[nextpage title=”Intro” ]

“15 Thrilling Latin-Infused, Latin-Pop Songs” features songs courtesy of Camila Cabello, Cardi B, J Balvin, Jennifer Lopez, and Maluma among others.

Sometimes, it’s important to exit the box.  Many times in life, we box ourselves in, embracing ‘creatures of habit’ status. However, what would we learn if we ‘changed things up a little’ – altered our sacred routine? With 15 Thrilling Latin-Infused, Latin-Pop Songs, my goal was to explore a genre that I personally haven’t covered much throughout my blogging/writing career.  It’s exciting to see Latin music gain such mainstream notoriety, as well as becoming incorporated more and more in various styles.

For this very incomplete snapshot, I selected 15 Latin-pop songs that I personally reviewed, liked, or simply found alluring.  Some are completely in Spanish, some incorporate Latin music cues, and some dabble in both English and Spanish. Artists appearing on this incredibly flavorful playlist include Camila Cabello, Cardi B, J Balvin, Jennifer Lopez, and Maluma among others.

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”1-3″ ]

1. Shakira & Maluma, “Clandestino”

Clandestino – Single • Sony Latin • 2018

“Lo nuestro es ilegal y no te voy a negar / Que yo pago la condena por besarte.” Iconic Colombian singer/songwriter Shakira (“Hips Don’t Lie”) and rising, 24-year old Columbian reggaetón singer Maluma (“Felices los 4”) make a showcase terrific chemistry as ‘secret lovers’ on “Clandestino”, a song sung exclusively in Spanish. “Clandestino” translates into the word clandestine with the key part of its definition being secrecy. As both standout artists sing about this clandestine love affair they’re backed by an appealing reggaetón backdrop, comprised of slick drums, a robust bass line, wavy keyboard, and of course, synths.

---

2. Cardi B, “I Like It”

Ft. Bad Bunny & J Balvin

Invasion of Privacy • Atlantic • 2018

Cardi B exploded in 2017 with her number one hit single, “Bodak Yellow”.  In 2018, she scored a number one album with Invasion of Privacy, which turned out to be a well-rounded debut by all means. One of the highlights not named “Bodak Yellow” or “Bartier Cardi” is “I Like It.” “I Like It” brilliantly samples the Pete Rodriguez classic, “I Like It Like That” bringing some serious Latin vibes into Invasion of Privacy.  Amplifying the brilliance even more are appearances from Puerto Rican rapper/reggaetón singer Bad Bunny and Colombian reggaetón singer J Balvin.

---

3. Maluma, “Felices los 4”

F.A.M.E. • Sony Latin • 2018

Maluma is kind of a big deal – understatement. On YouTube alone, he sits at 16 million and counting.  Yeah, yeah, yeah, perhaps if you aren’t abreast of Latin music the name is less familiar.  For the more casual listener, just know that that the 24-year old Columbian reggaetón singer has lots working for him.  Among those things working out for him include first and foremost, a smooth set of pipes, though the looks don’t hurt in the least.

The song at hand, “Felices los 4,” was actually released in early 2017, but appears on his 2018 album, F.A.M.E. The music video sits north of a billion views on YouTube, while the RIAA has certified the single platinum 29 times (RIAA Latin Diamond).  The accompanying music video (featuring actor Wilmer Valderrama) crafts the narrative of “Felices los 4” as an extramarital affair. The song itself depicts a complicated relationship, one where two people hook up, but aren’t exclusive to each other and have someone else in their respective lives.

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”4-6″ ]

4. Liam Payne & J Balvin, “Familiar”

Familiar – Single • Capitol • 2018

Sexy Latin pop single “Familiar” pairs One Direction’s Liam Payne with an unlikely partner – Colombian reggaetón singer J Balvin.  Unlikely it may be, ultimately, “Familiar” ends up being a success. The Latin-pop production and sound are a good look for Payne while naturally fitting J Balvin.  The groove is infectious, the songwriting is simple and repetitive, while both musicians deliver respectable, well-rounded performances.

---

5. Jennifer Lopez, “Dinero”

Ft. Cardi B & DJ Khaled

Dinero – Single • Epic • 2018

“They say money talk, but my talking bilingual.” “Dinero” marked the second exclusively Spanish single from pop superstar Jennifer Lopez. Lopez is assisted by DJ Khaled and Grammy-nominated rapper, Cardi B. The results are well-rounded as “Dinero” is energetic and infectious. “Dinero” initiates with a spirited intro, featuring confident vocals by Jennifer Lopez about money.  Naturally, co-producer DJ Khaled provides shout-outs.  The production (also co-produced by Tommy Brown) has a number of terrific touches including the Spanish-guitar, Latin-dance fueled sound of the verses.

Notably, there’s a beat-switch on the chorus, which is heavier and features punchier vocals by Lopez with a dash of English incorporated in. Cardi B arrives for the third verse, rapping over a beefier beat. Naturally, she matches the toughness of the beat with an alluring flow, closing her verse with a bang: “Two bad bitches that came from the Bronx /Cardi from the pole and Jenny from the block.”

---

6. Pharrell Williams & Camila Cabello, “Sangria Wine”

Sangria Wine – Single • Columbia • 2018

Pharrell Williams and Camila Cabello join forces for the infectious “Sangria Wine”, their second collaboration (Williams co-wrote “Havana”). “Sangria Wine” commences with a synthetic brass-fueled intro (interlude), that recurs later in the record. From a production standpoint, it’s hella compelling thanks to the fantastic percussive groove and heaping dose of world flavors, specifically Latin pop. Cabello sounds fantastic, handling the bulk of the singing duties, singing in both English, and Spanish.  The bright, youthfulness of her instrument, not to mention the attitude she exhibits, makes her special.

As for Pharrell, he also lends his pipes to the centerpiece of the record, the chorus.  Catchy, he’s on autopilot.

“Honey said she want somebody break her off proper
Man, she so relentless so nothing can stop her
Never left the city but she swear she’s a yardie
Because it’s so awesome how she move her body
She do the sangria wine, sangria wine
Moving side to side, front and behind…”

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”7-9″ ]

7. Yellow Claw, “To the Max”

Ft. MC Kekel, Lil Debbie, Bok Nero & MC Gustta

New Blood • Barong Family • 2018

Dutch producer/DJ duo Yellow Claw has dropped numerous singles in 2018, prepping for their third album, New Blood. Among the most electrifying singles is “To the Max”, featuring a star-studded cast including American rappers Bok Nero and Lil Debbie, as well as Brazilian rappers MC Kekel and MC Gustta. With four rappers on the track, it’s safe to say rap is the prevalent style on the record, but it’s also fused with a dash of Latin-tinged, Brazilian flavor. The two American rappers dominate the first part of the record. Both rappers slay, with Lil Debbie serving up a show-stopping hook. As for the second half the song, it’s dominated by the two Brazilian rappers, MC Gustta and MC Kekel, who drops bars in Portuguese.  Translate the lyrics to English, and the rhymes by Gustta and Kekel look pretty standard on paper – slang and profanity included.

---

8. Camila Cabello, “Havana”

Camila • Epic • 2018

“Havana” earns the distinction as the first big Camila Cabello solo hit. The record’s Latin-tinged production is a huge selling point, not to mention sound, confident vocals by Cabello.

The hook is simply irresistible.

“Havana, ooh na-na (ay) 
Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh na-na (ay, ay)
He took me back to East Atlanta, na-na-na, ah
Oh, but my heart is in Havana (ay)
My heart is in Havana (ay)
Havana, ooh na-na.”

Additionally, there’s acquired taste Young Thug in all his quirky glory. Even so, Cabello is the star, holding down “Havana” like a champ.

---

9. HRVY & Malu Trevejo, ‘Hasta Luego’

Hasta Luego – Single • Virgin • 2018

Rising English teen pop singer HRVY and rising Cuban-American teen singer Malu Travejo deliver a fun pop hit with the ‘short, but sweet’ “Hasta Luego”. “Hasta Luego” is sleekly produced, with the Latin vibes front and center.  The key piece of the production is the beat, which is sick, particularly once the chorus rolls around.  HRVY serves up clear, smooth vocals, perfectly suited for pop as well as the sensual nature of this Latin-tinged record. Trevejo holds her own as well, matching the British heartthrob with her own exuberant pipes, not to mention handling the majority of the Spanish lyrics (verse two).

Beyond the great verses, it’s the incredibly catchy chorus that’s the centerpiece.

“Hasta luego (way go)
But she don’t know my name though (oh no)
I said bailamos
I said bailamos
I said bailamos and we dance
Hasta luego (way go)
But she don’t know my name though (oh no).”

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”10-12″ ]

10. Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull, “Move to Miami”

Move to Miami – Single • Sony • 2018

Madrid and Miami are in the house! That would be Grammy-winning Spanish icon Enrique Iglesias and Grammy-winning pop-rap sensation Pitbull. The two artists have joined forces numerous times over the years. “Move to Miami” keeps things brief, clocking in south of the three-minute mark. Regarding depth, there’s little on “Move to Miami,” where Iglesias and Pitbull are simply enamored with the women of Miami.  On the first verse, Iglesias, sings, “This girl got me feelin’ risky.” On the pre-chorus, Pitbull raps, “She got that ass, she make it clap / She’ll leave you shook.” The chorus, performed solely by Iglesias, is all about moving to Miami – duh. Yeah, this electro-pop, Latin pop, reggaetón joint is utterly ridiculous.  But, just because it’s ridiculous doesn’t strip it of being enjoyable or fun.

---

11. Jennifer Lopez, “El Anillo”

El Anillo – Single • Epic • 2018 

“¿Y el anillo pa’ cuando?” For “El Anillo” (“The Ring”), Latin-pop/urban contemporary superstar Jennifer Lopez performs exclusively in Spanish.  Even sans English translation, it is clear that Lopez amplifies the sexiness on “El Anillo.” Lyrically, the record centers around love, with the ‘big question’ (aforementioned) arriving on the coro (chorus).  In English, the chorus roughly translates into “When will I get the ring?” Basically, J. Lo wants to know when her man (*cough Alex Rodriguez), whom she loves dearly, is going to ‘pop the question.’ Vocally, Lopez’s best moment occurs on the chorus.  Furthermore, she also raps with an impressive, rhythmic flow.  The production on “El Anillo” is slick and incredibly energetic. All in all, music, voice, and the theme work together successfully on this Latin pop joint.

---

12. Kali Uchis, “Nuestro Planeta”

Ft. Reykon

Isolation • Virgin • 2018

“Hola, ¿Me recuerdas? / Era yo a la que tanto querías / Dame esta noche entera / Que seamos sólo tú y yo (aquí en nuestro planeta, aquí en nuestro planeta) / Sólo tú y yo (aquí en nuestro planeta, aquí en nuestro planeta).” We’ll come back to the lyrics – set it aside for a hot minute!  24-year old Colombian-American R&B singer Kali Uchis definitely “shines bright like a diamond” on her debut album, Isolation.  The majority of the album is in English however, her Latin roots, specifically her fluency in Spanish are in full effect on the exuberant “Nuestro Planeta.”

“Nuestro Planeta” is among the crème de la creme of Isolation. In English, the aforementioned chorus reads a little something as follows:

“Hi, do you remember me?
It was me you wanted so much
Give me this whole night
Let it be only you and me (here on our planet, here on our planet)
Only you and me (here on our planet, here on our planet).”

Uchis gets a lift from Reykon on the third verse, not to mention awesome production from The Rude Boyz.  Even so, it is Uchis who is firmly in command as the indisputable star.

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”13-15″ ]

13. J Balvin & Willy William, “Mi Gente”

Ft. Beyoncé

Mi Gente (Remix) – Single • Universal / Republic • 2017

In 2017 Beyoncé joined Columbian superstar J Balvin and Willy Williams for a magnificent remix of their reggaetón banger and breakout hit, “Mi Gente”.  Notably, the original version of “Mi Gente” appears on Balvin’s 2018 studio album, Vibras. From the start, “Mi Gente” sounds like a surefire hit, featuring an infectious Latin-tinged, hip-hip beat. Just like the folks dance in the accompanying music video, the listener feels the same urge. This is not only because of the groove itself, but the production work as a whole. J Balvin is naturally on autopilot, while Beyoncé sings in both English and Spanish. On the English portions, she’s sexed-up, if tamer than her own work from Beyoncé and beyond. J Balvin and Beyoncé make a great collaborative team, trading lines throughout different parts of the song.  The result is absolute fire.

---

14. Abraham Mateo, 50 Cent & Austin Mahone, “Háblame Bajito”

Háblame Bajito – Single • Sony • 2017

In 2017, 19-year old Spanish heartthrob Abraham Mateo enlisted American heartthrob Austin Mahone and veteran East Coast rapper, 50 Cent for his single, “Háblame Bajito” (“Talk to Me Short[y]”). “Háblame Bajito” establishes a sexy vibe from the jump. The production is in a minor key, giving it a dark, seductive, ‘lights off,’ bedroom-oriented vibe. Mateo delivers playful, yet soulful vocals, clearly sounding invested in girls.  Clearly, the talk that he wants carries over from the club to the pad. Later, Mahone arrives, showcasing more mature, bass-ier vocals. He matches the sexiness conveyed by Mateo, singing over a contrasting beat.  The argument could be made that 50 Cent is long past his prime.  Sure, he doesn’t have the same impact he once did when hits like “In da Club” and “Candy Shop” dominated radio, but he also delivers a fitting verse.

---

15. Luis Fonsi & Demi Lovato, “Échame La Culpa”

Échame La Culpa – Single • Republic / Island / Universal • 2017

We conclude a most incomplete, ever-evolving Latin-pop list with “Échame La Culpa” (“Put the Blame on Me”), a notable hit from 2017.  Sure, veteran Puerto Rican Latin-pop/reggaetón artist Luis Fonsi didn’t have the same level of success with “Échame La Culpa” compared to the Grammy-nominated, diamond-certified “Despacito,” but this another infectious, high-energy reggaetón joint. The Demi Lovato assisted number hasn’t performed too shabby in its own right, earning RIAA Latin Platinum certification (3x) and north of one billion YouTube views for the music video.

What’s the premise of the song? Luis Fonsi is a bad guy – or maybe it Demi Lovato. Clearly, both are taking responsibility for their respective issues within the relationship.  There’s plenty of blame to go around, but despite their problems, they want things to work out on this up-tempo record.  For the listener, there’s no blame to be given – it’s awesome ear candy.

---

---

[/nextpage]