Welcome to LATINA’s weekly roundup of the best new music. This week’s list features new music from Carla Morrison, Lele Pon’s blast from the past with Guaynaa, and Natti Natasha’s heartfelt song.
Also on the list: Olga Tañón post-breakup anthem “La Vida Da Vuelta,” Bad Gyal breakthrough with “Chulo,” and Nicki Nicole teams up with Rels B. Plus, Belinda’s theme song for the Netflix series Bienvenidos A Edén and Prince Royce’s ode to his Dominican roots.
Carla Morrison, “Todo Fue Por Amor”
In her new single “Todo Fue Por Amor,” Carla Morrison pays tribute to a beloved Honduran community leader. Through the breathtaking ballad, the Mexican artist sings about making a positive impact on lives like Sister Maria Rosa Leggol once did. During her time as a nun, Leggol helped women and children flee from poverty and violence that was happening in Honduras. Morrison turns her story into an ode of hope. “I knew that something connected us, and that is the love for serving and being able to help others heal through my work, and that’s how I connected with her,” Morrison told LATINA. The song was included in the movie Con Esta Luz (With This Light), which was released in Honduras on Friday.
Natti Natasha, “La Falta Que Me Haces”
Natti Natasha is opening up about her personal life in “La Falta Que Me Haces.” She co-wrote the song with Mexican singer Joss Favela, who was behind her smash hit “La Mejor Versión De Mí.” In the heartfelt song, the Dominican superstar sings about the struggle of missing her fiancé Raphy Pina. After the birth of their daughter Vida Isabelle in 2021, Pina was incarcerated last May on charges for illegal possession of firearms. During her emotional performance at the Latin American Music Awards last Thursday, Natasha said, “To all the people who need this song, I didn’t know that I needed it until the day we created it. In case you’re watching Raphy, we all love you.”
Olga Tañón, “La Vida Da Vuelta”
Olga Tañón proves she gets better with time with her new single “La Vida Da Vuelta.” The Puerto Rican icon blends elements of salsa and reggaeton in the empowering banger. Tañón sings about bouncing back after going through a breakup. She gave a fierce performance of the song at the Latin American Music Awards. While reflecting about her 30-plus year career, Tañón told LATINA, “I’ve learned that I’m going to keep learning. Everyday I’m still working towards bettering my vocal technique and my approach to live performances. I’m always learning a little more each day.” She will bring her Symmetry Tour to the iconic Coliseo de Puerto Rico on September 2 with mainland U.S. dates to be announced soon.
Lele Pons and Guaynaa, “De Party A Party”
Following their marriage last March, Lele Pons and Guaynaa released a joint album. Their LP Capitulaciones includes the tropical bop “Abajito,” which included footage of their wedding in the music video. Now the couple have remade a classic with their latest single “De Party A Party.” They interpolated Vengaboys’ hit “We Like to Party!” into a feel-good Latin anthem. “It’s going to bring a lot of energy,” Guaynaa told LATINA collaboration. “It’s going to make us remember a beautiful stage in our lives.” The music video was filmed while they were partying at Coachella. When working with the Venezuelan singer on their LP, Guaynaa added, “With Lele, it was really interesting because I discovered a new part of her.”
Nicki Nicole and Rels B, “Qué Le Pasa Conmigo?”
Nicki Nicole teamed up with Spanish rapper Rels B for her new single. The rising Argentine star enlisted Rels B for their collaboration “Qué Le Pasa Conmigo?” In the tropical reggaeton track, Nicole and Rels B trade flirty verses about getting caught up in a complicated romance. “When Rels B and I recorded ‘Qué Le Pasa Conmigo?’ we realized it was a hit,” she told LATINA. “We have been messaging each other a lot waiting for this moment so that everyone can listen to it.” The song will be included on Nicole’s upcoming album Alma. For the LP, she also worked with Spanish hit-maker El Guincho, who has worked with Rosalía, Bad Gyal, FKA Twigs, and Billie Eilish.
Bad Gyal, “Chulo”
Bad Gyal made a splash stateside at the Latin American Music Awards. The Spanish rapper performed her new single “Chulo” in set that highlighted the women on the rise to watch out for, including Puerto Rican acts Young Miko and Chesca. In the hypnotic reggaeton romp, Bad Gyal sings about a man that drives her wild. Puerto Rican-Dominican producer MAG, who has worked with Bad Bunny, was at the helm of Bad Gyal’s bedroom bedroom. The song will be included on her highly-anticipated debut album. “My album is going to have varied music that will be swimming between the genres that I like,” she told LATINA. “It’s going to be a bit like me and have a little of everything. Above all, it’s going to make people dance.”
Belinda, “Eden”
Belinda is celebrating the second season of her Netflix series Bienvenidos A Edén (Welcome To Eden) with a music video. With the show returning last Friday with new episodes, the Spanish pop star released the video for her track “Eden.” In the cinematic theme song, Belinda digs deep to sing about a romance that feels like paradise. In the stunning “Eden” video, she finds her sanctuary out in nature. Belinda also recorded the electronica-infused “Colorblind” for the series. Both songs mark her return to music. When asked by LATINA last year who she would want to work with next, Belinda said, “I would love to collaborate with [Coldplay’s] Chris Martin. I love Pharrell. Julia Michaels too. She’s great! I would love to work with her.”
Prince Royce, “Me EnRD”
Prince Royce honors his Dominican roots with his new single “Me EnRD.” In the sexy bachata track, the Latin pop star sings about getting caught up in a romance in the Dominican Republic. The title is a double entendre for his family’s home country as well as the Spanish word for “entanglement.” When talking about his love for his culture, Prince Royce told LATINA, “I’m proud to be Dominican because merengue and bachata are genres that are very Dominican. They’re very true to me and my family. Dominicans are very lively.” The song will be included on his next album that he hopes to release this summer. At the Latin American Music Awards, Prince Royce was honored with the Pioneer Award for his 20-plus year trajectory in music.
LATINA’s New Music Picks are published every Monday.
Lucas Villa is a freelance music contributor for LATINA. His work is also featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Teen Vogue, MTV News, and W Magazine.
