20 Must-Listen Songs by Latino Artists for 2025
De Los recently convened a team huddle to curate their personal picks for the top albums and favorite songs released in 2025. This selection stands apart from typical Latin genre listings, showcasing a vibrant array of artists from Latin America and the diaspora.
20. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco feat. the Marías, “Ojos Tristes”
Just months before their highly publicized wedding in September, Selena Gomez and hit songwriter Benny Blanco created “I Said I Love You First.” The album drew inspiration from their vintage record collections, particularly resonating with Jeanette’s melancholic 1982 ballad “El Muchacho de Los Ojos Tristes.” After experiencing a live concert by the Marías, the couple collaborated with the band to reimagine this classic as the bilingual dream-pop track “Ojos Tristes.” This rendition not only topped the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, it also introduced a new generation to Jeanette’s timeless allure. —Suzy Exposito
19. JR Torres, “Desde Abajo Vengo”
True to its unassuming roots, música mexicana continues to deliver some of the year’s most stunning tunes. JR Torres, hailing from Culiacán, Sinaloa, offers a two-minute gem with “Desde Abajo Vengo.” Alternating between accordion melodies and heartfelt vocals, the song encapsulates a theme of longing. It also weaves in a narrative of perseverance and success through honesty and resilience, solidifying it as a future Mexican classic. —Ernesto Lechner
18. Juana Rozas, “WANNA HOTEL”
Juana Rozas adeptly captures the essence of the emerging queer Latin underground with her album, “TANYA.” The highlight track “WANNA HOTEL” merges industrial, electroclash, and doom metal, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a warehouse mosh pit. It’s a sonic whirlwind, blending atmospheric trap with hardstyle, compelling listeners to dive into its edgy experience. —Reanna Cruz
17. Macario Martinez, “Sueña Lindo, Corazón”
Macario Martinez’s unexpected rise to fame stands out this year. The Mexico City native, formerly a street sweeper, went viral in January with a TikTok displaying him in a sanitation truck, accompanied by his heartfelt lullaby “Sueña Lindo, Corazón.” The video resonated widely, garnering tens of millions of views and sharing from stars like Harry Styles, positioning Martinez as a promising newcomer in Latin music. —Fidel Martinez
16. Dareyes de la Sierra, “Frecuencia”
Dareyes de la Sierra’s “Frecuencia” opens with the line “Yo sé que voy a morirme por eso bien loco vivo” (“I know I’m going to die, that’s why I live crazily”), gaining deeper significance given the singer’s survival of an assassination attempt in 2004. Merging traditional música Mexicana instruments with a hip-hop cadence, this track celebrates hedonistic excess and showcases the veteran artist’s reinvention. —F.M.
15. Cuco, “Ridin’”
In his third studio album, “Ridin’,” Cuco aimed to capture the essence of Chicano soul while evolving his sound. The titular track delivers a nostalgic feel, evoking cruisin’ down a Southern California highway before launching into a cosmic journey, exemplifying the blend of influences that define his artistry. —F.M.
14. Mon Laferte, “Las Flores Que Dejaste En La Mesa”
Mon Laferte expressed pride in her lyricism for “Las Flores Que Dejaste En La Mesa,” notably intertwining poetic wordplay with themes of sexuality. This track from her noirish album, “Femme Fatale,” encapsulates everything from lush bossa nova to unbridled bolero influences, showcasing Laferte’s wounded yet incandescent vocal performance. —E.L.
13. Planta Industrial, “Oi”
The Bronx Dominican duo Planta Industrial’s debut EP, humorously titled “Punkwave Sin Barreras,” celebrates the fusion of punk rock, darkwave, and dembow. With a vibrant track “Oi,” the duo channels frenetic energy through breakbeats and Ramones-style gang vocals, all while critiquing a miserly boss. —S.E.
12. Six Sex feat. MCR-T, “Bitches Like Me”
Emerging from Argentina as the Latin rave focal point, Six Sex collaborates with Berlin-based DJ MCR-T to create “Bitches Like Me.” This track, sampling Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” features a provocative blend of beats and cheeky lyrics, evoking an atmosphere reminiscent of a carefree night out. —R.C.
11. Rosalía feat. Yahritza Y Su Esencia, “La Perla”
Rosalía’s “La Perla,” while a diss track against an unfaithful ex, stands out amidst her orchestral pop offerings. Collaborating with the Mexican American trio Yahritza Y Su Esencia, the song explores themes of love and betrayal, capturing the essence of experiencing affection influenced by Mexican culture. —S.E.
10. Netón Vega, “Me Ha Costado”
In his debut album “Mi Vida Mi Muerte,” Netón Vega explores the evolving sound of corridos tumbados through “Me Ha Costado.” With influences from G-funk and bold swagger, the track presents a captivating panorama of California’s cultural landscape, marking Vega as a significant voice in the genre. —R.C.
9. Cardi B, “Bodega Baddie”
Cardi B’s “Bodega Baddie” offers a bilingual homage to the Dominican enclaves of the Bronx, reflecting her roots. At less than two minutes, the song progresses at a rapid pace, immersing listeners in the lively atmosphere of a summer day in the city, supported by the distinct sound of Magic Juan’s merengue. —R.C.
8. Kali Uchis, “Sugar! Honey! Love!”
Kali Uchis explores themes of motherhood in her latest album “Sincerely,” with “Sugar! Honey! Love!” encapsulating a profound emotional depth. The contemplative track highlights her vulnerability and transformation, showcasing a new layer of artistic expression rooted in personal experience. —S.E.
7. Adrian Quesada feat. Angélica Garcia, “No Juego”
“No Juego” begins with the sound of tape rewinding, setting the stage for a hypnotic blend of psychedelic influences from the 1960s. Vocalist Angélica Garcia’s assured delivery, coupled with audacious lyrics addressing unfaithfulness, creates a commanding anthem of self-empowerment. —F.M.
6. Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso, “#TETAS”
On “#TETAS,” Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso embrace playful satire to craft a pop anthem. The song blends humorous lyrics with vibrant instrumentation, resulting in an infectious track that embodies the pitfalls of genre conformity while emerging as an unexpected success in its own right. —R.C.
5. Silvana Estrada, “Como Un Pájaro”
Silvana Estrada’s “Como Un Pájaro” showcases her maturity as an artist at just 28. Drawing from the trova movement, the song merges stringed instruments with evocative lyrics about healing and nature, culminating in a breathtaking climax that is sure to resonate deeply with listeners. —E.L.
4. Astropical, “Fogata (Leo)”
Astropical’s “Fogata” encapsulates the fleeting nature of bliss, blending Afrobeats grooves with heartfelt vocals. Following a standout performance at the Hollywood Bowl, the track emphasizes the importance of cherishing precious moments, leaving a lasting impression through its melodic warmth. —E.L.
3. Isabella Lovestory, “Telenovela”
Isabella Lovestory’s “Telenovela” metaphorically portrays life as a cinematic spectacle, capturing the glamorous drama of her experiences. Anchored in the extended metaphors of her sophomore album “Vanity,” the song vibrantly celebrates her narrative, inviting listeners into an alluring world of enchantment. —R.C.
2. Fuerza Regida, “Marlboro Rojo”
“Marlboro Rojo” has dominated the soundscape of Boyle Heights, serving as an anthem for local communities. The track underscores the unapologetic essence of Mexican culture, reinforced by Fuerza Regida’s strong presence in the música Mexicana scene, particularly in 2025. —F.M.
1. Bad Bunny, “Baile Inolvidable”
In his 2025 album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” Bad Bunny reflects on the importance of cherishing home and community. “Baile Inolvidable” showcases his vocal prowess while weaving sentiments of love and nostalgia, juxtaposing romantic reminiscence with his characteristic wit and humor. —S.E.
