“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.
Jesse & Joy, Aire (Warner Music Latina)
The Mexican siblings’ first studio album in five years is a collection of mostly upbeat songs marked by multiple rhythmic variations for an effect that’s cohesive but infinitely varied; think a shopping cart at a supermarket loaded with happy pop and acoustic pop/rock. Jesse & Joy have flung their arms wide here to embrace different friends (“Mañana Is Too Late” with J Balvin is a standout); different producers (Jesse co-produced with Martin Terefe, Charlie Heat, and Poo Bear); and even different songwriters. But the result is still very intimate, a sensation underscored by Joy’s sweet vocals. — LEILA COBO
Monsieur Periné, “Mundo Paralelo” featuring Pedro Capó (Sony Music Latin)
Colombian ensemble Monsieur Periné returns with a warm sunlit tune through the soft and pastel colors of Catalina Garcia’s vocals. Undergirded by an understated bass, “Mundo Paralelo” (Parallel Worlds) raises the deep chasm that divides the worlds of materialism and bountifulness: “tengo un jardín pequeño que florece/ y me da pa’ fumar cada seis meses/ yo no pido más/ es la vida que uno se merece” (I have a small garden that blooms/ enough smoking supply for every six months/ I don’t ask for more/ it’s the life that one deserves.) The song’s lithe aesthetic is married by the Caribbean hoarse vocals of Pedro Capó who brings his reggae zest to the levity of the group’s first release since 2018 which was produced by George Noriega (Shakira, Draco Rosa, Ricky Martin). — PAMELA BUSTIOS
Natalia Lafourcade – Un Canto por México, Vol. 1 (Sony Music Latin)
Natalia Lafourcade digs deep into her Mexican roots and doesn’t look back, even when she’s collaborating with the likes of Jorge Drexler and Los Auténticos Decadentes. Recorded entirely with acoustic instruments, Un Canto por Mexico celebrates a plethora of Mexican rhythms –from son jarocho to mariachi—with grace and honesty. Recommended tracks: “Hasta la raíz” and “Veracruz.” Read our interview with Lafourcade here. — L.C.
Colegio, Cali Y El Dandee (Universal Music Latin)
Cali Y El Dandee presents their new studio album dubbed Colegio (School), bringing back that young love that only high school sweethearts can experience. Home to eight fresh tracks, including their already-released singles “Borracho” with Reik, “Voy Por Ti” with Piso 21, and “Tequila Sunrise” with Rauw Alejandro,” the Colombian duo remain authentic with their sugary pop-urban melodies and relatable lyrics. The lead single and opening track, “Locura,” featuring Sebastian Yatra, is a revamped reggaeton version of La Secta’s 2005 hit “La Locura Automatica.” Listen and stream Cali Y El Dandee’s new album Colegio below. — JESSICA ROIZ
Jona Camacho, “Te Choca Te Checa” feat. Vanessa Zamora ( Jona Camacho)
Jona Camacho and Vanessa Zamora, both spotlighted by Billboard as artists to discover during quarantine, team up for the nostalgic “Te Choca Te Checa.” The track finds both Camacho and Zamora navigating a far from perfect relationship but after spending time together and apart, they learn to heal, reflect and embrace the intricacy of their relationship. The hypnotic and sensual track was penned by Camacho, Zamora and Noa Sainz during a writing session in Mexico City. “Te Choca Te Checa” will be part of Camacho’s debut album Memento, which is scheduled for release at the end of May. — GRISELDA FLORES
Pablo López, “Mariposa” (Universal Music Spain)
Spanish singer-songwriter Pablo Lopez’ “Marisposa” (butterfly) defies the perfection of life with a searing tirade. His rich vocal performance, a visceral crafted tune laden with self-interrogation is the second cut off his forthcoming fourth studio album slated for summer. The song’s fairly operatic opening sets the stage for its premise which questions the ephemeral state of our existence using a butterfly as the source of its power “yo prefiero caminar que las alas duran poco” (I rather walk as the wings are short-lived). Lopez raspy and high-pitched vocals pair well with the zeal of the composition putting him a few instinctual steps ahead of the pop herd. The tune is conveyed by the music clip directed by Gus Carballo (Macaco, Mon Laferte) which features actor Eduardo Rosa (La Casa de Las Flores/ Money Heist). — P.B.
“Sólo Amigos,” Manu Manzo (In-Tu Línea/UMLE)
With lyrics full of emotions, Manu Manzo dropped “Solo Amigos” (Only Friends), an anthem for “friends with benefits,” about two people who are wasting time by playing games. Produced by The Audibles, “Solo Amigos” is a neo-soul track that combines Manu’s jazzy-tinged chill melodies with flares of ’90s R&B sounds inspired by Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. “There is no time to lose, it is now or never / I feel that you want with me because you confuse me/we are going to have a good time, don’t you see that I want with you,” Manu belts. — J.R.
