Unlike the typical landscape of Latin music in 2024, Xavi's debut album, Next, distinguishes itself through his singular vocal prowess and a selective ensemble of guest features that include Tony Aguirre, Los Dareyes de la Sierra, and his brother and co-songwriter, Fabio Capri. With 15 tracks that blend fresh revelations and familiar hits, this album sees the Phoenix, Arizona, native expanding his creative wanderlust and widespread appeal.
Next captivates with songwriting that paints scenes of young love caught in the throes of rebellious fervor and wholesome charm. His vocal delivery, both haunting and resolute, is supported by an eclectic mix of traditional instruments like the requinto and tololoche, enriched further by occasional brass accents. New song "La Luna X Mi" surprises and delights, offering the lustrous tones of a 12-string guitar. "Filosofía" boasts lush melodies and playful reflections on love. Meanwhile, ongoing hits like "Corazón de Piedra," "La Diabla" and "La Víctima" invigorate the overall momentum, intertwining with the newer tracks to create a robust musical narrative.
A particularly compelling collaboration is "Tu Casi Algo," where Xavi and Fabio Capri exchange verses on the blossoming nuances of romance. With Next, the 20-year-old artist not only continues to cement his status as a breakthrough artist but also challenges the conventions of Latin music, presenting a debut that will surely resonate widely and affect deeply. -- ISABELA RAYGOZA
Becky G, Encuentros (Kemosabe Records/RCA Records)
Becky G continues to trace her Mexican roots in Encuentros, a gorgeous 16-track set powered by prickly requintos, wailing trombones and equally emotional lyrics that touch on the sadness and grief that come with heartbreak and, ultimately, joy from a healed heart. The 27-year-old Mexican American artist sings with pathos, the way música mexicana greats often do, as she brings to life stories through songs with the help of friends like Tito Double P, Oscar Maydon, Oscar Ortiz and Delilah -- who all represent a new generation of regional Mexican hitmakers. Encuentros follows, and is a continuation, of Becky's ultra-personal Esquinas, which she released last year.
"This album is deeply personal and raw, documenting a healing process that's far from linear," Becky said in a statement about Encuentros. "I've found peace within myself and embraced every part of who I am. I am grateful to música mexicana for allowing me to express the rawest version of myself." The new album comes on the heels of her new tour, Casa Gómez: Otro Capítulo, set to kick off today (Oct. 11). -- GRISELDA FLORES
Pedro Capó, LiL CaKe & DeMasters, "Si Alguien Me Ve" (ReLo-Co. Music/Globalatino Music Partners)
In a first collaborative effort, Pedro Capó and LiL CaKe deliver "Si Alguien Me Ve" (If Anyone Sees Me). Helmed by Venezuelan producers DeMasters, the bonafide team up kicks off with the pensive Argentine newcomer LiL CaKe backed by a melancholic ballad: "I know I messed up many times [...] you deserve someone better than me, who doesn't make you cry, who doesn't make you suffer," he chants. The track smoothly transitions into a rhythmic cumbia villera, where Capó continues with a just as nostalgic chorus: "If anyone sees me in the streets/ I'm looking for you/ I think you moved," further emphasizing in the lyrics that no one compares to his ex. -- JESSICA ROIZ
Jerri Di, "Asilo" (Universal Music Latino)
Venezuelan musician Jerri D releases an ode to Venezuela with "Asilo," a song that marks the end of a conceptual project titled ASILO COLLECTIONS: VOL V - Aceptación. "Dedicated to the 8 million Venezuelans abroad. And to the 24 million within," the singer said in a press release, "Asilo" is a love letter that evokes his longing from exile. "How much I miss you/ I want the old days to come back/ This love has me on strike," Jerry sings urgently over shimmering synths and a haunting bass line. "Asilo" arrives with an emotional music video directed by Reinaldo Díaz and produced by Juan Diasparra, which features striking images of Venezuela and its people captured throughout the country over 33 days. "We wanted to show our land to those who have not known it," a message reads at the beginning of the clip. "What we found was the reason why millions of us have never lost faith in Venezuela." -- SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
