Welcome to LATINA’s weekly roundup of the best new music. This week’s list features Rebecca Black’s debut album, Yendry’s return, and Ludmilla’s empowering anthem.
Also on the list: Pabllo Vittar teams up with Anitta, Manuel Medrano releases a retro duet with Juliana, and La Santa Cecilia covers José José. Plus, Conexión Divina’s ode to regional Mexican music classics and Kenia Os’ flirty “Malas Decisiones.”
Yendry, “Herrera”
Yendry embraces her Dominican roots in her new single “Herrera.” In the song named after her hometown in the Dominican Republic, she puts an electronic twist on bachata music. She is captivating as she sings about a red-hot romance that’s got her going wild. “This one is for the lovers,” she wrote in a statement. Yendry continues to push Latin music to new places with her worldly sound.
Rebecca Black, “Let Her Burn”
On the 12th anniversary of her viral single “Friday,” Rebecca Black released her debut album Let Her Burn. The Mexican-American singer shows her chops as an alternative pop star across the 10-track LP. “These last 12 years have been about growing into the person I am and growing into the artist I am, and defining what I had to say and why I wanted to say that, and who I was,” she told LATINA about her musical journey. The album includes the alluring single “Crumbs” and the heartbreaking ballad “Sick To My Stomach.” One of the most powerful tracks is “Destroy Me” where she channels her angst into a frenetic, rock-infused anthem. Black sets her past on fire while blazing her own trail forward in pop.
Ludmilla and Tasha e Tracie, “Sou Má”
Brazilian superstar Ludmilla released a new girl power anthem “Sou Má,” teaming up with Brazilian hip-hop duo Tasha e Tracie. While Ludmilla is known for helping to globalize Brazilian funk, she taps into trap music this time around and flexes her rap skills. Ludmilla and Tasha e Tracie trade verses about being powerful Black women who are at the top of their game. This is a fierce and fabulous collaboration.
Pabllo Vittar and Anitta, “Balinha de Coração”
Pabllo Vittar is back with the new album “Noitada.” The Brazilian drag superstar pushes Brazilian funk music to new places with elements of electronica. Another one of Brazil’s top artists, Anitta, features on two songs from the LP, “Calma Amiga Interlude” and the alluring club banger “Balinha de Coração.” In English, “Noitada” translates to “Night Out,” and that’s exactly what Vittar soundtracks with this collection of after-hours anthems.
Manuel Medrano and Juliana, “La Primera Vez”
Two Latin Grammy Best New Artist winners are joining forces. Colombian singers Manuel Medrano and Juliana teamed up for their collaboration “La Primera Vez.” In the funky love song, both artists trade verses about a blossoming romance. Medrano’s sultry croon and Juliana’s soaring voice complement each other well in this track that pulls inspiration from the seventies. “La Primera Vez” will be the theme song for the retro movie of the same name that premieres on Netflix on Feb. 15.
Conexión Divina, “Cambio De Canción”
Conexión Divina references a few regional Mexican music classics in the new single “Cambio De Canción.” The Mexican-American girl group alludes to Christian Nodal’s “Adiós Amor” and Banda Los Sebastianes’ “A través Del Vaso” in their heartbreaking song. Lead singer Liz Trujillo sings about turning to the radio to forget an ex. On the inspiration behind the track, Conexión Divina shared in a statement, “‘Cambio de Canción’ is one of our favorite songs because it makes you connect with songs by other artists and the emotions they elicit.” The group is part of the line-up for this year’s Coachella music festival in April.
Kenia Os, “Malas Decisiones”
Kenia Os is continuing to unveil the universe behind her “K23” album. The Mexican pop star released the futuristic music video for her latest single “Malas Decisiones.” Hit-maker JonTheProducer gave Os’ Latin pop sound a disco-influenced bounce. In the dreamy dance track, she sings about the bad decisions that are going to lead her and her lover to the bedroom. Os will perform the flirty banger on her U.S. K23 Tour that kicks off in San Diego on Feb. 22.
La Santa Cecilia, “Almohada”
La Santa Cecilia put a new twist on a Latin music classic. The Mexican-American band led by La Marisoul tackles the track “Almohada” that was popularized by Mexican icon José José. La Marisoul digs deep and breathes soul into the torch song’s emotional lyrics. La Santa Celicia’s take on “Almohada” is stunning. On why La Santa Cecilia chose to cover the ballad, La Marisoul told LATINA, “This song is a jewel and a gift for you so that people in love or those who long to be with another person can feel it.” It will be included on the second part of the group’s “Cuatro Copas: Bohemia En La Finca Altozano” album.
LATINA’s New Music Picks are published every Monday.
