BBLatin

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.
Nicki Nicole, ALMA (Sony Music Latin)

What happens when your heart, soul and brain strike a balance? You get Nicki Nicole’s ALMA, a set that thrives on emotions (“DISPARA”), spirituality (“Tienes Mi Alma”) and reason (“NO Voy a Llorar”). A departure from Parte De Mí, which dropped two years ago, this new album is sonically less experimental but its lyrics are more raw, mature and intimate. In ALMA, Nicki takes fans on self-reflective journey. She starts off with “Ya No,” a soulful yet dramatic piano-led ballad that puts her striking vocals at the forefront as she sings “I’m not looking for anything from you. I’m no longer there. I don’t know who will take care of you. I don’t know who will heal you.”

It’s a theme that is carried throughout the album. It’s an awakening to self-love. The opening track is followed by the attitude-heavy hip-hop song “DISPARA,” a swaggy collab (“Like me, there’s only a few so you’re going to regret it”) with Milo J. Other collabs include “8AM” with Young Miko, the Rels B-assisted “qué le pasa conmigo?” and “CAEN LAS ESTRELLAS” with YSY A. “So many people I admire formed a part in it, producers as well as others in the industry,” Nicki says in a statement. “I truly feel that it’s a great album, it took a while, but it was worth it.” — GRISELDA FLORES

The Guapos, “Nunca Te Quise” (One Little Blue Records)

Fly dappers with a sardonic edge, the supergroup troupe — composed of Adán Jodorowsky, El David Aguilar, Jay de La Cueva and Leiva of the famed Mexican music scene — team up here to present The Guapos. On “Nunca Te Quise” (or “I never loved you”), the self-proclaimed handsome foursome croon sweet harmonies in rockabilly fashion, recalling classics like Ritchie Valens’ “Donna” or Los Teen Tops’ “Pensaba En Ti” — but with a more sinister spin. “I never loved you my love, you have to accept it/ I was just a manipulator/ And don’t be sad my love if I hurt you/ What more do you want to run away from me?,” they sing tenderly in Spanish.

“The song’s lyrics are a parody of a lover who, whether out of insecurity (or not), acts arrogant in the face of a potential breakup and is even willing to own his flaws. It has cynicism,” the band says in a press release. “The irony is that despite the song’s acidic lyrics, the music is actually very sweet, and that contrast is perhaps what we’ve always liked about the song.” Directed by Charlotte Kemp Muhl, the music video sees the mischievous men channeling a Clockwork Orange kind of vibe, but unlike the song’s lyrics, the visual gives these heartbreakers a just conclusion. Produced by Jodorowsky, “Nunca Te Quise” is the group’s second single from an upcoming album due out later this year. They are slated to tour Spain in June and July. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Christian Alicea, Yo (Therapist Music)

In 2019, Christian Alicea entered the mainstream realm by performing urban music — but along his journey, he discovered his sound and color, which today are reflected in his all-salsa, debut studio album Yo (Me). Home to 16 tracks, including collaborations with Nacho, Maffio, Rafa Pabon, and more, Yo is a musical testament to not only his Puerto Rican culture but also who he is as an artist — a singer, a songwriter, and an instrumentalist. Alicea pens lyrics about love, sentiment, and personal stories, all backed by his sugary vocals and captivating Tropical fusions, as heard in the focus single “Aroma.” Other standout tracks in Yo are “Bendicion Mame y Pape,” a bolero-infused bop dedicated to his faithful supporters; “Se Le Nota,” a quick-paced salsa with DJ Nelson and Alejandro Armes; the DJ Buddha-assisted “Que Rica,” a merengue ripiao recorded with a live band; and his bachata effort in “Se Acabó.” Stream and listen to Yo above. — JESSICA ROIZ

Juanes, Vida Cotidiana (Universal Music Latino)

Juanes reflects on his relationship with his wife and children, and the problems that affect his native country, in his new album Vida Cotidiana. They’re not particularly new subjects for the Colombian rocker known for his deep and honest lyrics about love and social commitment. But at 50, his introspective journey is more mature and fascinating. From the dark indie rock of “Gris” to the Juan Luis Guerra-assisted “Cecilia,” an upbeat love song dedicated to his wife, Juanes gets deeply personal as he navigates through feelings of frustration and sadness during the COVID pandemic — when the globetrotter was living for the first time with his family 24/7, in what was ultimately a very important and humbling learning experience, he recently told Billboard Español.

A return to his rock roots with electric guitar — this time tinged with funk, son and cumbia, among other rhythms — the 11-song set was produced by Juanes and Sebastian Krys, and includes the previously released “Amores Prohibidos,” “Ojalá” and “Veneno,” an empowering and funky tune about toxic relationships. In addition to Guerra, Juanes invited other artists to help him write. He gets assists from Puerto Rican singer-songwriter GALE on the pop-rock standout “Ojalá,” from Tommy Torres on the reggae-infused “El Abrazo” and from Cuban poet Alexis Díaz Pimienta on “Mayo,” a song inspired by the marches of recent years that led to violent situations in Colombia during the month of May (when Labor Day is celebrated there.) Another compelling track, “Canción Desaparecida”, about the disappeared in Colombia, was recorded with Mabiland. Vida Cotidiana — which translates to “Everyday Life” — is a capsule of Juanes’ life and spirit, which will make you reflect on our own. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Jesús Adrian Romero, El Cielo Aún Espera (Vástago Producciones)

Mexican singer-songwriter Jesús Adrian Romero launches his most recent album El Cielo Aún Espera this week. The famous representative of the Christian genre collaborates with his compatriot Adriel Favela for this eponymous single from the album, delivering an appealing pop ballad with elements of regional Mexican. The unexpected duet talks about enjoying everyday life, not with the artists’ eyes set on the future, but treasuring what they have received in the present — accompanied by the nostalgic sob of an accordion. In Romero’s words about its launch, “Many times when we talk about spiritual life we build a wall between the every day and what we consider divine. Spirituality and earthly life seem to be two conflicting ideas as if one had to be given up to achieve the other… What I would like to convey with this album is that we are human beings who enjoy life, love, have fun, laugh, and cry, but in the midst of everything, our center, our gravity is God”.

The album, produced by the renowned Kiko Cibrián, runs seven tracks — including “Te Esperare,” a pop ballad which Romero writes as a riddle about hope, two versions of “Amo Todo de ti” (modern folk and pop) both dedicated to his wife, and a few cuts released ahead of the album, including “A Vivir” (with Jesús Molina), “Fue tu Amor” (with Coalo Zamorano) and “No ha Sido en Vano”. The latter is a piano ballad that invites you not to become resigned from doing good — even if it seems like it has not led to good results, these good deeds have not been in vain. Jesús Adrián Romero, one of the few Christian artists who dares to decentralize his music and collaborate with other artists outside the genre, shows once again that he is a poet of composition, with lyrics that manage to zoom in on the emotional complexity of being human in many existential-but-everyday issues — and through his music, invite his listeners to introspection. — LUISA CALLE

From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Karol G & Alicia Keys’ Special Moment Onstage

Karol G surprised fans in Bogotá, Colombia when she showed up onstage to perform alongside Alicia Keys, who gave a show at the Movistar Arena on May 11. Following Goyo’s opening set, Keys took the stage and was later joined by the “Mañana Será Bonito” singer to duet “No One.” Fans were in for a treat when these two artists joined forces. Watch the special performance below:

A Poem by Shakira

Shakira released a new single, “Acróstico” (acrostic), and it’s a powerful open letter to her children, Milan and Sasha. The song is a poetic composition constructed so that the initial letter of each line of lyrics, taken consecutively, form words.

Released just in time for Mother’s Day, Shakira uses her iconic sultry voice to showcase her raw, vulnerable emotion in this stripped-down piano ballad, where she expresses a mother’s deep and pure love for her children. Acróstico” talks about how a mother can turn her pain into strength through the love of her kids, and how a caress from a son can uplift the soul. More info on the song here.

GALE’s New Career Milestone

This week, GALE sang the U.S. National Anthem to a crowd of nearly 300,000 people at the Formula One Miami Grand Prix that took place in Miami, Fla.—a first in her career. “I feel like I can do anything after this,” she expressed on her Instagram account. “I sang the National Anthem at the @f1 race. What a dream and an honor! Thank you for the love. I’ll never forget this moment. De Puerto Rico pa’l mundo enterooo.” The powerful performance by the Puerto Rican newcomer was aired live on TV in over 140 counties. GALE documented the exciting career highlight on social media. Watch it below:

Gibson Gives Back to Cuba

Gibson Gives has donated 52 guitars, in addition to strings, picks, and other musical equipment, to benefit students at the National School of the Arts in Cuba, where access to musical supplies is limited. “At Gibson Gives, we’ve extended our global growth over the past year, even reaching corners of the world we never thought possible,” said Dendy Jarrett, CEO of Gibson Gives in a press statement. “After two years of negotiations, we are excited to bring much-needed music and equipment for the first time to young people in music and art schools who have limited supplies. Cuban music and songwriting have a rich musical history and global impact; We are delighted to do our bit to ensure that this tradition continues to thrive with the next generation.” Gibson partnered with Derek Walker (Gibson Gives Goodwill Ambassador), who personally delivered the instruments and equipment. Gibson is also expected to donate 100 more Epiphone guitars to the school in the coming months.

First-Ever Latin Women in Music

The inaugural edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music is a wrap. Shakira, Thalia, Ana Gabriel, Evaluna Montaner, Goyo, Emilia and Maria Becerra were honored as the first class of the Billboard Latin Women in Music on Saturday (May 6) in Miami. From epic performances to emotional and poignant speeches, read all the highlights from the special night here.

With Latin Women in Music, Billboard and Telemundo aim to further elevate Latin music globally and celebrate the women who have made a concrete impact on Latin music through their artistic achievements, or through tangible, noteworthy actions that have brought measurable recognition and opportunity to women, affecting positive change to the industry as a whole.