New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Arcángel, La 8va Maravilla (Rimas Entertainment)
Arcángel is celebrating his 20-year music trajectory with the release of his eight studio album, La 8va Maravilla. With collaborations that include Ricky Martin, Daddy Yankee, Grupo Firme, Kapo, Sech, Beéle, and his son Austin San, the 20-track set is Arca’s more mature and experimental album to date. Sonically, it’s packed with merengue (“Hoy Se Guaya”), afro house (“Chula”), banda (“Cuánto Cuesta”), Jersey club (“Ese Labial”), pop (“Lluvia”) and his signature R&B and reggaetón sound. Lyrically, he focused on romantic, tasteful and faith-based lyrics, such as “Di Amén” — far from the underground, polemical, and racy identity that helped fuel his success.
In a recent Billboard Español cover story, the Puerto Rican artist proudly shared that beyond his musical evolution, La 8va Maravilla is his first sober album, one that was born following an open-heart surgery: “It made me realize that I don’t need [to consume] anything to create. I can create at any time, even in my worst moments. If for 20 years I created music in a not-so-healthy way, making music during very dark times, imagine what I can do now that I’m sober and feeling better personally.” — JESSICA ROIZ
Codiciado, “Todo Pendejo” (CodiRecords / ADA)
For his first release of the year, Codiciado bares it all with “Todo Pendejo,” a heart-wrenching, tequila-soaked anthem for the brokenhearted. Opening with a melancholic harmonica that flirts with a country twang, the track feels unfiltered as Eric Aragón (real name) sings of regret and the sting of love gone wrong. The song’s confessional tone is best summed up in the lyric: “Me diste en el ego, qué triste aceptar, y así de pendejo sé que me quieres mucho.” (“You hurt my ego, how sad to admit, and I know you love me so much.”) It’s three minutes of vulnerability and pain, wrapped in a deceptively simple yet emotionally gripping melody that sticks with you long after the final note. If this is how the Tijuana star is kicking off the year, expect 2026 to be drenched in tear-soaked corridos. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Joaquina, “Pelinegra” (Universal Music Latino)
The love between sisters is beautifully encapsulated in “pelinegra,” the latest single from Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina, dedicated to her younger sister, Guillermina (Kiki). Driven by gentle electric guitar riffs and drums, this sublime pop ballad captures the purest feeling inspired by someone who shares our same upbringing and DNA. “We’ll leave this house in a few years, no longer sharing adjoining rooms, but I’ll always be by your side,” Joaquina sings soulfully. The music video, directed by Zárate, features young Venezuelan dancer Salomé Rivas (or Baby Salomé) sweetly dancing alongside Joaquina as if she were her younger sister, before the real Kiki appears to embrace the singer at the end. – SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Banda Los Sebastianes de Saúl Plata & Gerardo Coronel, “Al chile no sé” (Fono)
The collaboration between one of the most respected bands from Sinaloa and one of today’s most successful solo artists is surprising because of the seamless blend they achieved, not only musically but also in terms of style. Banda Los Sebastianes, led by Saúl Plata, delivers a powerful sound with its drums, trumpets and tuba, paving the way for the compelling performance of Gerardo Coronel, the master of heartbreak. There’s no room for reconciliation here; this song is for those who are hurt by love but aren’t willing to suffer again. It hurts, but you’ll get over it. – TERE AGUILERA
El David Aguilar & Jay de la Cueva, “Lumbre” (Universal Music México)
Mexican singer-songwriter El David Aguilar presents the third single from his upcoming album, which will be released this year — a melancholic track very much in the style of Latin American ballads from the 1970s. On this heartfelt love song, he is joined by the prolific musician Jay de la Cueva, his friend and bandmate in the supergroup The Guapos, whose vocals add depth and emotion to this intense and passionate tune. “I hope everything explodes between us/ And that when we wake up there’s nothing left but fire/ Fire/ Fire,” Aguilar sings in a nod to desire and a plea for love. The string arrangement lends elegance, nostalgia, and even a touch of drama, to this piece dedicated to human passion. — NATALIA CANO
Carolina Ross, “Lo que se dice amor” (Fono)
Melancholy and sadness are the first things that come to mind when you hear the opening chords of this song about a love that never came to fruition despite the effort and intention. Two great songwriters, Mónica Vélez and Aaron “El Pantera” Martínez, combined their talents to write about broken promises with somewhat raw but honest lyrics. A seemingly weeping accordion, gentle guitars, and a subdued trumpet provide the mariachi accompaniment to the sweet yet powerful voice of Carolina Ross, who continues to release songs from her upcoming album, Coleccionando Corazones, due in March. – T.A.
Marky O, Alex Zurdo, “Canta y Sonríe” (MP Music/ONErpm)
In a first collaborative effort, Marky O, a former Billboard On the Radar Latin artist, and renowned Christian singer Alex Zurdo, team up for “Canta y Sonríe” (Sing and Smile). Produced by Cuban hitmakers Nando Pro and La Companioni, the song is an uplifting urban-tropical fusion with flairs of reparto music towards the end. Penned by Marcrilet Rodriguez, they send a message about faith and keeping strong and positive during challenging times: “Never stop fighting/ Don’t let your problem stop you from dreaming/ And even though sometimes you feel like everything is wrong/ Your God is with you and everything will change,” goes part of the lyrics, perfectly setting the tone for a fresh mindset in 2026. — J.R.
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below: