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Latin GRAMMYs 2023: Hear The Album Of The Year Nominees
Here are the nominees for Album Of The Year at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, which will air Thursday, Nov. 16 from Sevilla, Spain.
The Latin GRAMMYs Album Of The Year category honors the work of both the established leaders and hottest rising stars in Latin music. The 2023 Latin GRAMMYs nominees for Album Of The Year include recordings by reggaeton and pop artists who are breaking down barriers in the music industry, alongside some of the most well-known and beloved singer/songwriters in Spanish.
These 10 albums were chosen to represent the most significant voices in Latin music for 2023: La Cu4rta Hoja (Pablo Alborán), A Ciegas (Paula Arenas), De Adentro Pa Afuera (Camilo), Décimo Cuarto (Andrés Cepeda), Vida Cotidiana (Juanes), Mañana Será Bonito (Karol G), De Todas Las Flores (Natalia Lafourcade), Play (Ricky Martín), Eadda9223 (Fito Páez), and Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así (Carlos Vives).
Ahead of the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards — which will be held on Thursday, Nov. 16, in Sevilla, Spain — learn about the nominees for this prestigious category. Don’t miss the broadcast on Univision at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT).
Read More: 2023 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Complete Nominations List
La Cu4rta Hoja – Pablo Alborán
Pop singer/songwriter Pablo Alborán closed out 2022 with an explosion of optimism and carefree experimentation titled La Cu4rta Hoja.
Throwing off the isolation of the pandemic, the Spanish chart-topper found himself ready to collaborate. The album features bold duets with música Mexicana star Carín León and Argentinian singer María Becerra, providing Alborán with the opportunity to branch out into genres, such as flamenco, that he’d never flirted with before.
Evidently, he also felt like dancing as the normally ballad oriented artist stacked his album with breezy, playa-ready dance beats. Alborán has already been nominated for 24 Latin GRAMMYs, including a nomination for Best New Artist. He was nominated for Album Of The Year in 2013 for his sophomore album Tanto, making this his second Album Of The Year nomination.
A Ciegas – Paula Arenas
Colombian singer/songwriter Paula Arenas’ career has been defined by an independent spirit since its beginning. The unconventional pop artist sang covers in nightclubs until she scored a hit single with "Lo Que El Tiempo Dejó" (featuring alt-pop legend Esteman) from her self-released debut EP, and except for a brief period with Sony Music Colombia, when she released her debut album Visceral, all her other releases have been with smaller labels.
The indie darling’s roots are still showing on the clever, intimate A Ciegas, which finds her exploring a more stripped down version of her piano driven sound. Lead single "Puro Sentimiento," featuring fellow Colombian Manuel Medrano, shines with quirky-cool, ’80s inspired glamor. Being just a little different doesn’t seem to be holding her back: The video for "Puro Sentimiento" has more than 1 million streams on YouTube and counting.
De Adentro Pa Afuera – Camilo
Iconic, stylish, unforgettable — and we’re not just talking about Camilo's mustache. The mononymous pop singer with the disarming soprano already has a few Latin GRAMMYs to his name, notably album of the year for 2021’s Mis Manos. He’s written hits for Becky G and Bad Bunny, but solo work is where Camilo really lets his creativity off the leash.
The songs on his third studio album, De Adentro Pa Afuera, range from scruffy, loosely slung takes on reggaeton to bouncy folk pop jams that showcase his romantic side. It also hosts such diverse musical guests as Camila Cabello, Myke Towers and Grupo Firme. In the hands of a lesser artist it might be disjointed, but with Camilo at the controls it’s a masterclass in joyful chaos.
Décimo Cuarto – Andrés Cepeda
A master of the devastating love song made an exuberant return this year with help from a few equally formidable friends. Colombia’s Andrés Cepeda corralled the talents of such artists as Ximena Sariñana and Gusi for a delicately tropical, massively emotional album titled simply Décimo Cuarto.
Gentle danzón and milonga rhythms ("Le Viene Bien") and lyrics about love that defies time, space and reality ("En Otra Vida") are just a couple of the elements that make up the album's restrained, yet robust mix. Décimo Cuarto also includes sweeping power ballads with Reik and Joss Favela ("Tu Despertador" and "Si Todo Se Acaba," respectively). Cepeda previously won a Latin GRAMMY in 2013 for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Lo Mejor Que Hay En Mi Vida.
Vida Cotidiana – Juanes
Loyal fans of Juanes’ rock side were rewarded for their patience when the Colombian superstar released Vida Cotidiana, an epic return to form complete with psychedelic flourishes and a healthy dose of funk and varied Caribbean influences.
Early pandemic quarantine found the artist with a lot of time at home with his family, which provided some of the inspiration for the album. He used the unanticipated pause to study poetry, take voice and guitar lessons, and record the numerous demos that would, in time, become Vida Cotidiana. Juanes said he considers it his best album, and the time and passion he put into it is obvious.
The legendary singer and songwriter has brought home 26 Latin GRAMMYs over the years and, with his 10th solo album he’s made a strong case for a 27th.
Mañana Será Bonito – Karol G
Musical powerhouse, reggaetonera and general bichota, Karol G is one major reason why all eyes are on Colombia. After establishing herself as a hit-making star in the adjoining worlds of reggaeton and Latin trap is clearly enjoying her success and savoring the moment.
As you might be able to guess from the sunshine and rainbows doodled on the album cover, Mañana Será Bonito was one of 2023' most fun albums, bubbling over with sass and unapologetic sexuality. Everyone is invited to the party: Mañana Será Bonito has features with Romeo Santos, Shakira, Carla Morrison and Sean Paul. It debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 200 making it the first all-Spanish language album by a female artist with that distinction.
De Todas Las Flores – Natalia Lafourcade
De Todas Las Flores is the first collection of completely original material from Mexican singer/songwriter Natalia Lafourcade since 2015’s critically acclaimed Hasta La Raiz (for which she received two Latin GRAMMYs).
Both Lafourcade and producer Adán Jodorowsky took a less-is-more approach on this new offering, which allowed for a subtle play of emotion on songs such as the aching title track. Famously a fan of Mexico’s rich musical heritage, De Todas Las Flores finds Lafourcade experimenting with stripped down cumbia and son, while also branching out into other regions of Latin America with bossa nova, samba and bolero. The understated arrangements perfectly complement the profound and profoundly personal tracks, which Lafourcade has described as "a musical diary."
Play – Ricky Martín
After winning a Latin GRAMMY for his 2020 EP Pausa, Ricky Martín returned in 2022 with the logical bookend: a second EP titled Play. The Puerto Rican icon made the first recording in response to the cumulative challenges in his home island, ranging from Hurricane Maria to the pandemic. It also tackled heavy issues and served as a kind of therapy for Martín, who had started suffering from panic attacks.
If Pausa was a held breath, Play is the satisfying exhale. More upbeat and even decidedly danceable in the case of the songs "Ácido Sabor" and "Paris in Love," it represents a return to life, if not a return to normal, and a focus on the romance and sensuality for which Martín has long been world famous.
Eadda9223 – Fito Páez
It takes someone unique to get both Elvis Costello and Nathy Peluso to guest on their album. Fito Páez has both on back-to-back songs on Eadda9223.
The Argentinian rocker’s latest full-length is a revisiting of his epochal El Amor Después del Amor, this time letting a few more folks in on the caper. Besides the aforementioned co-conspirators, Páez is joined by Ca7riel and many other Argentinian iconoclasts who no doubt owe something to the trailblazing rock en español singer/songwriter. Each track on Eadda9223 is reimagined: The new version of "Sasha, Sissí Y El Círculo De Baba" with Mon Laferte crackles with Tex-Mex electricity that bears no connection to the original, but is a perfect vehicle for Laferte’s vocal range and flair for drama.
Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así – Carlos Vives
What happens when a legend offers a tribute to a legend? Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, the Carlos Vives album celebrating the music of vallenato composer Rafael Escalona answers that question with moving clarity.
Vives has brought the tropical sounds of Colombian vallenato to the world mixing them with pop and rock music, becoming a major star in the process. His deepest debt is to Escalona, who is remembered in Colombia as a storyteller and legendary personality.
Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así updates the Escalona’s famous compositions while striving to preserve their inherent spirit. The album is also a celebration of Vives’ own career, which now spans three decades. In addition to his innovation and longevity, Vives is an extremely prolific artist whose many releases have brought him two GRAMMYs and 15 Latin GRAMMYs.
Latin GRAMMYs 2023: Song Of The Year Nominees — Read Them Here

Photos: (Top row) Jaime Nogales Medios y Media/Getty Images; Latin GRAMMYs/Getty; Erika Goldring/Getty Images; Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Coachella; Mike Coppola/Getty Images (Bottom row) David Livingston/Getty Images; JOSE ALAVEZ
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Listen To GRAMMY.com's Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 Playlist: Featuring Shakira, Peso Pluma, Karol G, Bad Bunny, Feid, & More
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, listen to 50 songs by groundbreaking artists from the U.S., Latin America, and Spain.
Latin music continues to make incredible strides, as language barriers between the world and music in Spanish and Portuguese become a thing of the past.
After going through a difficult chapter in her life, Shakira found healing and empowerment through her anthems, including her surprise collaboration with Argentine producer Bizarrap. Karol G made history in March when her album Mañana Será Bonito debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. She became the first woman to top the chart with an all-Spanish LP.
Regional Mexican music became a global force this year thanks to the success of acts like Peso Pluma, Eslabon Armado, Grupo Frontera, Fuerza Regida, and Yahritza y Su Esencia. Many of them argue that Mexican music is no longer regional. Also, Feid, Myke Towers, and Young Miko have become breakthrough stars with their music being streamed on the same level as heavy-hitters in English.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, GRAMMY.com is celebrating Latin music through the biggest and most impactful songs of 2023. Below, take a listen to 50 songs by Latin artists from the U.S., Latin America, and Spain —- including "BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 53" and "Ella Baila Sola" — on Amazon, Apple Music, Pandora and the Spotify playlist below.

Graphic Courtesy of the Latin Recording Academy
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Latin GRAMMYs 2023: Meet The Nominees For Best New Artist
Here are the nominees for Best New Artist at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, which will air Thursday, Nov. 16 from Sevilla, Spain.
The 2023 Latin GRAMMYs are right around the corner — and as such, the Latin GRAMMYs nominations just dropped!
Airing on Thursday, Nov. 16, from Sevilla's Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES), the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs will be the first-ever international telecast in the history of the organization and awards. The Latin GRAMMYs celebrate some of the biggest artists, songs and albums in Latin music, and its next wave of talent is honored in the Best New Artist category.
This year, there are 10 nominees for Best New Artist: Borja, Conexión Divina, Ana Del Castillo, Natascha Falcão, Gale, Paola Guanche, Joaquina, León Leiden, Maréh, and Timø.
Below, get to know all of the 2023 Latin GRAMMY nominees for Best New Artist. Then, be sure to tune into the 24th Latin GRAMMY Awards on Univision at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT) to see which rising star wins!
Read More: 2023 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Complete Nominations List
BORJA
BORJA started out as a songwriter who blossomed into an artist. The Spanish musician co-wrote hits for artists like Reik, Lasso, Marco Mares, and Nicole Zignago before releasing music of his own. In May, BORJA released his debut album, Rimas Del Verbo Amar, which sees him bring romance back to Latin pop music. In the soaring title track, he sings from the heart about keeping a long-distance relationship alive.
Conexión Divina
All-girl sierreño group Conexión Divina is proudly representing women and the LGBTQ+ community in regional Mexican music. Shortly after releasing their first album, Tres Mundos, in April, the former trio — Liz Trujillo, Sandra Calixto, and Ashlee Valenzuela — performed their heart-wrenching hits like "Odio" and "La Receta" at Coachella. Valenzuela departed the group earlier this month; Trujillo and Calixto will carry on as a duo.
Ana Del Castillo
In her country of Colombia, Ana Del Castillo has become a force in the vallenato music scene. With the release of her debut album, El Favor De Dios, last year, the singer/songwriter has helped globalize the genre. Del Castillo has also put a contemporary twist on the traditional Colombian sound. In her hit singles like "Usted No Quiere A Nadie" and "El Que La Hace La Paga," she blends in elements of Latin urbano and soul music.
Natascha Falcão
Natascha Falcão hails from Pernambuco, Brazil. With her music, she honors the sounds and folklore of her country's northeastern region. In her breakthrough album, Ave Mulher, Falcão explores traditional genres like coco, maracatu nação, forró, and mangue beat through a contemporary MPB lens. A few of her standout hits include the mesmerizing "Banho de Flor" and the empowering title track.
GALE
GALE is expanding the limits of Latin pop with her music. The Puerto Rican singer/songwriter previously co-wrote songs for Christina Aguilera, Shakira, and Anitta before breaking out with this year's Lo Que No Te Dije album. She explores influences of synth-pop and reggaetón music in her songs like "La Mitad" and "Nuestra Canción." GALE also goes punk in "D Pic," where she speaks up for women against receiving unsolicited nude photos from men.
Paola Guanche
Paola Guanche is following in the footsteps of her GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY-winning aunt Aymee Nuviola. The Cuban-American singer first broke through after winning "La Voz Kids" back in 2013. Since then, Guanche has masterfully blended her bicultural roots in her music, which explores influences of R&B and soul music in Spanish. A decade later, Guanche has made her mark with this year's Reencuentro EP, which features the gospel-infused "Quererte Igual" and the sultry "Prohibido."
Joaquina
Along with Paola Guanche, Joaquina graduated from Julio Reyes Copello's Art House Academy last year. The Venezuelan singer/songwriter was mentored by Reyes Copello, the 2022 Latin GRAMMYs Producer Of The Year winner. Joaquina has since spread her wings with her debut EP, Los Mejores Años. She channels teenage angst into the pop-rock anthem title track and the emotional "Rabia." Joaquina is a Latin alternative music revelation.
León Leiden
León Leiden is a singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. The Mexican musician first made his mark in EDM, but he has since proven that his talent isn't limited to one genre. In 2021, Leiden released his debut album, El Morro Que Hace Música, which featured the Latin pop hits "Gitana" and "Fondo De Bikini." He has since explored genres like hip-hop, regional Mexican music, and rock en español alongside acts like Nanpa Básico, Sebastian Esquivel, Thalia, and Aterciopelados.
Maréh
Maréh has received support from past Latin GRAMMY Best New Artist winners Monsieur Periné and Vicente García. Both acts featured on the Colombian singer/songwriter's debut album, Amuleto, which was released in 2018. Maréh built off that momentum with his breakthrough LP, Tierra De Promesas, which followed last year. He seamlessly blends folkloric sounds of his country with an alternative edge in songs like the tropical "Canto" and the dreamy "Desemboca." Each song is based on a beautiful region of nature.
Timø
Timø is a trio of Colombian musicians, which includes members Andrés Vásquez, Alejandro Ochoa, and Felipe Galat. The guys released their first EP, Algo Diferente, in 2019. Timø has since expanded on its folk-pop sound with towering and chant-worthy choruses in this year's Estemos Donde Estemos album. They shake off a breakup in the kiss-off track "215 Dias" while the alluring "Amigos" explores a blossoming romance. Timø turns the spectrum of emotions into cathartic anthems.
Latin GRAMMYs 2023: Record Of The Year Nominees — Read Them Here

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Latin GRAMMYs 2023: Record Of The Year Nominees — Read Them Here
Here are the nominees for Record Of The Year at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, which will air Thursday, Nov. 16 from Sevilla, Spain.
The Latin Recording Academy has just announced the nominees for the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, which air Thursday, Nov. 16, from Sevilla's Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES), marking the first-ever international telecast in the history of the organization and awards. This year, 11 performing artists and producers have a chance at one of the night's top awards: Record Of The Year. Christina Aguilera, Pablo Alborán, Paula Arenas with Jesús Navarro, Bizarrap with Shakira, Fonseca with Juan Luis Guerra, Karol G, Natalia Lafourcade, Lasso, Maluma with Marc Anthony, Rosalía, and Alejandro Sanz with Danny Ocean have been nominated in the category this year.
Below, get to know all of the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs Record of the Year nominees. Then, be sure to tune into the 24th Latin GRAMMY Awards on Univision at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT) to see who wins!
Read More: 2023 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Complete Nominations List
"No Es Que Te Extrañe" – Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera rounded out her self-titled Latin album last fall with "No Es Que Te Extrañe," one of her most personal songs. The pop icon highlighted her Latina heritage by embracing the music stylings of pasillo, a popular genre in Ecuador.
Aguilera's powerhouse voice soars as she sings about finding healing and closure from a traumatic childhood experience. The song builds from a vulnerable ballad to a moment of flamenco-infused catharsis.
"Carretera y Manta" – Pablo Alborán
Musical worlds collide in Pablo Alborán's "Carretera y Manta," in which the Spanish singer/songwriter blends '80s-inspired pop with elements of contemporary Latin urbano beats.
The standout single from his La Cuarta Hoja album, Alborán sings about not worrying about the destination, but instead enjoying the journey to get there. Alborán is known for big ballads and with this carpe diem anthem, he shows off a more upbeat and danceable side to his artistry.
"Déjame Llorarte" – Paula Arenas Feat. Jesús Navarro
Colombian singer/songwriter Paula Arenas explores the emotional depth of Latin pop music in "Déjame Llorarte," teaming up with Jesús Navarro, the powerhouse voice behind Mexican group Reik.
The heartfelt ballad is centered by Arenas and Navarro's sweet shared harmonies, which detail moving on from a breakup. Backed by piano and strings, the soulful collaboration was included on Arenas' A Ciegas album.
"Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" – Bizarrap Feat. Shakira
Shakira turned a difficult time in her personal life into a global moment of empowerment. The Colombian pop icon teamed up with Argentinian producer Bizarrap for "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53."
Bizarrap seamlessly blends elements of EDM and Latin urbano music, as Shakira unleashes her inner "She Wolf" once again. In her Bzrp session, Shakira gave women wronged by an ex a kiss-off anthem that is packed with plenty of punchlines. "Women no longer cry, women get paid," she sings in Spanish.
"Si Tú Me Quieres" – Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerra
Two giants in Latin music joined forces on the romantic "Si Tú Me Quieres." Colombia's Fonseca teamed up with Juan Luis Guerra, who hails from the Dominican Republic. The traditional vallenato sound of Fonseca's country is beautifully blended with the tropical music that Guerra is known for.
The dreamy duo serenade listeners around the world, trading verses about the power of love behind a kiss.
"Mientras Me Curo Del Cora" – Karol G
In addition to scoring further reggaetón hits from Mañana Será Bonito, Karol G also showed versatility to her artistry on her latest album.
The Colombian superstar sampled the feel-good classic "Don’t Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin in "Mientras Me Curo Del Cora." With a bit of reggaetón in the mix, she turns a dark moment in her life into Latin pop positivity and allows listeners get to know Carolina Giraldo Navarro — the woman behind Karol G.
"De Todas Las Flores" – Natalia Lafourcade
After paying homage to the music of Mexico and Latin America in her past few releases, Natalia Lafourcade returned last year with De Todas Las Flores, an album of all original music.
On the hypnotic title track, Lafourcade shows why she is one of Mexico's most exciting and innovative alternative acts. Lafourcade masterfully melds the sound of her guitar, folkloric Latin music, and jazz in the song where she mourns the memories of a past romance.
"Ojos Marrones" – Lasso
Last year, Lasso scored one of the biggest global hits that was outside the Latin urbano genre. The Venezuelan singer/songwriter channeled the spirit of '70s soft rock in "Ojos Marrones, citing Fleetwood Mac as one of his inspirations for the alluring love song.
With his raspy voice, Lasso sings about getting lost in his partner's brown eyes. Lasso continued to put a refreshing spin on the music of pop past throughout his album Eva.
"La Fórmula" – Maluma & Marc Anthony
To tap into the sound of salsa music, Maluma teamed up with one of the genre's giants. In "La Fórmula," the Colombian superstar joined forces with Nuyorican icon Marc Anthony for a charming duet.
The colorful and sweeping song was included on Maluma's Don Juan album. Backed by a full band and tropical beats, Maluma and Anthony sing about wanting to reignite the romance with an old flame.
"Despechá" – Rosalía
Rosalía continued to push Latin music to new places in the deluxe version Motomami, last year's Latin GRAMMY Album Of The Year winner.
This year, the Spanish pop star blended elements of merengue, pop, and house music in "Despechá." Instead of being bogged down by a breakup, Rosalía gets the mambo dance line started while singing about cutting loose with her close friends. The genre-bending track was Rosalía's fierce remedy for channeling spiteful feelings into a cathartic club experience.
"Correcaminos" – Alejandro Sanz Featuring Danny Ocean
Spanish pop icon Alejandro Sanz teamed up with rising Venezuelan star Danny Ocean for "Correcaminos." The sultry collaboration combines the alternative reggaetón sound of Ocean with flamenco influences from Sanz's home country.
Sanz and Ocean sing from the heart about winning over the women of their dreams. Whether that happens in this lifetime or the next, both singers are determined to make that happen in this magical duet.
Latin GRAMMYs 2023: Song Of The Year Nominees — Read Them Here

Graphic Courtesy of the Latin Recording Academy
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Latin GRAMMYs 2023: Song Of The Year Nominees — Read Them Here
Here are the nominees for Song Of The Year at the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, which will air Thursday, Nov. 16 from Sevilla, Spain.
The Latin Recording Academy has announced the complete list of nominees for the 2023 Latin GRAMMYs, and the race for Song Of The Year is on.
The prestigious Category features this year’s most-nominated artist, Mexican American songwriter and producer Edgar Barrera, who earned an impressive 13 nods. It also includes three Colombian singers who have collaborated with Barrera — Karol G, Camilo, Shakira — the latter of whom set a record as the first artist to have three entries in Latin GRAMMYs' Song Of The Year Category.
The 2023 Latin GRAMMYs show will also make history, as the Thursday, Nov. 16, ceremony will be the first-ever international telecast in the history of the organization and awards, broadcasting from the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Sevilla, Spain.
Read on to learn more about the 10 bops nominated for Song Of The Year, and the artists and songwriters that penned them. (All lyrics noted below are translated from Spanish.)
Read More: 2023 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Complete Nominations List
"Acróstico" — Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, L.E.X.U.Z, Luis Fernando Ochoa & Shakira, songwriters (Shakira)
"Acróstico," the third lead single from Shakira's upcoming 12th studio album, is a heartfelt love letter to her young sons Milan and Sasha, in the wake of her split from their father Gerard Piqué. The tear-jerking ballad features her sons' vocals.
The track's Spanish title translates to acrostic, which is a poem where the first letter of each line spells out a word — and in Shakira's song, the opening lyrics spell out Milan. "This year Milan has written songs that have made me tear up, and Sasha has dedicated hours playing the piano and discovering his voice. Both have spent some time with me in the studio, and upon hearing this song, they've asked to be part of it," she wrote in Spanish in an Instagram post about the song.
Shakira co-wrote the song with a powerhouse team of Colombian gold:Keityn and L.e.x.u.z, of La Crème collective, and longtime collaborator Luis Fernando Ochoa, who first linked with Shakira back in 1995 on Pies Descalzos. (Keityn, born Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, also worked on two of Shakira's other big 2023 hits and Song Of The Year contenders: the record-breaking "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" with Bizarrap and "TQG" with Karol G.)
"Amigos" – Pablo Alborán & María Becerra, songwriters (Pablo Alborán Featuring María Becerra)
Spanish singer/songwriter Pablo Alborán linked up with Argentian reggaetónera María Becerra on "Amigos," a platonic love song to the friend that always has your back — and makes life a party. They wrote the sweet, vibey song together for his late-2022 album, La cuarto hoja.
"Amigos" opens with a chilled guitar instrumental, building up to an anthemic shout-it-with-your-bestie chorus: "I can see life in color/ the whole neighborhood looks at us/ We drink the hours as if it were liquor."
"De Todas Las Flores" – Natalia Lafourcade, songwriter (Natalia Lafourcade)
On "De Todas Las Flores," the title track of Natalia Lafourcade's first album of all original music in seven years, she beautifully paints the picture of a lost love. "Of all the flowers we plant/ There are only a few left/ Every morning they wonder/ When you will arrive to sing to them," she sings over sparse, tenderly melancholic instrumentation.
The backing vocals offer ethereal ooohs and ahhhs, like the fading memories shared with the lover no longer there. The Latin GRAMMY- and GRAMMY-winning Mexican singer/songwriter has always been a compelling storyteller, and it's a joy to hear her rich voice share new sonic poems on the project she's called an "extremely personal musical diary."
"Ella Baila Sola" – Pedro Julian Tovar Oceguera, songwriter (Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma)
"Ella Baila Sola" (or, she dances alone) was written by 20-year-old Pedro Tovar, lead singer of Mexican regional band Eslabon Armado. It's about two friends noticing a pretty girl at a party, and one of them winning her affection.
The song features rapidly rising Mexican singer/rapper Peso Pluma, who is bringing Mexican corridos worldwide, fused with reggaetón and Latin trap. The dynamo pairing has helped "Ella Baila Sola" have a massive, record-breaking run; after it went viral on TikTok, it became the first regional Mexican song to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 (reaching No. 4) and the first performed on late-night TV. It was also the most-streamed song globally on Spotify this summer, and second-most streamed song in the U.S.
"NASA" – Édgar Barrera, Camilo & Alejandro Sanz, songwriters (Camilo & Alejandro Sanz)
On "NASA," Latin GRAMMY-winning Colombian singer/songwriter Camilo teams up with Latin GRAMMY- and GRAMMY-winning Spanish star Alejandro Sanz to ask his lover for forgiveness for what he admits is unwarranted jealousy.
"I know/ That NASA has cameras rotating in space/ They spend day and night looking up and down/ And I'm about to call and ask for a job/ To see if I relax." It's a tender, vulnerable love song with playful lyrics exchanged back-and-forth by the two Spanish-language crooners, who also co-wrote the song together.
"Ojos Marrones" – Luis Jiménez, Lasso & Agustín Zubillaga, songwriters (Lasso)
"It's the first time/ I invited someone/ Since you left/ And I'm fine," Lasso opens on "Ojos Marrones," before revealing he's only kinda sorta fine. "Nothing is the same / Nothing is the same/ Nothing/ without your brown eyes," Lasso repeats empathetically in the chorus.
It's a sunset-hued pop rock heater with dreamy guitar licks reminiscent of those in Chris Issak's classic "Wicked Game." The Venezuelan singer/songwriter paired up Luis Jiménez and Agustín Zubillaga to pen the impactful track about trying — and failing — to get over an ex with a new lover, which is featured on his latest album, Eva. The track went viral on TikTok after a user compared its narrative to Justin Bieber's relationships, and its success spawned a remix with Sebastian Yatra.
"Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" – Santiago Alvarado, Bizarrap, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz & Shakira, songwriters (Bizarrap Featuring Shakira)
It's an understatement to say that Shakira has had a momentous year. As she went through a very public separation — and tabloids across the globe zeroed in on her every move and social media post — she proved yet again she's a global pop superstar at the top of her game.
She started the year off with the viral "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53," a sassy, synth-pop clap back at her ex. In just 24 hours, it garnered over 15 million streams on Spotify to top the platform's Top 50 global list, and the video saw over 55 million views on YouTube, the record for a Spanish-language track.
On it, she asserts herself and reclaims her power — who needs trashy gossip rags when Shakira is here to tell it like it is? "A she-wolf like me/ isn't for guys like you," the Colombian queen declares. "I was out of your league/ That's why you're/ With someone just like you," also coming for her ex's new girlfriend (the Casio he traded in for a Rolex, as Shaki put it). The fiery diss track came out of a session with forever-sunglassed Argentinan DJ and producer Bizarrap. They co-wrote the song with Keityn and Santiago Alvarado.
"Si Tú Me Quieres" – Fonseca, Yadam González & Yoel Henríquez, songwriters (Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerra)
It was a dream of Latin GRAMMY-winning Colombian singer/songwriter Fonseca to collab with Latin GRAMMY- and GRAMMY-winning Dominican superstar Juan Luis Guerra. "Si Tú Me Quieres" is a sweet tropical pop love song, a gorgeous result of Fonseca's dream brought to life.
It was co-produced by Colombian pop/rock king Juanes, and was co-written by Fonseca with two Latin GRAMMY-winning songwriter/producers: Puerto Rican Yoel Henríquez and Cuban Yadam González. When Fonseca finished the initial demo, he imagined Luis Guerra's distinctive voice on it, who quickly agreed to join in on it. They bring their voices, styles and homelands together for a joyful fiesta, with delightful touches of Colombian vallenato and Dominican bachata.
"Tqg" – Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Karol G, Ovy On The Drums & Shakira, songwriters (Karol G Featuring Shakira)
Shakira and Keityn strike again — this time alongside Colombian reggaetónera Karol G, and her regular collaborator Ovy On The Drums.
On "TQG," Karol G and Shakira link up for the first time and come for their exes, reminding them who's on top. "You left and I went triple 'M'/ Much hotter, much tougher, much more class," Shakira sings defiantly.
"TQG" stands for te quedó grande, which roughly means too much for you to handle, and is featured on Karol's fourth album, MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO. When Karol saw the gossip fodder about Shakira, she knew she was the perfect collaborator to add fire to the reggaetón diss track,which she wrote with Keityn and Ovy during the same session of "Mamiii," her collab with Becky G.
"Un X100to" – Bad Bunny, Édgar Barrera, Marco Daniel Borrero & Andrés Jael Correa Ríos, songwriters (Grupo Frontera Featuring Bad Bunny)
With "un x100to," Grupo Frontera, a Texas-based regional Mexican band specializing in norteños, struck gold and brought regional Mexican music to the top of the charts. The song peaked at No. 5 on Billboard's Hot 100 — the fifth regional Mexican song ever to chart on it — with a little help from Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny.
Frontera lead singer Adelaido "Payo" Solis II and Bad Bunny sing passionately about trying to reconnect with an ex with a harrowing 1 percent battery left on their phone, on a playful romp that mixes norteño and cumbia. What makes the track even more remarkable is that Grupo Frontera didn't know Bad Bunny would be on the track until he appeared at the music video shoot — proving that sometimes the most impactful collabs can come from an unexpected pairing.
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