As the world adapts to a new reality, Anuel surprised fans with the release of his sophomore studio album Emmanuel, out at midnight Friday (May 29).
Home to 22 tracks, including his previously released bangers “Secreto” and “China,” the set gives listeners insight on his personal and artistic journey. “It’s my name and it means ‘God with us,’” he tells Billboard’s Leila Cobo. “I wanted the album to have that good vibe. It’s my life, made into music.”
With many surprising collaborations, such as Travis Barker, Lil Wayne, Enrique Iglesias, and Tego Calderon, Emmanuel is a versatile album that has fresh music for the clubs, the street life, and even sentimental bops.
Check out 10 essential tracks recommended by Billboard Latin editors Griselda Flores and Jessica Roiz below:
“No Llores Mujer”
Proving he is far from being a one-trick rabbit musically, Anuel opens his album with this instrument-heavy song. Sampling Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry,” the track features producer and musician Travis Barker — also drummer for rock band Blink-182 – on the drums and Anuel’s father, who is a musician himself, on bass. In “No Llores Mujer,” Anuel opens up about allowing himself to fall in love and not letting anyone or anything ruin a special moment with his girl. “I know about music,” Anuel told Billboard. “A lot of people only think I make music for the streets or that I don’t know about music, but I do.” After listening to “No Llores Mujer,” I’m intrigued and left wanting more of this musical side of Anuel. — GRISELDA FLORES
“Reggaetonera”
“Reguetonera” marks the first reggaeton track on Emmanuel, which can easily become an anthem for the girl who loves to party, loves bad boys, and loves reggaeton. “She’s a fan of perreo and knows all the classics / She’s a reggaetonera till’ the end / She only wants to party on the weekends,” says part of the catchy song. One minute and 20-seconds into the song, the beat switches to an old-school reggae en Español and dancehall melody, making “Reguetonera” one of the album’s most promising jams. — JESSICA ROIZ
“Jangueo” ft. Tego Calderon
This banger featuring Puerto Rican rap legend Tego Calderón is an irresistible reggaetón track that will make you want to get on the dance floor. The pair offer a melodic tune that finds Anuel and Calderón singing and rapping about an independent girl who just wants to go out, have fun, and not be tied up. Near the two-minute mark, Calderón’s deep vocals come in for a street-talking delivery of his solo where he continues to hype up the story of this girl that has caught everyone’s attention. — GF
“Hasta Que Dios Diga” ft. Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny is featured on two songs in this album, including “Hasta Que Dios Diga,” a sensual reggaeton with raunchy lyrics about two people who are turned on. On the day of release, “Hasta Que Dios Diga” dropped with a neon-drenched, futuristic music video featuring both acts. Their second collab, “Asi Soy Yo,” is a Latin trap where both artists proudly chant about being Puerto Rican. On his collaborations with Bunny, Anuel told Billboard’s Leila Cobo: “We’re competitive and we may compete until the day we die. But obviously, if we didn’t get along, he wouldn’t have two tracks in my album. — JR
“Fútbol y Rumba” ft. Enrique Iglesias
If you’re a fútbol fan like I am, the name drew me to listen to this surprise collab between Anuel and Enrique Iglesias. Teaming up for the first time, the two deliver a catchy and feel-good track about living it up. “We only have one life and we’re not leaving so keep the party going,” sings the Spanish singer. This slowed down reggaetón/pop song includes lyrics that tread on raunchy but ultimately become an escape from the quarantine life. — GF
“El Manual”
Anuel does not shy away from experimenting with sounds on Emmanuel. “El Manual,” which translates to “the manual,” is an upbeat track that kicks off with a captivating electric guitar melody meshed with flares of Brazilian funk before exploding into an urban-tinged Calypso beat. In “El Manual,” produced by Ovy on the Drums, Anuel sings about a girl who has all the right characteristics to win his heart. “I want to be your prisoner,” Anuel fesses in the lyrics. With its tropical fusions, there’s no doubt that “El Manual” will become a summer anthem. — JR
“Antes y Después” + Kendo Kaponi, Yandel, Ñengo Flow
In “Antes y Después,” Anuel teamed up with Kendo Kaponi, Yandel and Ñengo Flow to put in perspective his biggest life lessons and personal growth. In the nearly seven-minute trap song, Anuel sings about the street life, supporting his family, and shouts out his friends who have been with him since day one. “No one understands what I’ve lived, I’m blessed,” says the song. His colleagues Kendo and Ñengo also share part of their story in their verses as Yandel sings the heartfelt chorus, “I want to stay, mom but the street is calling me / Don’t wait for me, I’m coming late, the streets are on fire.” Anuel’s son makes a cameo at the end, saying his father’s signature phrase, “real hasta la muerte, bebecita.” — JR
“¿Los Hombres No Lloran?”
In this ultra-personal ballad-like song, Anuel offers a look into a moment in his life without girlfriend Karol G. According to Anuel, he recorded this song when the “Tusa” singer didn’t talk to him for a whole month. “Los Hombres No Lloran,” which translates to “men don’t cry,” finds a heartbroken and stripped-down Anuel, accompanied by a piano and a violin singing “it’s my own bad luck’s fault not to have you … I don’t know what I’m more scared of: not seeing you or seeing you again.” — GF
“Bandido” ft. Mariah
One of the surprising collaborations on Emmanuel is “Bandido” with urbana singer Mariah, former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise. Bringing her sweet, raspy vocals to the track, “Bandido” is a flirtatious track about a couple who’s marking their territory. “Baby I’m yours and your mine,” both artists sing. Fused with Middle Eastern melodies, reggaeton beats, and a touch of flamenco guitar, “Bandido” even samples J Balvin’s hit “Ay Vamos.” — JR
“Nubes Negras”
In “Nubes Negras,” Anuel explores a new sonic direction showcasing his versatility and flexibility in music and showcases his chameleonic vocals. The pop-tinged, soulful track finds Anuel gaining the strength to leave behind a toxic relationship. “Baby, don’t look for me anymore and don’t ask for what you don’t give,” sings Anuel. Like ’No Llores Mujer,” this track offers a different and more musical side of Anuel. While “Nubes Negras” is one of the last ones on the tracklist, it’s one of my personal favorites. — GF
