New Music Friday 7/9 – Quality All Around

Thanks to the 4th of July it was a short week so New Music Friday really snuck up on us here. This week had a lot of early releases that we have to talk about as well as some big releases in the traditional slots.

We had some early releases from Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Rauw Alejandro. On New Music Friday proper, we have releases from Maluma, Mora, Sech, Fonseca, and more! We also have a new album from Alvaro Soler which we’ll review!

Without further ado, let’s get after it.

Cambia de Paso – Jenifer Lopez, Rauw Alejandro

JLo’s latest track is good but doesn’t live up to all it can be. My issue with this track is it feels disjointed. It almost feels like it’s two separate songs. Now those two separate halves aren’t bad by any means but when you have Jennifer Lopez, a legend, and Rauw Alejandro, the hottest artist of the moment, there should be more continuity. Overall, good song but not what it should have been.

De Museo – Bad Bunny

Another early release this week, Bad Bunny goes back to his trap roots. The song was originally included in the closing credits of F9 last month. This isn’t going to be included on Bad Bunny’s greatest hits but it’s a good song to pop on when you’re in the Bad Bunny mood.

Volando (Remix) – Mora, Bad Bunny, Sech

Mora won our “Best New Artist of 2021” contest earlier this year. Big songs like this will only help him solidify that as we move into the 2nd half of the year. This is a remix that helps take “Volando” from a good song to a great song. Anytime you can get Bad Bunny to hop on a track, it’s bound for success.

Sobrio – Maluma

I guess we’re getting back to our sad boy playlist now. There’s certainly something relatable about drinking to get over someone. We’ve all been there before. This is a pretty solid outing from Maluma. It isn’t as good as “El Marinero” from his F.A.M.E album but it’s effectively able to push that same vibe.

911 (Remix) – Sech, Jhay Cortez

So I guess Jhay Cortez is just that dude now. I’m lukewarm on Sech for the most part. This was probably the best song on his last album but this is definitely a new level for the track. Cortez does a lot to carry it.

Malvada – Brytiago, Juhn, Javiielo

Unfortunately, even though I like Brytiago and Juhn, this song is pretty forgettable. I started playing it and forgot about it by the end. Hate to say it but they don’t pay me enough to lie.

Vitamina Q – BCA, El Alfa, Noriel, Justin Quiles, Lirico En La Casa

This isn’t a terrible song, but it’s not very good. Justin Quiles can’t do much to save this track. Probably not going to listen to his one again.

Esta Noche – Lalo Ebratt, Bad Gyal

A little something different from Lalo Ebratt. He’s been quiet lately so it’s good to see him back and trying something new. Good track that’s worth the listen.

Tu 1ero – Fonseca

Fonseca is back. Happy to see it. Always been a big fan of his work. This is a fun, infectious track. It reminds me of sitting on a beach in the Caribbean. If this is the vibe for his new album, I think we’ll all have some fun with it.

Juega – Cali y El Dandee, Charly Black

New Music Friday this week intercepts with the finals for Copa America and Euro 2020. This track seems to be an attempt to capitalize on the futbol hype. This isn’t a terrible track but it definitely doesn’t crack out Top 10 Soccer Songs of All Time.

Bandido – Omy De Oro, Natanael Cano

This is one of the first time I’ve heard Cano sing on a song that was his signature tumbado style. It’s a welcome change that shows his range. This is a solid track. Like a fastball down the middle, you know what you’re getting every time.

Hace Tiempo – Blessd, The RudeBoyz

Coming off of his track with Maluma, Blessd his here on his own. It’s a solid outing but doesn’t fully display his artist maturity. It sounds like a million other tracks and Blessd sounds like someone very early in his career. The amateurism will wear off with time. Let’s hope it’s soon.

Me Has Dejado – Nicki Nicole, Delaossa

Ladies and Gentlemen, the biggest surprise of New Music Friday. This song is awesome. It has a Latin R&B vibe and just sets a fantastic mood. It reminds me a lot of the Latin pop that existed in the early 2000s but modernized and improved. I love it. One of my favorite songs of the week.

Gatillera – Alvaro Diaz

I don’t really know how to describe this song more accurately than a very good outro track. It’s the kind of song to end the night on. And it’s a very good one at that. I’m pretty impressed with Diaz here to be perfectly honest.