When will it stop being acceptable to play “Midnight Sun”? Probably never, but it’s also probably about time to put something else on the playlist. With fall in full swing and the Billboard Latin Music Awards coming up on October 22, why not take inspiration from this year’s nominees for your next seasonal activity?
Rosalía, LUX – a Solo Museum Date
The fourth studio album from the Catalan star dominated the charts when it was released last year. A divinely chaotic clash of classical, flamenco, electronic and opera, the exhilarating record showcases Rosalía’s technical range and artistic ambition. With songs spanning 13 languages, a feature from Björk and accompaniment from the London Symphony Orchestra, the album explores grief, pain, love and spirituality. It’s the ideal accompaniment to a reflective solo date, whether you’re wandering around a museum or taking in an art gallery. “Berghain” should really be listened to somewhere grand.
Bad Bunny, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS – a Bedroom Deep Clean and Dance-track
On his sixth album, Bad Bunny takes listeners on a 17 track journey, blending reggaeton, Latin trap, salsa, bolero and electronic sounds and moving between nostalgia and political commentary. “DtMF”, which has been streamed over 2.2 billion times on Spotify, encapsulates the album’s mood with its reggaeton groove and undercurrent of wistfulness, as Bad Bunny reflects on the moments with loved ones he wishes he’d captured. It’s the perfect album for a post-summer deep clean: the kind where you unearth questionable clothing choices and postcards from a decade ago.
Kali Uchis, Sincerely – a Full-body Everything Shower
Uchis’ signature soulful, buttery lilt narrates a sensual album that explores her usual themes of love as well as more vulnerable moments, like the birth of her son and the grief of losing her mother. Her fifth album, which moves from a hazy psychedelic hum to jazzy R&B and soft neo-soul, continues her dedication to the vintage aesthetic. Uchis’ latest work provides the perfect dreamy, angelic backing for the hour long everything shower you’ve been looking forward to all week.
Clave Especial, Mija No Te Asustes – a Long Drive
Clave Especial formed just five years ago, with cousins Alejandro Ahumada and Leonardo Lomeli, later joined by Rogelio Gonzalez. Their debut album, Mija No Te Asustes, blends traditional Mexican corridos with punchy beats, creating a high-energy sound with an emotional undercurrent. In other words, it’s the perfect album for a long, introspective, stare-out-the-window kind of drive. The album cover photo is a convoy, if you need any more convincing.
Young Miko – Do Not Disturb – Getting Ready for a Night Out
Do Not Disturb, Young Miko’s second album, moves between R&B, drum and bass, Afrobeats and reggaeton. Across its 16 tracks, the Puerto Rican artist sets moody, heavy beats against her soft, melodic vocals. She told Rolling Stone that the album came from a period when she was putting the world on mute – making it the perfect soundtrack to that moment before a night out, hyping yourself up and ignoring your notifications for a little while, before you head out into the world.
