New Music Latin: Enrique Iglesias & Maria Becerra, Becky G & More

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.

Enrique Iglesias & Maria Becerra, “Así Es La Vida“ (Sony Music Latin)

In just two minutes and 49 seconds, Enrique Iglesias and Maria Becerra take us on an emotional journey in this sensual bachata about a tumultuous relationship that cannot go on. “That’s life, divine treasure/ Like a game of poker where you bet everything/ That’s how our love was, with its ups and downs,” Iglesias sings with resignation, while Becerra replies: “That’s life, in the end what do we have left?/ You chose the road and I chose the path/ We still love each other in different ways.” 

The first single from Iglesias’ upcoming album Final (Vol. 2) — a follow up to his Final (Vol. 1) from 2021 — the song was produced by Carlos Paucar. It is not the first bachata from the pop superstar, whose love affair with the Dominican genre includes hits like “Loco” and “El Perdedor.” “Bachata is a rhythm that captured my heart from the moment I heard it,” Iglesias says in a press release. “I am delighted to return to this powerful genre, accompanied by the great talent of Maria, who is one of a kind.”

The release comes with a lyric video but, according to a press release, the official music clip for “Así Es La Vida” will be available soon. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Becky G, Esquinas (Kemosabe Records/RCA Records)

Becky G’s Esquinas is a heartfelt exploration of her dual identity as a proud 200 percenter. The title translates to “corners,” symbolizing the meeting point between two cultures. Celebrating her Mexican and American roots, the Inglewood native weaves a vibrant musical tapestry that spans corridos, rancheras and baladas while showcasing her deep reverence for her heritage. For instance, “2ndo Chance,” featuring Ivan Cornejo’s haunting vocals, kicks off the album with a dreamy, nostalgic ballad that sets the tone for an introspective journey through her bicultural upbringing. Then there’s the cheeky “Cries in Spanish,” a whimsical duet with fellow Mexican-American DannyLux, that’s set to sad sierreño. The album’s latest single, “Querido Abuelo,” stands as a touching tribute to her late grandfather, a gut-wrenching balada which honors the sacrifices made by our ancestors as children of immigrants. Becky’s vocals are at their most poignant here, manifesting her maturity and emotional depth. Also starring Yahritza y Su Esencia, Chiquis, Angela and Leonardo Aguilar, Peso Pluma, and Gabito Ballesteros, her third studio album is a testament to her growth as a “genreless” artist, she claims, and her commitment to representing her bloodline proudly. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Juanes, “La Versión en mi Cabeza” (Universal Music Latino)

Colombian rocker Juanes has released “La Versión en mi Cabeza” as part of the deluxe version of his successful album Vida Cotidiana, which earned him four nominations for the Latin Grammy 2023. The new song begins with soft chords from an electric guitar and the singer’s melodious voice, followed by soft percussion that unleashes the rock ballad. Written primarily by Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina, the protagonist reflectively accepts and understands the fact of not being able to change his partner to meet his expectations. He finally realizes that the time has come to let go of that relationship: “I come back every time, even if I don’t want to/ To the version of you that only exists in my head/ I know you never wanted to hurt me/ But what do I do, ask you to change/ It’s too much,” goes the chorus. — LUISA CALLE

Paola Jara, Chiquis, “Lo Que No Sirve, Estorba” (Naeku)

Paola Jara and Chiquis unite their potent voices to give life to a new girl-power anthem. “Lo Que No Sirve, Estorba,” which loosely translates to “what doesn’t work gets in the way,” is a hard-hitting norteña powered by accordions, trumpets and prickly acoustic guitars. The lyrics are defiant and bold, as Jara and Chiquis sing confidently about not only overcoming heartbreak but becoming a total boss along the way. “I was left alone with kids and yet I’m standing here as firm as ever,” Chiquis sings, to which Jara adds, “la otra (the other one) will wash your dirty clothes, I’m sure you’ll want to come back.” Jara and Chiquis’ collaboration brings together the best of both worlds: regional Mexican music and música popular, Colombia’s take on música mexicana. — GRISELDA FLORES

Venesti, De La Nada (AP Global Music)

For his debut studio album, Venesti has opted for a clever title: De La Nada, which translates to “Out of Nowhere.” But that’s precisely the point: the artist born Faiber Stiven Caicedo Castro is a rising Colombian artist from Cali who’s unexpectedly making waves in the music industry with his feel-good and refreshing 14-track set that’s influenced by many rhythmic melodies such as Afrobeat, dancehall, tropical and urban. Venesti is tall, dark and handsome, with a chiseled smile and suave vocals, best reflected in tracks such as “Culpables,” “Cuentale” and “Tú.” Off the bat, the Colombian newcomer is showcasing his versatility, also delivering infectious reggaetons (“Necesidad”), bossanova/trap fusions (“Sin Limite”), and even an electronic-bachata (“Cero Ilusiones”). De La Nada includes notable collaborators Jay Wheeler, Nacho, Maffio, Rios, and Randy of Jowell y Randy.

Venesti is confirmed for the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week En Vivo concert series, where he will perform at the official kickoff party presented by AP Global Music. For tickets and information, click here. — JESSICA ROIZ

Listen to more new Latin music recommendations in the playlists below: