Viva Friday is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors.
Natalia Jiménez – “El Lado Izquierdo de la Cama” (Sony Music Latin)
After making a splash in the regional Mexican genre with her México de mi Corazón album, Spanish singer Natalia Jiménez goes back to her pop roots with her new ultra-romantic song “El Lado Izquierdo de la Cama.” The ballad, which allows Jiménez to show off her powerful vocals and ethereal voice with which she effectively conveys pain after a heartbreak, was penned by Claudia Brant and Pablo López. “Music is not in quarantine and it’s one of the few things that no one can take away from us, not even the most ruthless virus,” Jiménez said about releasing the song amid the coronavirus pandemic. “Music unites us and allows us to have high spirits. And that, along with safety measures, is what we need to come out of this global crisis.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Dalex – Modo Avión (Rich Music)
In the midst of the global health crisis, Dalex surprised fans with his new EP Modo Avión. The nine-track set, executive produced by Dimelo Flow and released Rich Music LTD, reaffirms Dalex’s unique musical style, fusing Latin R&B with urban, reggae and dancehall melodies. He’s not known for freestyling or for his chanteos in reggaeton; he’s known for his deep sultry vocals and innovative sounds as heard in previously released singles “Mejor,” featuring Sech, and “Bellaquita (Remix),” featuring Lenny Tavarez, Anitta, Natti Natasha, Farruko and Justin Quiles. Way before the current pandemic, Dalex named the EP Modo Avion, or “Airplane Mode,” as a way for his fans to disconnect from the world and enjoy his “musica refrescante.” “I wanted to surprise my fans in these times of quarantine and release my new EP for them to enjoy at home with their families and loved ones,” the Puerto Rican artist said in a statement. “We originally had another date set, but I feel very blessed to be able to share my new EP on this date with everything that is happening with the coronavirus.” During his virtual concert YouTube on Thursday night, Dalex said his favorite tracks on the album were “Sunroof,” featuring Farruko and Yemil, and “Perder,” featuring Jay Wheeler, who’s an emerging urban artist from Puerto Rico. “Many people are loving this song, it takes out the romantic in me,” he said. Stream and listen to Modo Avion below. — JESSICA ROIZ
Ana Tijoux – “Antifa Dance” (Altafonte)
Chilean artist Ana Tijoux released the title track from her forthcoming fourth studio album, Antifa Dance, a rhythmic set and her first in more than six years. Tijoux boldly steps outside the confines of her hip-hop flagship with this danceable, fierce and boisterous anthem of rebellion and authority. It’s an antifacism rally with the quintessential message of her songs rising to a crescendo of excitement: Somos los cholos, morenos, los chicos sin pelo en la lengua y ya está/ Somos moreno y que bueno no tenemos miedo, no tenemos na’ (“We’re the cholos, the dark-skinned, the guys with no minced words and that’s that/ We’re dark-skinned, it’s great that we’re fearless and have nothing”). The music video, directed by Daniela Lopez Lugo with cameos by compatriot singer-songwriters Tata Barahona and Alex Andwanter, exposes a jaunty Tijoux agog to overcome the failures of the system by toying with dance, graffiti and flashing strobes. — PAMELA BUSTIOS
Gusi & Gian Marco – “Llévatela Dios” (The Orchard Music/Gaira Música Local)
Gusi and Gian Marco have teamed up for “Llevatela Dios.” A nostalgic accordion, a playful percussion set and joyful guitar riffs bring to life a refreshing tropipop song that fuses Gusi’s Colombian vallenato and Gian Marco’s Latin pop essence. The song tells the story of a person who’s trying to get over their ex and is having a tough time erasing the good memories. “Take her with you, God, and let it be very far so I can get out of this nightmare,” part of the catchy chorus says. In the music video, the Colombian and Perun artists are neighbors who just so happen to be dating the same girl. At the end of the clip, they unite at a bar to sing together as their in-common love interest flees in anger. — JR
Cali y El Dandee & Mike Bahia – “Tu Nombre” (Universal Music Group)
COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on people all over the world. But in the midst of the current health crisis, Cali y El Dandee and Mike Bahia have released a feel-good song that will restore your faith in love called “Tu Nombre.” An acoustic guitar opens the two-minute and 44-second song before heavy drumbeats join for a catchy urban-infused pop song about a man who’s confessing his love to a woman and considers himself more than just a friend. “Your name keeps me up at night and you don’t even know it,” are the lyrics that kick off the heartfelt song. The music video, on the other hand, was filmed at a vintage train station and shows the different forms of unconditional love, such as best friends reuniting, a son-and-mother bond, and caring for our animals. — JR
