New Music Friday 7/16 – Shakira is BACK

It’s New Music Friday, the weather is beautiful, and it’s weekend has arrived. What more could anyone ask for? This week has the big return of Shakira with her new track. We also have new music from Daddy Yankee, Nicky Jam, Khea, Emilia, Casper Magico and more.

This week also gives us the release of Dynasty, the new album from Yandel & Tainy. You can read our review here.

Without further ado, let’s fall down the New Music Friday rabbit hole.

Don’t Wait Up – Shakira

The Queen is back in a big way. I have to be honest, I didn’t necessarily have the highest expectations in the world for this song. Hand up, I was wrong. This is a bonafide smash. This is a great song that will undoubtedly be everywhere very soon. “Don’t Wait Up” is also her first English language track in 7 years. The more you know.

Subele el Volumen – Daddy Yankee, Myke Towers, Jhay Cortez

I said it about Jhay Cortez last week but he’s just that dude now. On a song with Myke Towers, a superstar, and Daddy Yankee, the father of it all, Cortez is the strongest performer. I hate to say it but I think this a weak showing from Daddy Yankee. He isn’t batting 1.000 for his career by any means, but this feels especially weak. It’s a shame that this song, which is loaded with three of the most talented artists in the game, isn’t a hit.

Morena – Carlos Arroyo, Nicky Jam, Jeon

This song starts with decent enough hook. It quickly loses that appeal when it tries to combine some real old school reggaeton tropes with the otherwise modern sound. Nicky Jam is the best part of the song by far. This is generally a bit of a letdown.

Only One – Khea, Julia Michaels, Becky G, Di Genius

This is a song where Julia Michaels really shines. Becky G comes in a strong second with her contributions. Khea, who has had a great year musically, kind of fades into the background. It’s a good song but I wish Khea would have had a more memorable contribution.

Como Si No Importara – Emilia, Duki

Well we all know I love Emilia at this point. This is a pretty good track. The video really helps to set the tone for the track. (By the way, I had no idea Duki had so many tattoos. And terrible ones at that). This is certainly one of the best songs in Emilia’s young career.

Aunque Llorare – Danny Romero, Abraham Mateo

This song fits very comfortably into a tropical pop category. It’s a fun track to be sure. Romero’s dance/EDM background blends well with Mateo’s pop style. It’s a very good team up and a good song.

Se Dice Ouigo – Maikel Delacalle

This song has an undeniably catchy funk R&B feel to it. It’s a very good song that pulls you in. It’s not the best Delacalle song I’ve heard but it’s definitely up there for him. It doesn’t stick the landing in my opinion but it’s still very enjoyable.

No Llores Mas – Simone & Simaria, Sebastian Yatra

This isn’t a bad song. But that being said, it’s not a great song. In a lot of ways I don’t understand what the full concept behind it was. It’s enjoyable and pulls from a number of genres but my overarching question is why keep mixing it up very 30 seconds or so. Worth the listen but didn’t hit for me.

Comerte Entera – Casper Magico, Flow La Movie, Juhn, Miky Woodz, Lyanno

There’s a lot of talent packed into this song. The team that comes together for this song isn’t necessarily comprised of All Stars. Instead, it’s a lot of very talent guys that are all probably B List or C List singers. They put out a very good product. I’m a fan.

Kesi (Remix) – Camilo, Shawn Mendes

Did not take long for me to realize that this is just not a song for me. This has a very soft sound that really doesn’t appeal to me. It feels like a kids song. Honestly, if this wasn’t so high up on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist, I wouldn’t have listened to it.