Tini – Una Noche Más
There’s traditional merengue, an EDM twist and lyrics are full of scandal and secrecy -what more could you possibly wish for? The twinkling piano introduction which turns into a stark-sharp merengue beat with pounding drums is nothing short of dramatic. Tini sings, “Aunque tú y yo nos comamos a escondidas / Bebé, mis sábanas nunca te olvidan”, while the video shows her and her former lover entranced in each other. She isn’t just spilling the tea, she’s brewing it and serving it up piping hot while not forgetting her signature “Tini, Tini, Tini” tag right at the end.
Zion & Bad Gyal – En La De Ella
One half of the legendary duo Zion and Lennox has teamed up with the equally legendary Bad Gyal for a song dedicated to going out and looking fly . She knows how to make an entrance as she starts her verse, “Bling-bling la ropa de Europa, entre y me robé el show”. She effortlessly flirts over that iconic Reggaeton rhythm some more, “Otra vez visualízame / Te mueres por tocarme”. Zion chimes in too while a tropical guitar loop floats in the background, “Que puede enloquecer fácil a cualquier hombre”. These two music giants have made one monster hit.
Ana Mena – Lárgate
Imagine ‘Womaniser’ by Britney Spears except the video doesn’t take place in a bustling city and apartment complex instead it’s in a rural farm with a large open field and a flock of chickens. A familiar 2020’s radio beat soundtracks Mena as she confesses, “Tengo diez mil maneras para matarte” ,closely followed by, “Colgué tu foto en la pared pa' los dardos”. This pop production is telenova material and the accompanying video marks her first since the iconic EDM collaboration ‘Carita Triste’ with Emilia. Ana heartachingly repeat, “Verte con otra me vuelve criminal”, Mena knows how to add emotion to anything she sings.
La Cruz – Arequipe
This Colombian act cuts no corners as he starts the chorus to his latest single “Se te nota en la cara que tú te quieres pegar”. The introduction starts with a distorted synth which is eerily-fitting for the spooky month we’re currently in. The outspoken singer continues his bold streak admitting, “Eh, papi, esto es sin miedo, las ganas no se esconden”. La Cruz’s shades may be hiding his expressions but his overall demeanour and body language is confident enough. The outro of this song is packaged perfectly for a club setting with La Cruz repeating “Bellaqueo” over a melodic dembow pattern.
Bomba Estéreo & Carlos Vives – La Samaria
Lead vocalist of Bomba Estéreo Li Saumet’s distinct vocals play out as she proudly sings, “Yo soy de aqui, yo soy de aquí / Y aquí nací, aquí crecí”. The song is a celebration of native land, more specifically Santa Marta in Colombia, which is celebrating its huge 500th anniversary. What better way to do so than with this tropi-pop track featuring fellow Colombian artist Carlos Vives, a Santa Marta native. A gaita leads the song’s main instrumental and it’s refreshing to hear traditional instruments, especially in a hit all about culture. Lines like “Escogería este lugar, escogería aquí y ahora” are simply beautiful.
Bonus Track:
Feid – Ru Mor
A kalimba loop opens and remains throughout the track before Feid greets us with, “Buenos noches Mami, hace mucho quey a no te veo”. The dembow beats are bold and in-your-face, just like Feid’s lime-green obsession. Forget painting the town red, Feid well and truly paints everything in his sight green – whether it’s his hair, the motorbikes and even the light coming from underneath his love interest’s denim skirt (You’ll have to watch the video). He ends the track revealing, “Va a haber un problema si tu cucho nos pilla” as the song comes full circle with a kalimba outro.
