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The songs that soundtracked our year were genre-blurring, empowering, hooky and game-changers in their own way. As the year comes to an end, Billboard unveiled the staff picks for the best 25 Latin songs of 2022. Now, it’s time to vote for your favorite song.
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The wide-ranging list includes obvious hits such as Bad Bunny‘s “Titi Me Preguntó,” Manuel Turizo‘s “La Bachata” and Grupo Frontera‘s “No Se Va,” but it also includes songs that weren’t outright hits but are truly great songs deserving of a mention on the year-end round-up.
Such was the case with Alex Anwandter‘s unapologetic disco-pop anthem “Maricoteca.” The Chilean singer-songwriter presented a risky NSFW statement, where spectators witness the singer-producer fortifying his identity politics with a side of mischief — an alluring, provocative queer artist with an unmatched talent for glimmering dance music.
There was also Kany García and Alejandro Sanz‘s poignant “Muero,” which further cements the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter as a master at retelling other people’s love stories and anguish in a way that makes them our own. In “Muero,” she and Sanz give voice to two people whose unspoken love will doom them to never experience it.
There was also Caloncho’s “Post Química,” Babasonicos’ “Bye Bye” and Natanael Cano‘s unapologetic “Que Me Importa” with newcomer Victor Cibrian. To wrap up the year, vote for the track that (in your opinion) was the best Latin song of the year.
Read Billboard’s 25 Best Latin Songs of 2022 list here.
Manuel Turizo adds a 14th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart (dated Dec. 17). In addition to becoming 2022’s longest domination, it breaks a tie from Sech, Darell, Nicky Jam, Ozuna & Anuel AA’s “Otro Trago” for the third-most weeks atop the ranking since the chart launched in 2018. Here’s the leaderboard:
Weeks at No. 1, Title, Artists25 weeks, “Tusa,” Karol G & Nicki Minaj16 weeks, “Entre Nosotros,” Tiago pzk, Lit Killah, Nicki Nicole & Maria Becerra14 weeks, “La Bachata,” Manuel Turizo13, weeks, “Otro Trago,” Sech, Darell, Nicky Jam, Ozuna & Anuel AA12 weeks, “Hawai,” Malum & The Weeknd12 weeks, “Calma (Alicia remix), Pedro Capó & Farruko
Argentinian La Mosca Tsé -Tsé is in double celebration of chart achievement and victory after Argentina beat France to become the 2022 World Cup champions. In addition to securing its first top 10, the ensemble takes the Greatest Gainer trophy of the week as its latest single, “Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar,” surges 55-2 in its second week.
Rosalía’s “Despechá” remains at No. 3, Bizarrap and Quevedo’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52” drops 2-4, while La Joaqui, Gusty DJ Salsatkbron’s “Dos Besitos” dips 4-5.
Further, the week’s Hot Shot Debut goes to Maria Becerra’s “La Nena de Argentina” as the song arrives at No. 24. The tune is the title track of Becerra’s second studio album under the same name. Plus, Becerra boasts another entry from the same set: “Adios,” which opens at No. 79. With both new entries, the singer adds 35 total career entries, tying with Anuel AA, Duki, Ozuna and Rauw Alejandro for the fourth-most overall. Here’s the scoreboard:
54, Bad Bunny49, J Balvin40, Bizarrap35, Anuel AA35, DuKi35, Maria Becerra35, Ozuna,35, Rauw Alejandro
Four other songs debut this week, starting with Nacho and Marama’s “La Culpa” at No. 91, Juanes follows with “Amores Prohibidos” at No. 92, MYA’s “Bikini” at No. 94 and lastly, Camilo and Myke Towers team-up with “Bebiendo Sola” at No. 98.
Anuel AA nets his fifth straight top five album on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart as his latest release, LLNM2, debuts at No. 2 on the Dec. 24-dated ranking. The Puerto Rican’s fourth solo studio album boasts the fifth-largest opening sum of 2022 among Latin albums.
LLNM2 starts with 23,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending Dec. 15, according to Luminate. The 33-track set was released Dec. 9 via Anuel’s label Real Hasta La Muerte.
Among all Latin albums in 2022 (anything that reached the Top Latin Albums chart), LLNM2 posts the fifth-largest opening sum, behind Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti (273,000 units), Eslabon Armado’s Nostalgia (29,000), Daddy Yankee’s Legendaddy (29,000) and Romeo Santos’ Formula, Vol. 3 (26,000).
On the multi-metric Top Latin Albums chart as measured in equivalent album units, each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album.
Streaming comprises 22,000 of LLNM2’s first-week units, which equates to 33 million on-demand official streams of the album’s songs. The remaining 1,000 stem from traditional album units and track-equivalent album units.
LLNM2 follows Anuel’s fourth-studio album, Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren, which debuted in Dec. 2021 at No. 1, where it remained for two weeks. Notably, Emmanuel, his second entry, holds strong at No. 31 on Top Latin Albums in its 133rd week on the tally.
As LLNM2 arrives, four tracks secure a spot on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart, three debuts and a reentry, starting with “La Máquina” at No. 23. The song earned 2.75 million clicks in the tracking week ending in Dec. 15. Here are the new recruits:
No. 23, “La Máquina,” with Jowell & Randy & De La Ghetto, featuring Yailin La Mas ViralNo. 40, “BRRR”No. 44, “Sufro,” with Kodak Black & Nengo FlowNo. 54, “Si Yo Me Muero” (reentry)
Elsewhere, LLNM2 debuts on the all-genre Billboard 200 at No. 30 and at No. 2 on Latin Rhythm Albums.
In 2022, Spanish-language music comprised a big chunk of what was being streamed beyond just Spanish-speaking countries and households. This year, Latin – which is defined as music predominantly sung in Spanish – saw a continued steady growth in the U.S. market and across the globe.
Latin’s big year was led by Bad Bunny’s game-changing release Un Verano Sin Ti, which is (of course) included in our 25 favorite Latin albums of this year. The 23-track genre-hopping set became the first all-Spanish album to be ranked No. 1 on the Billboard 200 year-end albums chart, and it also earned the first-ever Grammy nomination for album of the year for an all-Spanish release.
Genre-blurring albums were a trend this year. Perhaps the most experimental was Rosalía’s Motomami, which is impossible to box into one particular style or genre. Instead, the 16-track set, which won album of the year at the Latin Grammys, was an invitation into the Spaniard’s global-spanning inspiration. She isn’t afraid to go on an exploratory journey where jazz and reggaeton can coexist in one song.
That experimental nature was also found in Mexican music albums such as Eslabon Armado’s history-making Nostalgia and Ivan Cornejo’s Dañado. The faces of a new generation of regional Mexican acts, these artists may be labeled as sierreño artists but, at their core, they’re fusing their songs with the sounds (rock, alternative, pop) that inspired them growing up as a Mexican-American kid in the U.S. There was also Natalia Lafourcade’s masterpiece De Todas Las Flores, Romeo Santos’ third installment of his La Formula series and Jorge Drexler’s poignant Tinta y Tiempo.
Here are our 25 favorite Latin albums from this year, in alphabetical order.
Manuel Turizo adds a 13th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart (dated Dec. 10). It’s the longest command in 2022, plus, it ties with “Otro Trago” by Sech, Darell, Nicky Jam, Ozuna and Anuel AA for the third-most week atop the tally since the chart’s inception in 2018. Here’s a look at the longest domination:
25 weeks, “Tusa,” Karol G & Nicki Minaj16 weeks, “Entre Nosotros,” Tiago pzk, Lit Killah, Nicki Nicole & Maria Becerra13 weeks, “La Bachata,” Manuel Turizo13, weeks, “Otro Trago,” Sech, Darell, Nicky Jam, Ozuna & Anuel AA12 weeks, “Hawai,” Malum & The Weeknd12 weeks, “Calma (Alicia remix), Pedro Capó & Farruko
Bizarrap and Quevedo’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52” takes the runner-up slot and sends Rosalía’s “Despechá” to No. 3. Meanwhile, La Joaqui, Gusty DJ Salsatkbron’s “Dos Besitos” trades places with Rei and Callejero Fino’s “Tu Turrito” as the former rises 5-4 while the latter lifts 7-5.
Further, the week’s Hot Shot Debut goes to Arcangel and Bad Bunny’s “La Jumpa” as the song arrives at No. 42. The tune is part of Arcangel’s sixth studio album Sr. Santos which debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart.
Elsewhere, La Joaqui’s “Mañosa” takes the Greatest Gainer honors as the song rallies from No. 92 to No. 54.
Plus, Argentinian La Mosca Tse-Tse scores its first entry with “Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar” at No. 55. One rank below, Rusherking, Emilia and L-Gante’s “El Plan” bows at No. 56. Meanwhile, Arcangel concurrently scores a new entry as “Valtteri Bottas,” with Duki and Bizarrap debuts, at No. 80.
Lastly, Argentinian singer-songwriter BM secures his first entry claims with “M.A (Mejores Amigos)” at No. 94.
First Stream Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Paula Cendejas & Marc Seguí, “a tu manera” (Warner Music Spain)
Spanish artists Paula Cendejas and Marc Seguí join forces this week for a breezy pop song about a modern love story. The faces of a new generation of artists coming out of Spain, the pair trade verses in “a tu manera” about loving each other their own way and in their own terms. “Just to see if it’s true that this time around it’ll work,” they sing in the chorus. “How do I explain to you that I want to leave and then come back?” — GRISELDA FLORES
Quevedo, Myke Towers, “Playa Del Inglés” (Taste the Floor Records/Warner Music Spain)
Following his breakthrough hit, the Bizarrap-assisted “BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 52,” Quevedo teams up with Myke Towers on “Playa del Inglés.” On the Ovy on the Drums-produced electro-dancehall track, the Spanish artist and Puerto Rican rapper sing about a memorable fling that happened at the Canary Islands beach resorts. “You weren’t the first one not you’re the last one but how I wish you were the only one/ Who I present to my family and people/ Come to the party so that you’re in another vibe,” the Spanish newcomer chants. Meanwhile, Towers’ vocals assure: “Every time I see you, I remember of that time, the perreo at the plaza in Playa del Ingles/ I don’t want to be your ex.” — JESSICA ROIZ
Héctor Montaner, “Dale, Dale” (Hecho A Mano Music)
Ten years after releasing “Apariencias,” his last single, Héctor Montaner takes the mic once again for “Dale, Dale.” Written by himself as the theme song for the Disney+ series about his famous family, Los Montaner, “Dale, Dale” is a contagious cumbia tune that’s also perfect for the holidays. “We spend the whole year like Christmas/ There is always a good reason to celebrate/ Always putting God first to start/ We are better off, we are better off”, the artist sings in Spanish. Perhaps best known for the 2004 hit “Amor del Bueno,” Hector never really strayed from music — he’s been producing and writing songs for artists including Thalía, Leslie Grace and his father, Ricardo. But “Dale, Dale” is a welcomed return to his role as a talented vocalist, with a joyous video starring the entire Montaner clan. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Jowell & Randy feat. Wisin & Yandel, “Si Te Pillo” (Rimas Entertainment)
Jowell y Randy are closing off the year with a super collaboration alongside Wisin y Yandel. In their second collaborative effort — the first in more than a decade — the two iconic reggaetón duos join forces on “Si Te Pillo,” which loosely translates to “if I catch you.” Co-written by Jowell y Randy, Rios, and Yartzi, and co-produced by Georgie Milliano and Nesty, the infectious reggaetón-meshed-with-perreo track has saucy lyrics about a man who’s after the girl of his dreams. “Baby if I catch you, I’m not going to let go,” goes part of the chorus. Notably, the four artists boast signature vocals that have stood the test of time, resulting in the ultimate union of “two of the strongest names in the urban movement,” as Wisin states at the beginning and end of the track. — J.R.
Danny Ocean, “amor tonight” (Atlantic Recording Corp)
After releasing part one and part two of his album @dannocean, Venezuelan singer-songwriter Danny Ocean is back with new music. This time, he’s gifted fans a feel-good Spanglish anthem that’s all about living in the moment and embracing a newfound love. “You’re a surprise, you’re super nice, amor tonight, one love one life,” he sings over a hypnotic electronic beat. — G.F.
Alvaro Diaz, “SUPRA 94TRO” (UMG Recordings)
Alvaro Diaz has unleashed a new track, which surprisingly enough marks his first reggaetón song as a solo act. Produced by Jotarosa, Oceanvi, and Caleb Calloway, “SUPRA 94TRO” is an edgy futuristic reggaetón track that references the classic 1994 Toyota Supra while narrating the story of the ultimate power couple. “She has a couple of men behind her who think they are gangsters/ If when they see us together they feel the pressure, then hold on,” goes part of the track. “SUPRA 94TRO” will appear on Diaz’s upcoming studio album Sayonará, set to drop in 2023. “In the video, I’m wearing the signature look that I’ve worn on my US tour which is inspired by some of my favorite movies like Blade, Matrix, and Fight Club,” the Puerto Rican artist says in a statement. — J.R.
Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera, “Bebe Dame” (Rancho Humilde/Sony Music Latin)
All eyes have been on Grupo Frontera since the local McAllen band skyrocketed to virality (and the Billboard charts) with their cover of Morat’s “No Se Va.” Now moving away from their innovative covers and tapping into original music, most of them helmed by Edgar Barrera, Grupo Frontera teams up with Fuerza Regida for “Bebe Dame.” Produced by Regida’s frontman Jesus Ortiz Paz, the track is a romantic cumbia-grupera song about an unforgettable special person. “Bebe Dame” marks Regida and Frontera’s second collaborative effort this year, and follow’s Frontera’s latest single “Que Vuelvas” alongside Carin León. — J.R.
DEKKO, Totoy & El Frio, “Antes De Que Muera” (Interscope Records)
Manifesting nothing but good vibes and a successful year, rising Colombian acts Dekko and Totoy El Frío team up this week for “Antes de que muera.” Written and produced by Dekko himself (real name: Daniel Esquiaqui Lecompte), the acoustic corrido tumbado-inspired track sheds light on a bucket list they wish to accomplish before passing away, starting with “becoming a millionaire” and “owning the world.” “The life that I have led was not the one that mommy wanted/ I became more badass, that I guarantee/ And they criticize me because I do what I want/ But they need to know that ‘He who does not risk does not win,’” goes part of the motivational lyrics. — J.R.
Rosalía and Cardi B join forces for the new “Despechá” remix, which was unleashed Friday (Dec. 16).
After teasing the remix on Wednesday, the Spanish singer-songwriter unveiled a day later that the “WAP” singer would be her collaborator on the new version, which features Cardi rapping over the hypnotizing mambo beat.
“Since long time ago, I wanted to make music with her,” Rosalía said in an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music. “And she knows I love her music, and she always supports me too. So I was like, “This song is inspired in Mambo, it’s inspired in música dominicana.” And she’s Dominican, so who else is going to understand this better than her? You know what I mean? Her energy’s super pure and strong. I think that everybody can feel that.”
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Her first mambo ever, Rosalía dropped “Despechá” back in July, her first single after releasing her Latin Grammy-winning album Motomami. The Chris Jedi and Gaby Music-produced track was first teased in the midst of her Motomami World Tour and quickly gained social media virality.
“Despechá” is a danceable electro-merengue and mambo fusion about a girl who’s hitting the club with her friends to get over a heartbreak. “There are many ways to be Despechá, in this theme it is from the freeness or the craziness, moving without reservations or regrets,” she previously said in a statement.
In October, the track scored Rosalía her first No. 1 as a soloist, unaccompanied by any other act, on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart. “Despechá” also helped secure the artist her second No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart. On Hot Latin Songs, it peaked at No. 7 on the chart dated Oct. 1.
Listen to “Despechá” remix below:
Penske Media Corporation’s music, art and food festival LA3C closed its inaugural edition on Sunday (Dec. 11) with a Latin music-centered lineup, a nod to Los Angeles County’s’ Hispanic population, where more than 4.8 million Hispanics live, accounting for almost half of the county’s population.
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The second day of LA3C — which started off gloomy and rainy — included performances by Colombian hitmaker Maluma, regional Mexican star Gerardo Ortiz and Mexican-American rapper Snow tha Product.
Check out Sunday’s best moments below.
El Pana Con Más Flow Just as the sun peeked through the clouds for some much needed sunshine, Panamanian artist Chicocurlyhead marked his first main stage performance at a festival in the U.S. Wearing a monochromatic military green outfit and black sunglasses, Chico effortlessly zigzagged through R&B, trap and rock showcasing his versatility. “For those that don’t know me, I’m Chicocurlyhead. I was born in Panama and raised in Atlanta,” he told a small but mighty crowd. “That’s what you hear in my music. Spanglish. The real deal. I’m ‘El Pana con Flow.’”
Welcome to my paradiseMexican-American singer-songwriter Monogem delivered a soulful performance. With a set that began 50 minutes late, the crowd was forgiving offering her a warm L.A. welcome. One fan ran towards the stage holding a vinyl of the artist’s Gardenia, her first Spanish-language album. “I see you,” Monogem acknowledged the fan. “I’m so happy to be here. Soy mitad mexicana (I’m half Mexican) and it’s an honor to celebrate my Latin roots.” Mid-set, she welcomed fans to her paraíso and proceded to ask fans: “Is it ok if I get high with you guys? I mean we’re in L.A. My hometown.” However, she couldn’t light her joint due to the wind.
Os prometo que hemos ensayadoFrom Spain to L.A.! Marc Seguí and his band — who all wore bright colored t-shirts (red, yellow, blue and pink — one that had “we promise we rehearsed” written across it) — delivered a breezy performance paired with groovy visuals from outer space, the ocean and flowers. In the middle of his 30-minute set, the Spaniard brought a friend out to join him onstage. “I haven’t come alone. A big round of applause for Xavibo.” The pair were like best friends onstage enjoying every second of the performance — which included Segui’s “360” and his and Xavibo’s “Contigo Loca” — jumping up and down to pump up the crowd.
PR In the House“Hace un frío cabron aquí afuera,” Chesca said at the top of her performance,acknowledging the colder temperatures. The Puerto Rican artist delivered a high-energy performance with a troupe of dancers. “I feel so proud to be here with all of you,” she said just minutes before introducing her special guest, who flew in from Mexico just to join her onstage. It was none other than her fellow Puerto Rican hitmaker Villano Antillano, marking the first time she performs in L.A. “Thank you LA3C for having me. Latinos to the top. You should all feel so proud.”
Music of todayColombian singer-songwriter Fonseca got everyone dancing with his vallenato anthems. He kicked off with “Vine a Buscarte” and then got emotional with a heartfelt speech. “We’re very happy to be here tonight. It feels amazing to be back in L.A. We’re proud to be part of a festival that is featuring so many genres from all over the world. It represents the music of today.” The artist, who’s celebrating 20 years in music, went on to sing “Volvámonos a Enamorar” and of course the highly-anticipated “Te Mando Flores.” “Thank you for being part of this dream. Cheers to 2023, I hope it’s filled with good health, friends and family.”
Long live regional Mexican musicRegional Mexican star Gerardo Ortiz, who was born in Pasadena, Calif., enjoyed a homecoming with a set that proved to be a highlight of the night. Transforming the stage into a Mexican party — with a banda and norteño group in tow — Ortiz didn’t waste any minute belting out anthems such as “Quién Se Anima,” “Tranquilito,” “Por Qué Terminamos” and “Recordando a Manuel.” Wearing black jeans, a leather jacket with blue patches and silver studs styled with a cowboy hat and pointy boots, Ortiz, a much-experienced artist whose dynamic and interaction with his fans throughout proved to pull in not only fans who were there to see him, but also new ones who were just discovering him. Never too late to join the Gerardo Ortiz club.
“My favorite thing is women supporting women”Snow Tha Product meant business when she took the stage at LA3C. The Mexican-American rapper performed a riveting one-hour set where she showed off her slick verses and rapping skills. Her performance also included shots straight from a tequila and champagne bottle, a sea of women twerking onstage and Snow’s proud mom. She started off with a quick homage to Vicente Fernandez, who passed away one year ago. She took a shot in his memory. She then brought her mom onstage to take a shot with her and celebrate her success. “I didn’t go to college and I’m doing pretty good,” Snow said. “I told my mom I’d be the most famous lesbian Mexican rapper that ever existed. Mom, say a few things while I take a shot.” Her mom took the mic and started with, “Cómo estan todos (how is everyone doing)? I love you all so much for loving and respecting my daughter. God bless you all.”
She also invited multiple women to join her onstage and dance up there for the remainder of her show. “My favorite thing is women supporting women,” she declared. During her performance, she made sure she got what she paid for and give fans the best performance she could. After production wouldn’t light the fire effect onstage because the dancers “weren’t behind an orange line,” she protested. “I paid $5,000 to have the fire, I should have the fire. The apply rules to a woman that they wouldn’t to a man. If I don’t get fire in this next song, return my money.” She left her fans with advice: “In 2023, go where you’re loved and appreciated.”
Maluma BabyBefore the Colombian hitmaker took the stage, a short video played in front of a crowd that gathered to see Maluma front and center. “Today, my heart stops like if it was the first time [performing],” he said in the video. “Now, I give you my heart.” Then, the man of the hour appeared. Wearing black leather pants, a Supreme biker jacket and red leather gloves, he kicked off his one-hour set with the smash hit “Hawái.” “Good night, L.A. I’m Papi Juancho,” he greeted the audience. In a span of 60 minutes, Maluma delivered a show-stopping performance powered by fireworks and back-to-back hits including “Borró Cassette,” “Felices Los 4,” “Sobrio,” “Chantaje,” “Vente Pa’ Acá,” “11PM” and “Corazón.”
“Where are my Latinos?” he asked. “Los Angeles are you ready? It’s good to be back in one of my favorite cities.” Toward the end of his set, he reflected on his trajectory. “How cool that we’re all here. Is everyone drinking here because I am definitely drinking tonight. We’re ending the year and I want to thank you for the love you give me every single day. Without it, I wouldn’t be anyone. It’s been 11 years since I began my career but we’re just starting. There’s Maluma for many more years. Cheers.”
Penske Media Corporation is the parent company of Billboard.
Jenni Rivera‘s untimely passing left a void in Latin music. At the time of her death in a plane crash in Mexico on December 9, 2012, Rivera, 43, was at the peak of her career and the single most successful woman in regional Mexican and on the Billboard Latin charts.
With anthems such as “Inolvidable,” “De Contrabando,” “Basta Ya” and “Resulta,” Rivera was able to create a blueprint for herself in a male-dominated genre, and was on the verge of a major crossover, with a residency in Las Vegas in the works and her very own television series. Still, the regional Mexican icon may no longer be here but her presence on and off the Billboard charts looms larger than life.
Ten years after her tragic death, Rivera’s legacy is very much alive thanks to her five children — Chiquis, Jacqie, Michael, Jenicka and Johnny who spoke at length about their mother at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week — and her empowering anthems sang by a strong yet vulnerable woman for women from all walks of life. She’s also been an inspiration for the new generation of regional Mexican acts such as Grupo Firme, who’s frontman Eduin Caz told Billboard of her influence on him.
With more than 30 entries on the tally on the Regional Mexican Airplay, fourteen of those hit the top 10, and 25 songs on the Hot Latin Songs chart, Billboard‘s Latin editors have chosen Rivera’s 10 best songs (in no particular order). From “Ovarios” to “La Gran Señora” and “Las Malandrinas,” check out the list below.
‘Tis the season to start listening to Christmas songs on repeat without thinking: Is it too soon? As if on cue, like many other artists across genres, Latin acts have begun releasing back-to-back bilingual (Spanish and English) holiday songs — whether original or covers — to get in the spirit navideño.
Among those who recently released a cover of their favorite Christmas song is Kenia Os, who dropped her version of “Blanca Navidad.” “It’s a classic that’s never missing in my house when Christmas begins,” the influencer and singer says in a statement about the recording. “When they asked me to choose a song that represented that magical moment of being close to our loved ones, the first one that came to my mind was ‘Blanca Navidad.’”
José Feliciano — of course known for his anthemic “Feliz Navidad,” which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020 and it remains one of the top 10-performing hits in the decade-plus history of Billboard‘s Holiday 100 chart — is now back with a whole new Christmas-inspired album, Love & Christmas, which includes his new up-tempo track “Viva La Navidad.”
There’s also Chiquis, who unleashed her rendition of “Jingle Bells (Vamos All the Way)” with a twist on the lyrics, marking the first time she’s released a holiday-themed song. The Mexican-American artist’s version is a catchy urban-tinged cumbia track that will get anyone on their feet and singing along to her Spanglish lyrics.
Ahead of the holidays, here’s a list of new Navidad-themed or inspired Latin songs released this year, to add to your Christmas music playlist.