Justin Quiles officially presents his third studio album via Warner Music Latina called La Ultima Promesa (The Last Promise), out Friday (Aug. 19).
Following La Realidad (2017) and La Promesa (2019), the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter says La Ultima Promesa wraps up a “not planned trilogy.”
“The title doesn’t mean that I’m going to retire from music,” he tells Billboard during an Instagram Live interview. “But this album is incredible. I go back to the sound that characterized me on my first album and I think my fans are going to like that a lot.”
Home to 14 tracks — including previously released singles “Pam,” “Jeans,” and “Loco,” all of which entered Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart — the album includes collaborations with Daddy Yankee, El Alfa, Rauw Alejandro, and Maluma, to name a few.
On the album cover, Quiles is wearing all black and spreading his arms wide open. In the background, dark mountains, stormy clouds, and tree bark on fire. “It represents all the litmus tests that life has given me and we are still here on fire,” he elaborates.
For Quiles’ La Ultima Promesa also marks the closing of a musical cycle and the beginning of another one. “I have songs ready for my next album, which I’d like to drop in six months. I’m ready. I come with different formulas. Those who know me, know I like to do different things.”
Below, check out essential tracks from the album as recommended by the Billboard Latin staff:
“Colorin Colorado”
A dramatic intro and some acoustic guitar melodies kick off “Colorin Colorado,” Quiles’ sarcastic take on the popular Latin slang for “… and they lived happily ever after.” It’s a pure reggaeton song, but for some reason, the violin gives it a somber, almost eerie twist that will transport you to a dark fairy tale setting. And that’s exactly what the song’s context is about in “Colorin Colorado” — a relationship that has come to an end and there’s no turning back. “Baby, our story has ended/ the book is closed/ ‘colorin colorado” can easily become a relatable and favorite chorus line for fans. — JESSICA ROIZ
“Americana” feat. Rauw Alejandro
This head-bobbing, laid-back reggaeton track is an instant favorite thanks to its earworm hook — the type you’ll find yourself humming or singing to hours after listening to the track. “La baby tiene un flow de americana-na pero es latinoamericana-na … le gusta la champaña en las Bahamas y unas vacaciones por la Habana-na,” the pair take turns singing throughout the song about a girl who may seem to have an all-American vibe but deep down is a true Latin American reina. Quiles’ knack for writing catchy lyrics takes center stage in this one. Add Rauw Alejandro’s cool swagger vibes and crooning tenor and you’ve got yourself an almost certified hit. — GRISELDA FLORES
“Contradicción” feat. Sech
J Quiles reeled in Panamian singer-songwriter Sech for his “Contradicción” single, a reggaeton track with synth melodies. Fans will discover that these longtime friends each find themselves with a broken heart and in between a love and hate relationship. The song starts with Sech’s soothing vocals, which quickly and perfectly laces with Quiles’ higher notes to then meet in harmonizing vocals for the chorus. “I love you, and I hate you, it’s incredible/ for us to be together, it’s impossible,” Justin sensually chants. — INGRID FAJARDO
“Tienes Razon”
Powered by signature reggaeton drums, Quiles gets real in this slowed-down song about losing the girl of his dreams. This may not be an instant favorite but it’s the type of song that grows on you and you suddenly find yourself singing out loud after ending a relationship. It’s his honesty and emotional delivery on this one that seals the deal for me, and his ability to connect with fans on a universal topic: heartbreak. The title says it all: “Tienes Razón (You’re Right).” “Today, I feel your pain,” he confesses. “You’re right, I’m the one that can’t open up my heart … As I was losing myself, I was losing you.” — G.F.
“Jeans”
Named after apparel, the infectious reggaeton — produced by Panamanian hitmaker Dimelo Flow and written by Quiles (like most of the album) — is about a woman who is the center of attention when she wears her pair of jeans. In the lyrics, Quiles confesses he’s crushing on her and wants her just for him. The colorful music video — which gives major Blue’s Clues vibes — shows Quiles hanging out with a group of girls on the porch of a house and even in outer space, implying that she’s “out of this world” when she rocks her jeans. — J.R.
“Loco” feat. Chimbala, Zion y Lennox
“Loco,” with Dominican artist Chimbala and reggaeton duo Zion y Lennox, is without a doubt the happiest track of the album. The fusions with Soca and Afrobeats make it refreshing and catchy. Moreover, it carries all the Dominican flavor because it was completely born in DR. “You know I’m dying for you/ and that you’re dying for me/there’s nothing else to say” goes part of the flirtatious chorus. Its rhythmic melodies have turned this song into a summer anthem and TikTok favorite. Currently, it peaks No. 10 on the Billboard Latin digital song sales charts. — I.F.
Stream the album below:
