Best Latin Songs of 2024

This was a highly anticipated collaboration between two powerhouse names in the world of regional Mexican music. The single boasts an infectious banda rhythm that compels you to move, paired with lyrics that resonate deeply, evoking a range of emotions. Banda MS brings its signature enveloping melodies, while Alfredo Olivas lends his celebrated vocal prowess and exceptional songwriting skills, creating a harmonious blend that captivates listeners. This exciting release marks the first time these talented artists have collaborated on a track, and it thoughtfully explores the poignant theme of recognizing when it’s time to close important chapters in life. — INGRID FAJARDO

Another surprise for Grupo Firme fans: this letter composed by singer-songwriter Joss Favela about what love could do, and asking for one last chance, although knowing that perhaps he does not deserve it. Eduin Caz breathes life into these poignant words with his extraordinary interpretation, infusing the performance with an abundance of emotional depth and soul. His soaring vocals resonate through the lyrics, capturing both the anguish and hope embedded in the message, making the listener feel every nuance of the heartfelt plea for reconnection. — I.F.

Prince Royce and Gabito Ballesteros struck gold when they found a way to flawlessly fuse bachata with música mexicana in “Cosas de la Peda.” The heartbreak song starts off with a wailing trombone that sets the tone for the melancholic lyrics about drowning your sorrows in alcohol. “Cosas” is an ideal balance of bachata’s hip-swiveling beats and regional Mexican’s signature instruments, such as the requinto, tololoche and trombone. The collab won tropical song of the year at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards. — GRISELDA FLORES

Born during a music camp in Jamaica, and after visiting The Bob Marley Museum for inspiration, Colombian newcomer Kapo gave life to his first major hit: “Ohnana.” A word he invented, meaning “‘trust everything will be fine,” the suave Afrobeats single is charged with poetic lyrics about a “a beautiful [love] story” that “in these times it is not seen.” With “Ohnana,” the former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise earned his first No. 1 on any Billboard chart, crowning the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart in November. — JESSICA ROIZ

“How did we go from saying I love you to being perfect strangers?” Ivan Cornejo sings delicately in “Intercambio Injusto,” a stripped-down, guitar-led power ballad that immediately tugs at your heartstrings. Cornejo’s delivery, injecting pathos into every verse, is not only moving but also convincing — and that’s Cornejo’s magic touch. — G.F.

Pianist Arthur Hanlon, Cuban rapper Yotuel and Puerto Rican urban artist Darrel teamed up to deliver a sophisticated fusion of mambo, reggaetón and a funky tumbao that reached the top 10 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart. Backed by Hanlon’s exquisite piano, Yotuel’s sensual vocals and Darell’s raspier tones, “Repetimos” stood out for its rich Latin flavor and its catchy lyrics about reliving a romance’s good times. “What a great time we had, how great was what we lived/ How delicious was what we drank, and now why don’t we repeat it,” asked this song, which many of us had on repeat. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

It’s been quite the year for Argentine pop princess Emilia Mernes. She sold out 10 Movistar arenas in Buenos Aires and her first WiZink Center date in Madrid. Equally “wow: was the surprising success of “Perdonarte ¿Para Qué?,” where she trades her urban pop for a saucy, attitude-laden cumbia alongside veteran ensemble Los Ángeles Azules. The Mexican group cedes the vocals to Mernes, who in turn gives this traditional cumbia an infusion of irresistible sex appeal. The track shot to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart, the first chart topper for both artists and a testament to its multi-genre appeal. — LEILA COBO

“313” by Residente emerges from a deeply personal and mysterious experience, triggered by the recurring appearance of that number following the death of his friend and close collaborator, Valentina Gasparini. As an orchestral tribute to the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of living in the moment, Residente created this song, which features Silvia Pérez Cruz and Penélope Cruz. “313” serves as a cornerstone for his second solo album, Las Letras Ya No Importan (or Lyrics No Longer Matter), marking his return to music, six years after his post-Calle 13 debut project. The track encapsulates Residente’s introspective journey through mourning and reflection, urging listeners to find meaning in their own lives. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Part of his surprise EP venequia., dedicated to his native Venezuela and narrated from the perspective of an emigrant, Danny Ocean’s “por la pequeña Venecia” is an emotional letter to the regime of the South American country, released just days before the disputed July presidential elections. In a premonitory way, Danny sings with resignation that he is willing to exchange justice for peace: “Just leave now, please/ Let’s not fight anymore, please… Let’s feign madness for the little Venice.” With a title that uses the meaning of the name Venezuela (little Venice), it is a song full of pathos that resonated with Venezuelans seeking and hoping for a change of government. – S.R.A.

Colombian newcomer Venesti teamed up with Nacho and Maffio for his breakthrough hit “No Es Normal.” Produced by the lattermost, the cheerful merengue-pop is powered by lyrics about a love that’s real and pure — one that’s not seen so often these times. “It’s not normal what I feel for you/ I swear I’ve never felt this way/ You’re my other half/ The ideal person,” they sing. The song reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart in March and won Latin Pop Song of the Year at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards. — J.R.

The story of “Kassandra,” a beautiful, successful and unhappy nepo baby, is the center of this single that marks the forceful return of Quevedo, the Spanish singer with a deep voice. Despite its hint of nostalgia, this uptempo dance song is a club anthem that immediately invites you to dance, like at the height of the ’90s. With its lush synths and four-by-four beat, it’s that dance song with a story that you didn’t know you needed. — L.C.

Belinda’s corridos era kicked off with the heartfelt “300 Noches” featuring corridos tumbados pioneer Natanael Cano. The track is striking both lyrically and sonically: It starts off with a soft piano tune and Belinda’s evocative delivery, setting the tone for this truly heartbreaking song. “I waited so long for you to realize you had left me behind/ What do I do now to forget?” Belinda sings evocatively. Doesn’t take long for Cano to join Belinda, as he sings with sorrow about not being able to move on from a broken relationship. — G.F.

There’s a nuance to Bad Bunny’s music, and that’s what makes him so hard to predict. In the poignant “Una Velita,” his first release of the year (from September), Bad Bunny was brutally honest about how Puerto Rico’s infrastructure, particularly its continued blackouts due to a weakened power grid, has yet to recover from the catastrophic Hurricane Maria, which resulted in thousands of deaths. “There were five thousand that they let die, and we will never forget that,” Bad Bunny sings over a riveting folkloric beat that grows with intensity. — G.F.

It is impossible to keep still while listening to Rawayana and Akapellah’s “Veneka,” which celebrates the beauty and strength of the Venezuelan woman while giving a positive tone to a term that was previously considered derogatory. The viral hit is an empowering anthem that also references various cities in the South American country and iconic elements of the culture, evoking a sense of nostalgia. It includes a special participation of Waldemaro Martínez, an emblematic radio host and a distinctive voice of Venezuelan parties and minitecas, followed by fast-tempo electronic sounds fused with house music beats. Is one of those songs that becomes an instant party classic. — S.R.A.

Neton Vega quickly became an artist to watch in regional Mexican, which landed him a collaboration with Peso Pluma. “La Patrulla,” part of Peso’s Éxodo, is a laid-back, head-bobbing corrido that incorporates prickly guitars and wailing trombones as the pair sing about enjoying the fruits of labor. The track peaked at No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100, Peso’s highest entry on that chart this year. — G.F.

Among the songs on his new album Rayo, one of Balvin’s favorites is this collaboration with his colleague, friend and fellow Colombian Feid. The camaraderie is evident in the exchange of lines between two friends who are preparing to go partying, with a distorted perreo rhythm in the background. It’s definitely not new subject matter, but listening to Balvin and Feid exchange lines is always entertaining, and the innovative production keeps us hooked. — L.C.

In “Hecha Pa’ Mi” (made for me), Grupo Frontera keeps true to its characteristic Tex-Mex, norteño sound. Lyrically, the group continues its feel-good streak, delivering a song about sweet puppy love. “I want to thank your mom and dad/ For giving life to the love of my life/ I’m obviously talking about you/ the one who makes me happy,” kicks off the tune — a verse that also went viral on social media. “Hecha Pa’ Mi” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Regional Mexican Airplay chart in October, and followed star-studded collabs with Shakira and Romeo Santos. — J.R.

Fuerza Regida delivers a hard-hitting anthem of liberation with “Tu Name,” perfect for anyone eager to forget a former flame. Frontman JOP pours heart and soul into the lyrics, as he narrates overcoming past heartaches through exhilarating nights and fresh encounters. Driven by a compelling corridos rhythm, the track radiates energy and portrays a journey of defiance and freedom — obliterating memories of an ex in a whirl of spontaneous romances. As the chorus repeats (“Party, party/ La shorty dice, ‘Daddy, daddy’/ No te conozco, mami, mami/ Se me olvidó tu name”), the message is clear – lose the past in the haze of the party. The hit made significant strides on the charts, reaching No. 66 on the Hot 100 and climbing to No. 2 on Hot Latin Songs. It’s a hooky, clever track that encapsulates the group’s success. — I.R.

This song emerges as a deeply emotional testament to heartbreak, resonating with the soulful strains of blues, intertwined with the storytelling essence of country music. It serves as a sincere and humble plea for forgiveness, reflecting Carín’s regret for having caused pain through misunderstandings of love. As the words flow, there’s a touching desire for a final goodbye — an opportunity to find closure for a relationship that could not fully bloom. Carín’s voice, rich with emotion and layered with comforting hoarseness, is elevated by the stirring harmonies of a gospel choir, adding an extra layer of depth and resonance to the heartfelt message being conveyed. — I.F.

Rauw Alejandro mastered “Tú Con Él,” making one of the most timeless salsa songs his own. While the classic arrangements are nearly intact, it’s Rauw’s delicate and ethereal vocals that soar as he sings about seeing his ex with another man. An homage to his Puerto Rican roots, the legendary Frankie Ruiz and the sensual salsaof the late ’70s and early ’80s, “Tú Con Él” feels familiar but new at the same time. Hands down one of the best covers in recent memory. — G.F.

Named after the constellation that’s visible in the winter sky, “Orion” is an infectious reggaetón and afrobeat fusion powered by Boza’s profound vocals and Elena Rose’s dulcet range. “You have me on cloud nine/ I haven’t landed yet,” chants the Panamanian artist. “I also want to have you/ Just give me a chance to assimilate,” the Venezuelan singer responds. The feel-good, modern-day love song is about two people who like each other but are guarding their hearts and prioritizing self-care, and it peaked at No. 2 on Latin Pop Airplay in October, scoring both artists their first top 10 on the chart. — J.R.

Inspired by Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, the haunting sierreño ballad “Tu Boda” has taken the web by storm, and the Billboard charts, soaring to the top of Hot Latin Songs for seven consecutive weeks (chart dating Dec. 14) and peaking at No. 31 on the Hot 100. This eerie and enchanting collaboration between Óscar Maydon and Jesús “JOP” Ortiz Paz of Fuerza Regida, penned by Alexis “El Chachito” Armando Fierro, emerged from a moment of creative clarity. The song’s chilling melodies and narrative about a love tragically lost engage audiences deeply, demonstrating a profound synergy in their musical team-up and an ability to resonate across diverse listener demographics with its intense storytelling. — I.R.

Xavi’s “La Diabla” became the first Hot Latin Songs No. 1 of 2024, where it topped the chart for an impressive 14 consecutive weeks. Singing about a girl who’s devious but beautiful — and a boy who’s just as bad — the song melds the raw spirit of corridos tumbados with tender romanticism, driven by Xavi’s enchanting vocals and a spellbinding requinto riff. “I’m the bad influence and you like that/ You’re a bad girl, I can tell, my love/ You’re a devil, look how you dance/ From one to 10, I give you a million,” he howls in the chorus. — J.R.

Drenched in disco-tinged ambiance, “Igual Que Un Ángel” supremely showcases the interplay between Kali Uchis’ silky vocals and Peso Pluma’s nasally tones. The track blends pop and R&B into a narrative about an elusive angel, pushing both artists beyond their typical musical boundaries. As Uchis’ smooth delivery melds with Peso’s raw edge, they forge a harmonious duet that resonated widely, with the song topping Hot Latin Songs earlier this year. Not only does this collab underscore the duo’s vocal prowess, but it highlights the Colombian-American’s talent for crafting hits that channel the pure essence of sensuality. — I.R.

La Bichota dominated the summer with her hit single, which dropped just a day before the official start of the season. Karol G delivered this catchy merengue, which has impressively topped the Latin Airplay chart for a stunning 21 weeks. Karol became the first artist since 2014 to dominate the Hot Latin Songs, Latin Airplay and Tropical Airplay charts simultaneously, also racking up 22 total weeks at No. 1 on the latter. The song features playful lyrics that explore the theme of what might have happened, as suggested by its title, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” (or If I Had Met You Before). — I.F.