Ojos Marrones.” I wouldn’t be mad if Lasso takes it.
Ingrid Fajardo: It would be nice if Shakira won, but I feel that it also might not go to her. I agree about “Ojos Marrones” having a big chance, but my favorite is Karol G’s “Mientras Me Curo del Cora.” The way they created that song with the chorus really moved me. That added a lot to the production.
La Cu4rta Hoja, Pablo Alborán
A Ciegas, Paula Arenas
De Adentro Pa Afuera, Camilo
Décimo Cuarto, Andrés Cepeda
Vida Cotidiana, Juanes
Mañana Será Bonito, Karol G
De Todas Las Flores, Natalia Lafourcade
Play, Ricky Martin
EADDA9223, Fito Paez
Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, Carlos Vives
Ratner-Arias: Natalia is on the list and she is a darling, and presents another album with classic sounds and deep lyrics, folkloric and poetic sounds. But Karol’s Mañana Será Bonito presents a very contemporary and eclectic album with an inspiring message of empowerment, and it touched the hearts of so many people. This is the album of the year with songs like “Provenza,” “Mientras Me Curo del Cora,” “TQG” with Shakira. It should win, and hopefully it will.
Cobo: I second all of that. And yes, the Latin Grammys could make a statement by giving it to a woman, but also give value the things that are [commercially] successful. But Juanes or Natalia Lafourcade could also win.
Flores: I will say these are all solid albums — it’s a tough choice. I had to write up this category for our Latin Grammys guide, so I listened to all the nominated sets and some here are truly moving. Paula Arenas and Andres Cepeda’s respective albums are really gorgeous. But I do have to say that Mañana Será Bonito, being as intentional as it is and a history-making album, should win and will win. Karol G deserves that recognition. I’m rooting for her.
Fajardo: Karol’s album was a complete mix of everything, and it was super empowering, but in a soulful way: the importance of healing yourself. That album made me feel all the emotions, and you don’t always connect like that with an entire album.
Raygoza: I actually also really like Carlos Vives’ album. I know it’s not a popular choice, but it’s a beautiful contribution to Latin music in general. While he continues to update vallenato for this generation, he does resurrect the music de Rafael Escalona, whom he famously played in his telenovela. He delivers that zest for life, the music, the production, and I really love that he honors Escalona’s unique way of songwriting. The lyrics and the music are beautiful, and it offers diversity to the Latin genre.
Roiz: Maybe Carlos Vives can take this one. He puts so much hard work and research into all his projects. He’s so passionate about his genre, and that reflects in his music, so I feel that his hard work will be rewarded as album of the year. He goes that extra mile to bring out these types of albums, like he did with Cumbiana. But I also think Vida Cotidiana by Juanes could win because it’s Juanes’ comeback album. But Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito should win. More than Karol experimenting with genres, it really shows her healing process, and it made a lot of us heal along with her.
Carlos Vives in 2023.
“Acróstico,” Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, L.E.X.U.Z, Luis Fernando Ochoa & Shakira, songwriters (Shakira)
“Amigos,” Pablo Alborán & Maria Becerra, songwriters (Pablo Alborán Featuring Maria Becerra)
“De Todas Las Flores,” Natalia Lafourcade, songwriter (Natalia Lafourcade)
“Ella Baila Sola,” Pedro Julian Tovar Oceguera, songwriter (Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma)
“NASA,” Edgar Barrera, Camilo & Alejandro Sanz, songwriters (Camilo & Alejandro Sanz)
“Ojos Marrones,” Luis Jiménez, Lasso & Agustín Zubillaga, songwriters (Lasso)
“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” Santiago Alvarado, Bizarrap, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz & Shakira, songwriters (Bizarrap Featuring Shakira)
“Si Tú Me Quieres,” Fonseca, Yadam González & Yoel Henríquez, songwriters (Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerra)
“TQG,” Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Karol G, Ovy On The Drums & Shakira, songwriters (Karol G Featuring Shakira)
“un X100to,” Bad Bunny, Edgar Barrera, Marco Daniel Borrero & Andres Jael Correa Rios, songwriters (Grupo Frontera Featuring Bad Bunny)
Flores: I would love to say that “Ella Baila Sola” is going to win, but I think this made more sense as record of the year, because the sound is so refreshing and it put at the forefront a new style of musica Mexicana with charchetas, trambones, a tololoche. I’m not sure it has a good chance to win song of the year. My prediction is that “un x100to” will win, because the Academy will want to recognize a regional Mexican song, and with superstar Bad Bunny attached and Edgar Barrera as its songwriter — who is the most nominated artist this year — I think it could take the award.
Cobo: This is a hard one. I think “Ella Baila Sola” could win. It so deserves to win. The other day I was in an Uber with a Cuban driver who he had a playlist of reggaeton, and suddenly “Ella Baila Sola” comes on. This song pierced through everything. This is perhaps the only regional Mexican song that doesn’t live solely on regional Mexican playlists. I think that song should win, I hope it does. It’s a gem. If not, “TQG” by Karol and Shakira could win. But if they are going to go the Grammy way, it could go to Alejandro Sanz and Camilo for “NASA.”
Pedro Tovar de Eslabón Armado y Peso Pluma
Raygoza: I also agree that “Ella Baila Sola” should’ve been in record of the year category. It really gets you up on your feet. It’s transcended so much. This category is one of the most difficult for me because there are so many good ones. I want to mention Shakira’s music session with Bizarrap. Leila wrote a great article where she dissected the lyrics and how forward and upfront it is to name-call someone, but in such a brilliant way. The unapologetic storytelling is a significant departure from the typical breakup song. The songwriting in general is so bold, and I think it would be unconventional for the Academy to award this song, but I do feel that it embodies all characteristics to win this category as well. However, it’s not the song I think will win. Grupo Frontera and Bad Bunny integrated in an incredible way to bring that song to life. The songwriting is very clever, and I love the way that the title “un x100to” juxtaposes the enduring power of love with the short-lived life of a cellphone. Bad Bunny’s way of delivering the song is seamless. It’s an irresistible cumbia, norteño song.
Ratner-Arias: I would love to see that song win but, although it may come as a surprise to you, of all three Shakira songs that are here, the one that has the best chance of winning song of the year is “Acróstico.” It is one of the most sensitive and vulnerable songs, not from a Colombian superstar, but from a mother and wife. It has heartbreakingly sensitive lyrics, written in an acoustic way with the names of her children, and Shakira exhibits a mixture of vulnerability and strength while trying to come out of that dark stage of her life. I think “Acróstico” has a chance.
Roiz: I would say “Ella Baila Sola” and “Un x100to” should win for the reasons you’ve all mentioned. Regional Mexican has had such a big moment, so how can the genre not win song of the year? But also “TQG” is up there for me, because everytime I hear it, I think of how important it is for women now to listen to this song because it’s so full of empowerment. This isn’t the type of songs we grew up with, which had a more submissive theme.
Fajardo: I feel that “NASA” has a high probability of winning. Regardless of the fact that they are all darlings, Camilo, Alejandro Sanz and Edgar Barrera, this song thrives in storytelling. I would also like Shakira and Bizarrap to win — the way they composed the song is incredible.
Borja
Conexión Divina
Ana Del Castillo
Natascha Falcão
Gale
Paola Guanche
Joaquina
Leon Leiden
Maréh
Timø
Flores: I think this is a good best new artist category. Mostly all artists nominated are actually super new. I think GALE should win. For starters, she’s been a songwriter for major artists — that will help her — and now she’s making a space for herself as a recording artist. She’s talented both as a singer and songwriter. Her sound is very different too — she can do pop, rock, ballad, urban. She’s very diverse, and I like what she brings to the table.
Cobo: It’s a big advantage that GALE has written for a lot of big names. She’s been in the room with a lot of writers and producers, a lot of people that vote, and that will go in her favor.
Ratner-Arias: I am between GALE and Joaquina. GALE seems to be a spectacular artist — we saw her in concert last year at Latin Music Week, and she impacted me there. She’s also written for many people, so she has the chops, she has the look, she has everything to be a super artist and she will go far. But the award will go to Joaquina. Since she emerged from Julio Reyes Copello’s Arthouse before signing with Universal, I was impressed by her ability to tell stories with deep themes that affect her generation, with a lyrical and musical sensibility that goes beyond her years.
Juan Luis Guerra told me the other day, “Have you heard Joaquina?,” because he knows I am Venezuelan. He is impressed by her and told me that she reminds him of Shakira in her beginnings. I feel that she has connected with her generation, the girls at her shows sing at the top of their lungs. She has a sweetness, charisma and sincerity that is necessary among so much superficiality. She has much deeper lyrics of the same love that Shakira once sang about in her beginnings.
GALE photographed on October 3, 2023 at the Faena Forum in Miami.
Roiz: I would like to see GALE take this award. I remember we had a WhatsApp dinner two years ago in Los Angeles for Women’s History Month, and I sat next to her and that’s where I met her. She told me she was so nervous about launching her music career. Everything about her — from her personality to her lyrics about unsolicited D-pics, which is something her generation deals with — is very honest, which I like, and she is like a modern-day Avril Lavigne, a rocker girl who can adapt to any genre. I hope she wins. I’m also a sucker for Leon Leiden because he’s so innovative. He’s also so refreshing, but I don’t think he’ll win.
Raygoza: When I saw GALE sing live in New York, I was very impressed. She reminded me of female rockers of the ’90s. She has that essence — her delivery, her confidence. She’s very cool and very likable. Another nominee I would like to see win is Ana del Castillo. She has a powerful voice and she is very promising in the vallenato genre. She’s been around and has a trajectory in the genre and she boasts a very tough persona. She’s sensual but tough and can hang out with the boys. I like that tough personality in a female to show that badass-ery. Either GALE or Ana would be cool to win the award.
Fajardo: I like GALE. She has a very good chance of winning. I’m with Isabela about Ana del Castillo, because she is the only woman who represents her genre. She may be a bit too sexy, but she is the female version of vallenato. But I’m not sure she has a real chance of winning.