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.
Bomba Estereo, Deja (Sony Music Latin)
Bomba Estereo’s first album in four years, Deja, is divided conceptually into four sections that correspond to the four elements: water, air, earth and fire. The Colombian electro-folkloric band describes the album as the connection and disconnection of the human beings — from the planet, from one’s own self, lead singer Li explained in a statement. Their recent single “Conexión Total” is a collaboration with Nigerian superstar Yemi Alade that mixes African drums, marimbas and indigenous flutes. On “Como Lo Pedi,” they reel in iconic Mexican songwriter Leonel Garcia to give life to these super profound lyrics in combination with electronic beats and an acoustic guitar. On the chorus, Garcia’s high tones harmonize perfectly with Li’s rap verses. The lyrics show the power of manifestation: “As I asked, your love came to me / That the sea can illuminate me at night / As I asked, everything was forgotten / And in the end, I left behind all the reproaches / As I asked, but without speaking / As I asked, I can rest and heal by hugging you.” The title track is one of the more moving ones on the album. “Deja” talks about depression and tells people that you must get out of it somehow by singing, dancing, even crying. “If this song works of one person, then mission accomplished,” she said. The album was self-produced by the band with a couple of invited guest producers in a constructed makeshift studio in Li’s home in Santa Marta and was mixed by Damian Taylor. — INGRID FAJARDO
Sofia Reyes, Becky G, “Mal de Amores” (Warner Music Latina)
If by any chance you need a new girl’s anthem for your playlist, it’s this one. In “Mal de Amores,” Sofia Reyes and Becky G are bonding over their bad luck in love; nonetheless, they have the secret to healing a broken heart: tequila with music. “I’m not going to suffer for him, I swear, I’m not going to suffer,” the chorus goes. The two artists also pay homage to their Mexican roots, bringing to life a saucy cumbia sonidera fused with urban beats at the helm of award-winning producers Andres Torres and Mauricio Rengifo. The vibrant music video, filmed by the Nicaraguan-Vietnamese director Mike Ho, gives us major Ana Gabriel and Vikki Carr in “Cosas del Amor” vibes. — JESSICA ROIZ
Kany Garcia, “DPM (De Pxta Madre)” (Sony Music Latin)
Her first single in 15 months, Kany García has released “DPM,” an empowering flamenco-tinged pop track that makes walking away from a toxic relationship feel as liberating as ever. Penned by the Puerto Rican artist, along with Servando Primera and Yasmil Marrufo, García’s new track has a clear message: I’m better off alone. “Now I am dancing, smiling, whistling, no one is bothering me … I’m singing while showering, there is no fall or winter, it’s spring all year,” she sings. The music video released with the song is really a celebration of independence featuring a group of people eating, drinking and dancing on the beach. “DPM” coincides with García’s 2021 tour, which officially kicked off Wednesday in Atlanta. — GRISELDA FLORES
Trueno, “Feel Me??” (NEUEN)
Declaring his career will reach the top, Argentine rapper Trueno presents “Feel Me??” an innovative trap song where he only manifests success throughout the lyrics. He even dedicates a few words to his biggest supporter, his mom. “Mama raised a champion / Tus besos son mis premio,” he chants in the bilingual song. Produced by Tatool and Bryan Taylor, the beat has strong mainstream rap influences laced with a jazzy saxophone melody. In the music video, we see scenes of Trueno climbing to the top and other behind-the-scenes clips of his everyday life at the studio and concerts in Argentina. — J.R.
Beatriz Luengo, Darell, “Chanteito Pa’ un Ex” (Sony Music Latin)
Spanish singer-songwriter Beatriz Luengo delivered a Paquita la del Barrio-approved female empowerment anthem titled “Chanteíto Pa’ Un Ex,” which translates to a song for your ex. The rhythmic-pop tune, powered by a sparse acoustic guitar, is not your typical heartbreak song. The track finds a fired-up Beatriz Luengo who — after getting a pep talk from Paquita, who’s known for her feminist anthems — declares her independence. “I wanted to write you a love song, but I’m not feeling inspired. I’d like to call you ‘my love’ but ‘cabron‘ is what comes to mind,” she sings defiantly. For the track, Luengo teams up with urbano act Darell, the bad guy in the story, who, in the music video, tries to get her back by serenading her with a mariachi in tow. To see how the story ends, watch the Fernando Lugo-directed clip below. — G.F.
Samantha Sanchez, “Reconciliados” (Rebeleon Entertainment)
From futuristic trap to dance-pop to a retro love ballad, Samantha Sanchez — with the help of producers Orlando Vitto and Renzo Braco — now dives into a feel-good punk song with a hip-hop twist. In “Reconciliados,” co-penned by Sanchez, Vitto, Bravo, Samantha Cámara, and Daniel Rondón, the Cuban-Spanish singer tells the story of two people who always get back together when they break up. “We are so alike that sometimes we crash but we’re a perfect defect,” she kicks off the track. For Sanchez, the track hits home, saying in a statement: “Since I was very little, my grandmother always told me: ‘You and your dad are so alike that’s why you always argue. Now, when I think about my relationships with friends and family, I come to the conclusion that as we have more things in common and we live with someone 24 hours a day, there will always be some fights. I wonder why do we fight if, in the end, we love each other?” — J.R.
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