Karol G – Matadora
After posting a picture of herself with glittery eyeshadow and mascara running down her face, no one could’ve predicted that ‘Matadora’ would be a raunchy reggaeton record. Kicking off the sparkly era in full force, this single is short and sweet, much like Giraldo’s tone throughout. The opening lyric, “Bebé, no estoy romántica” paired with a chorus explaining, “Yo tengo el culo gordo, fatty” it’s safe to say “Este perreo está como pa’ chuparse los dejos”. Much like Bichota Season was dropped mid- Mañana Será Bonito rollout, it seems this leading Latin lady is repeating this once again and doing so unapologetically.
Ysa C – Zuzu
It’s summer romance season and Ysa C has captured the excitement, obsession and passion of these relationships and bottled it into this almost three -minute number titled ‘Zuzu’. Lines like “Al oído te susu, susurro” and “Ay que rico tú y yo conectamos” feel like they’d be spoken between lovers while watching the sun set both a little chilly from the sea breeze but reluctant to leave as they don’t want the moment to end. Ysa C’s whispery vocals are much appreciated too. If you close your eyes, it’s easy to picture a love story unfolding over its drums, guitar melody and inescapable “Zuzu, zuzu” chorus.
Aria Vega – Tototo (+4)
The first deep-toned synth stint is reminiscent of Rosalía’s ‘Malamente’, and this is somewhat translated into this single’s music video and philosophical lines like ‘¿La vida es un ratico pa’ cogerla suave?’. However, after two seconds in these comparisons are quickly squashed as soon as the distinctive percussion is introduced. This solo effort is an aspirational one, as Vega tries her hand at encouraging her partner to “Darle con to-to-to-to” while accompanied by two dancers who also act as hypewomen for the musician. There’s deliberate emphasis on the Colombian’s vocals as the instrumental stays consistent throughout while Vega’s enthusiasm only grows stronger.
Jasiel Nuñez & Dannylux – Tus Palabras
Three years since their first collaboration ‘Corazón Frío’, the pair have joined forces once more. Upon hearing the guitar strum almost immediately after pressing play, this Regional Mexican record did a great job of grabbing listeners’ attention. Nuñez might’ve just dropped a brand-new LP with the focus currently turned towards a pop-heavy single with Peso Pluma, but, it’s ‘Tus Palabras’ with fellow Mexican DannyLux that deserves more appreciation. Lux sure knows a thing or two about crafting a sombre and soft song while ensuring some variation and this easy-listening hit confirms this once more. The fusion traditional and modern sounds has been mastered here.
Anitta & KBrum – Sal Grosso
The music video for ‘Sal Grosso’ may flaunt Anitta alongside a well-choreographed dance troupe in a mountain setting, this is a record ready to simultaneously disrupt and fill dancefloors. The addition of KBrum is incredible. The instrumental is like a specially-crafted cocktail of two already addictive genres - dancehall and baile funk – and these sounds compliment each other flawlessly. And in case you forgot, Anitta and KBrum are here to remind you that, “Em Madureira City você tem que respeitar”, and when they’re producing bangers like this, it’s more than warranted. The track ends with two respective drum patterns and why not ¡Que increíble!
Bonus Track:
Elena Rose x Manuel Turizo – La Semana
26 years after UK act Craig David dropped smash hit ‘7 Days’, a link-up between Elena Rose and Manuel Turizo is reviving the concept of how couples spend each week together, however this song follows the journey of two total strangers. As Turizo cries out “No sé tú, pero yo no tengo nada major que hacer”, Rose responds “Que querete todo los lunes” and so on. Throughout the music video, the pair can be seen chasing sunsets, driving through deserts, cities and more on a never-ending motorbike ride. The electronic accordion melody that acts as its own chorus feels very 2000’s Euro-dance and we’re here for it.
