1. Ed Maverick - Eduardo
Ed Maverick came into the public eye in 2018 with his debut, mix para llorar en tu cuarto, a mysterious, delicate, depressing album of acoustic folk. Three years since his last release, he returns with Eduardo. This is the kind of album you want to listen to the songs in order. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Ed has expressed that he has never exposed his feelings in the way he does in this album. Worth listening to: niño, mantra I, contenta, nos queda mucho dolor por recorrer.
2. Conociendo Rusia - La Dirección
Conociendo Rusia presented their third album this year, and with nine remarkable songs in which lead Mateo Sujatovich, the Argentinean lead singer, talks about day-to-day issues. He has stated that this album is dedicated to "my friends, my family, and my loves." Melodies, hyped choruses, and catchy lyrics are the heart of this album. Worth listening to: Mi Casa Tu Casa, Disfraz, Mundo de Cristal, La Dirección.
3. Juan Wauters - Real Life Situations
The Uruguayan Juan Wauters comes back with his latest release to sing about what we all had to endure during lockdown. Real Life Situations is about 2020, quarantine, online jobs, and that misleading feeling. Mixing English and Spanish lyrics with numerous collaborations, the ideal way to experience the album is by listening to the songs as ordered. Worth listening to: Locura, Carmina Pensá, Real, Acordes.
4. Daniel Quien - Aroma a Nostalgia
In his debut album, Daniel Quien demonstrates his skill for singular folk lyrics. After releasing his first single in 2018, this new album represents years of progress. Aroma a Nostalgia, as its name implies, conveys a sense of nostalgia and melancholy with its folk tunes and compelling lyrics. Worth listening to: Nunca nos fuimos, Aroma a Nostalgia (Version 2021), Tus Ojos (To the Girl with the Universe in her eyes), Hubiera.
5. Monogem – Gardenia
Monogem released their second album, giving us 12 unique tracks, exchanging their pop sounds for a more leisurely rhythm. This is the first time the singer, Jen Hirish, decided to bring her Mexican roots to the audience and released a full album in Spanish. Gardenia included melodies of nostalgia, love, and hope, seeking to connect with her two cultures, a challenge that many Latinos who live abroad must face. The beats are contagious and can persuade you to dance while you go through the songs. Worth listening to: Dame La Fuerza, Solo Amor, Paraiso, Soy lo que soy
6. Doble Valentina - Un Amoroso Asunto
Focusing on the topic of love, Doble Valentina made her debut in the alternative indie scene with her album Un Amoroso Asunto this year. The songs have an experimental mix of melodies with a calming guitar in the background. The lyrics have a deep sentimental feeling, and it represented a successful debut for the Argentinean singer. Worth listening to: Un Ratito, Tu, Como El Mar, Mi Religion.
7. Mon Laferte - 1940 Carmen
Mon Laferte has become somwhat of a role model for the new generation of young Latin American women in recent years, and in 2021 she released two albums. In Seis, the Chilean singer featured more traditional songs inspired by the Mexican feminist icon Chavela Vargas. However, 1940 Carmen is more of Mon Laferte’s usual work, but with a LA, Hollywood theme; Californian folk rhythms with a dream and hopes of becoming a mother. Worth listening to: Placer Hollywood, Good boy, Algo es mejor, No soy para ti.
8. Duplat - Párpados Cerrados
Colombian singer Duplat released his third album this year which focuses on changes in life. He played with new mixes and sounds that gave Párpados Cerrados its own unique sound. The melodies are mixed into jazz, folk, and indie. From losing relatives to changing friendships, Duplat sings about these issues, reflecting on how life can change. Worth listening to: Al Reves, Vil Reptil, Parados Cerrados, Metamorfosis.
9. Alice Caymmi - Imaculada
Brazilian singer Alice Caymmi’s Imaculada is her fifth album which still surprised the public with a mixture of melodies and choruses that touches the listener. Her voice is one of the highlights of the album, along with the vibrato. The themes covered are delicate ones, as she sings of abuse and forgiveness. A not-to-be-missed album for this year's alternative. Worth listening to: Dentro da Minha Cabeça, Serpente, Todas as Noites, Medusa
10. Diamante Electrico - Mira lo que me hiciste hacer
The Colombian band Diamante Electrico’s forte has always been rock and pop music, experimenting with different genres. Yet with this latest release they have experimented with some jazz and indie folk. The songs are dedicated to the love they have to Bogota, vivid memories, and new beginnings as new difficulties. Worth listening to: Suletame Bogota, Los chicos si lloran, Cuando quieras llegar, Amalia.
And one more for the road...
Zoé - Sonidos de Karmatica Resonancia Zoé is one of the first alternative Latino bands to become a global phenomenon since 2003. From Sueño to Labios Rotos, their songs have traveled around the Latino community and the world. After three years since their last release, the Mexican band returned with 10 new songs. They worked on it both before the pandemic and during the lockdown. The melodies are similar to their past work, with a low dancing beat, but they seem more mature as they experiment with some electric sounds. Worth listening to: Karmadame, El Duelo, SKR, Tepoztlan
