Viva Friday is a compilation of the best new songs, albums and videos recommended by Billboard Latin editors.
This week on the Viva Friday playlist:
Jesse & Joy and J Balvin – “Mañana Es Too Late”
Siblings Jesse & Joy join forces with Colombian urban singer J Balvin to release their first-ever collab “Mañana es Too Late.” The song was written by Jesse and Joy Huerta and Poo Bear (David Guetta, Matoma, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey) and produced by Jesse Huerta and Charlie Heat (Kanye West, Madonna, Ty Dolla Sign). The single carries a Latin pop sounds and Balvin’s participation gives a touch of urban without leaving Jesse & Joy’s roots. — SUZETTE FERNANDEZ
Elvis Crespo – Suavemente, 20 Aniversario
Elvis Crespo has revisited his Suavemente album and the title track that launched his solo career in 1999 and charted many times since on the Hot Latin Songs, Latin Airplay, Tropical Airplay, Top Latin Albums and Tropical Albums charts. Now, the Puerto Rican singer presents Suavemente, 20 Aniversario, honoring two decades of the timeless production, including merengue classics “Suavemente,” “Luna Llena” and “Tu Sonrisa.” In a previous interview with Billboard, Crespo confessed that his tropical hit, which hit No. 1 on the May 16, 1998, chart for a total of six weeks, was inspired when he was singing in the shower. The new album is home to nine of Crespo’s merengue tracks that have all been revamped to a Plena version. Despite the new sound, Crespo holds on tight to his merengue roots, surprising fans with a bonus track titled “Abracadabra.” Listen and stream Suavemente, 20 Aniversario below. — JESSICA ROIZ
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Grupo Fantasma – “The Wall” feat. Ozomatli & Locos por Juana
A musical career spanning 19 years of multi-lingual sonic flavor, Austin’s Grupo Fantasma releases “The Wall,” the first single from their newly released album American Music: Volume 7, produced by Carlos “El Loco” Bedoya.The Kino Esparza-led band’s tune, which teeters between funk Latin rock and hip-hop, sends a message against the backdrop of sociopolitical upheaval of the Mexican-American border, flanked by a robust big brass section and the commanding vocals of Locos Por Juana’s lead singer Itawe and Ozomatli, who jab out powerful phrases of engagement. — PAMELA BUSTIOS
No Te Va Gustar, “Otras Canciones”
The Uruguayan rock band No Te Va Gustar has been around for 25 years, so this set of “unplugged” versions of songs cherished by their fans, mostly recorded as live collaborations, serves as a retrospective of sorts. Julieta Venegas, Monica Garcia of Monsieur Periné and mariachi group Flor de Toloache join NTVG on tracks that confirm the lasting emotional appeal of the group’s exquisite songwriting and, ultimately, serve as inspiration to listen to the originals. Highlights: “De Nada Sirve” and “Clara” with, respectively, NTVG’s countrymen Jorge Drexler and Hugo Fattoruso; and “Poco” with Draco Rosa. — JUDY CANTOR-NAVAS
Vicente García – “Candela”
Dominican Vicente Garcia solidifies his standing among the merengue audience with new single “Candela,” a deft tune of poetic imagery and the title track of Garcia’s forthcoming album, slated for May 10 and produced by Eduardo “Visitante” Cabra, their third collaboration. With “Candela,” García continues to hone his musicianship and compositional skills. His effortless vocals with an air of wistfulness segues between invigorating mix of freshness with old-school Dominican sounds. — PB
Feid – “Badwine”
Feid is back at it again with a new single called “Badwine.” The reggaeton track, fused with hints of sensual dembow and deep bass, brings to the forefront Feid’s unique Colombian flow. Co-produced by Feid and Wain, this seductive single is about a man who invites a woman to relive the good old times. The music video, directed by Nael and Justin, shows a man who’s behind bars receiving a visit from his special lady. In the video, he’s belting out Feid’s lyrics, making it clear that he wants to spend time by her side. Watch the heartfelt music video below. — JR
Diana Fuentes – Libre
Kicking off 2019 with the world in her hands, Diana Fuentes presents her third studio album, Libre, under Sony Music Latin. Home to 11 new tracks, including collaborations with Tommy Torres, Gente de Zona, Vicente Garcia and Seu George, Libre is a conceptual album about the important and finer things in life. Fuentes’ sweet, captivating voice belts out lyrics about love, happiness and freedom, each with a valued life lesson. “It was recorded during a time when so many things were happening to me at the same time,” the Miami-based Cuban singer said in a press statement. “And I realized that this was all happening for a reason: to make me feel like a free woman, a free person, which is who I am today.” Her new title-track single and video dropped with the album on Friday (April 12), sending out a beautiful and positive message to everyone who’s going through a life change. Listen and stream to Diana Fuentes’ new album below. — JR
Morat, Aitana – “Presiento”
Morat and Aitana have released a lovely track called “Presiento” (I Feel). “The song talks about the unexpected beginnings of a relationship and the tireless struggle to preserve it while not knowing if it will work out,” Morat says in a press statement. The catchy pop song, released on Friday (April 12) was presented with a music video in which the members of Morat have the mission of conquering princess Aitanna. Watch it below. — SF
Cauty – “Lola”
Cauty’s “Lola” tells the story of a young man who laments that his partner is always ready for “a fight” throwing in a joking rhyme lyric. The video which was shot in Medellín, Colombia and directed by Armando Rivera.