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.
Sebastian Yatra & Myke Towers, “Pareja del Año” (Universal Music Latino)
If there’s one track that can perfectly marry pop and urban music it’s “Pareja del Año,” the new collaboration between Sebastian Yatra and Myke Towers. Produced by Grammy winners Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengif, the song fuses both artists’ signature sound laced with live string instruments. The song is about an impossible love that if it were to come true, it’d be dubbed the “couple of the year.” The elegant music video was filmed by Daniel Duran in Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center, starring a mysterious yet perfect love story. — JESSICA ROIZ
Los Rivera Destino & Pedro Capó, “Castigo” (Sony Music Latin)
The Puerto Rican band has teamed up with compatriot Pedro Capó for “Castigo,” a song that finds them reminiscing on nights at the club where you could dance all night long. The track starts off as a bolero but quickly transforms into a dembow. “This song unites two musical genres that have a long history when it comes to couples dancing close,” Los Rivera said about their new song, which finds them collaborating for the first time with Capó. “It brings the bolero to the modern club. We wrote this song before the pandemic, at a time when we could dance close together. It feels like torture as we wait for the next time to dance again.” “Castigo” “Castigo” is the second single off the band’s upcoming debut album, which will be released this summer. – GRISELDA FLORES
David Bisbal & Danna Paola, “Vuelve, Vuelve” (Universal Music Spain)
Collaborating for the first time ever, David Bisbal and Danna Paola join forces in a song that reflects modern-day, long-distance relationships that have been impacted by COVID-19. The pop track narrates the story of a couple, one lives in Spain and the other one in Mexico, that is rekindling after a breakup but can’t travel to see each other due to lockdowns and canceled flights. “Come back, come back before it’s too late … without you I’m a disaster and not seeing you hurts me,” sings Bisbal. The music video, which also dropped today (April 16) ends on a more positive note with one of them finally able to catch a flight. – G.F.
Sech, 42 (Rich Music)
Sech dropped his third studio album 42, a set he says was born “fully in the pandemic” and a tribute to his Afro roots. Released under Rich Music, the set is home to 11 tracks, including collaborations with Wisin, Yandel, Arcangel, Nicky Jam and Rauw Alejandro. The number 42 pays tribute to Jackie Robinson, the first African-American baseball player to play in Major League Baseball and Panamanian baseball star Mariano Rivera. “This album is all me, without thinking about numbers or the industry. It’s me opening my heart,” he tells Billboard. “My brother found a notebook of mine where I would write my feelings when I was younger and I decided to turn those feelings into songs. The first one I wrote was ‘911.’ All of these songs are real and part of my life.” Stream and listen to it below. – J.R.
Ximena Sariñana, “A No Llorar” (Warner Music México)
Stunning, both visually and lyrically, Ximena Sariñana’s “A No Llorar” is a synth-pop track about standing strong after a few heartbreaks and blows to the livelihood of women. “And although it’s hard to breathe sometimes, I prefer to have cried than not having cried at all,” the Mexican singer-songwriter sings in the feminine anthem. Inspired by feminist movements in Mexico and women who have long fought for their equality and equity, “A No Llorar” was created by women for women. Written by Sariñana at a songwriting camp with other female songwriters representing different countries such as Venezuela and Perú. The song’s music video was also directed by women with directing duo Iglú at the helm. According to a statement, “A No Llorar’s” royalties will be donated to Fundación Crescendo con la Música. – G.F.
Ricky Martin & Carlos Vives, “Canción Bonita” (Sony Music Latin)
It’s hard to believe that these two superstars hadn’t collaborated in the past, but at last, they’ve joined forces to deliver the uplifting anthem “Canción Bonita,” which translates to “pretty song.” The danceable track celebrates Carlos Vives’ Colombian and Ricky Martin’s Puerto Rican roots. In fact, the picturesque music video was shot in Old San Juan directed by Carlos Pérez. Written by Mauricio Rengifo and Andrés Torres, along with Rafa Arcaute (VP of A&R at Sony), Vives and Martin, the happy song was set to be released before the pandemic hit. “It was a party song. We couldn’t release it at that point,” Martin told Billboard. The track officially dropped April 13 and the pair performed their joyful song for the first time on television at the 2021 Latin AMAs. – G.F.
Omy de Oro, “Millones” (Young Boss Entertainment / Share That Music)
After launching his music career on the Freestyle Mania platform and collaborating with artists such as Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro and Yandel, Omy de Oro is out to challenge all his haters on the new single “Millones.” “Laundering money, with what we sing, we avoid a problem but if they want, we fight,” the Puerto Rican artist chants on the raw trap song produced by Chalko and Ammunation. In the music video, directed by AJ Films, Omy lives up to the movie, surrounded by money, luxurious cars and his faithful entourage. – J.R.
Boza, Ella (Sony Music Latin)
After his viral success with “Hecha Pa’ Mi,” Panamanian newcomer Boza dropped the three-song Ella EP, marking the next move of his career and a preview of his upcoming album. Produced by Irving Manuel Quintero Valdez (Faster), the title track is a hip-swaying, sugary reggaeton that highlights everything he likes about a girl. If “je ne sais quoi” had a song, it’d be “No Se Que.” On this track, he brings it down a notch in a futuristic, slow-tempo urban bop about a girl who’s simply irresistible. Offering another musical proposal is “Por Ti,” where Boza fuses a sensual dancehall melody with other Caribbean beats. Listen and stream the three songs below. – J.R.
