Best Latin albums of 2024, including Shakira, Peso Pluma and Becky G
The soundtrack of 2024 turned us into swaggering cowgirls, tortured poets and rave-ready brats. But there were plenty of éxitos that kept listeners moving, too.
The world of Latin music churned out a steady stream of repeat-worthy albums this year, which saw releases from established stars Shakira and Reik to rising stars Young Miko and Grupo Frontera. Whether you were fist-bumping to "BZRP Music Sessions #53" or crooning away your heartache to "Por Qué Será," there was no shortage of raw emotion and infectious anthems.
Latin artists also made their way into the history books. In 2024, 13 Latin songs amassed 1 billion streams each on streaming giant Spotify, including the Daddy Yankee classic "Gasolina" and Karol G and Peso Pluma's sultry reggaeton banger "QLONA."
To celebrate all la música, here are Paste BN's picks for the top 12 Latin albums of 2024, in no particular order.
Kali Uchis, 'Orquídeas'
Grammy-winning powerhouse Kali Uchis trades in her mellow neo-soul sound for icy grooves and frenetic abandon. The album, Uchis' follow-up to her Spanish-language debut, "Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)," pulses with the same ethereal sensuality that made "Telepatía" a hypnotic crossover hit.
Despite the higher BPM, the Colombian American singer's jazzy soprano glides over the hip-swiveling beats, offering a soulful danceability that can be taken straight to the club or on a late-night drive. − Edward Segarra
Standout tracks: "Igual que un Ángel" featuring Peso Pluma, "Muñekita" featuring El Alfa and JT, and "Labios Mordidos" featuring Karol G.
Shakira, 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran'
Forget about the revenge dress. Shakira delivers an entire runway of romantic angst on "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran," her 12th studio effort and first release since her high-profile breakup with longtime boyfriend Gerard Piqué.
Shakira takes fans on a cathartic journey traversing anger, sorrow and unbridled lust. The Colombian superstar's confessional lyrics are buoyed by an eclectic soundscape of EDM, reggaeton, bachata and regional Mexican styles. The She Wolf's howl is as piercing as ever. − Segarra
Standout tracks: "Puntería" featuring Cardi B, "Monotonía" featuring Ozuna, and "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" featuring Bizarrap.
Young Miko, 'Att.'
Following the release of her debut EP "Trap Kitty" and breakout Feid duet "Classy 101," Young Miko channels her hip-hop charisma for a proper introduction on her first album, "Att." The Puerto Rican emcee's breezy flow and buttery vocals help her land clever punchlines and knockout songs.
Dynamic collaborations with Jowell & Randy, Elena Rose, Villano Antillano and other stars add texture to Miko's raps. And with unapologetic odes to queer romance peppered throughout her lyrics, Young Miko is the refreshing voice Latin music needs. − Segarra
Standout tracks: "Wiggy," "Princess Peach" and "Curita."
Grupo Frontera, 'Jugando a Que No Pasa Nada'
Grupo Frontera has cemented their place as one of the rising voices in Mexican music with the 12-track "Jugando a Que No Pasa Nada." The sextet stays true to their cumbia, tejano and norteño roots but also prove they can easily make a country, pop, reggaeton-esque or R&B hit.
Fronted by crooner Adelaido "Payo" Solís and with the help of Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Edgar Barrera, Grupo Frontera delivers a short but sweet sophomore album that delves into themes of heartache, yearning and partying the pain away as sung in the opening track "F*CKIN AMOR." − Pamela Avila
Standout tracks: "POR QUÉ SERÁ" featuring Maluma, "QUÉDATE BEBÉ" and "ME HIZO UN FAVOR"
Reik, 'Panorama'
Sometimes you just need a good 'ol ballad to belt out, and Reik's "Panorama" is here to deliver. The Mexican group − made up of Jesús Alberto Navarro Rosas, Julio Ramírez Eguía and Gilberto Marín Espinoza − is back to their pop roots and sounding better than ever, with psychedelic and infectious disco-inflected tracks.
With groovy, electro-pop sounds reminiscent of Harry Styles' "Harry's House," Reik's first studio album since 2019's "Ahora," proves it is best listened to windows down, cruising down the coast. − Avila
Standout tracks: "No Molestar," "Abril" and "Vámonos a Mi Casa" featuring LAGOS.
Nathy Peluso, 'Grasa'
Nathy Peluso is a fearless chameleon on her sophomore offering "Grasa." The Grammy-nominated singer and rapper serves up more of the genre-bending alternative pop that made her debut album, "Calambre," a fiery revelation in 2020.
Singing over gruff hip-hop beats and ethereal minimalist ballads, the Argentine singer weaves a provocative tale of self-discovery with diaristic lyrics that excavate self-acceptance, intense romance and emotional maturity. This bewitching fusion of introspection and avant-garde musicality solidifies Peluso's status as one of Latin music's brightest trailblazers. − Segarra
Standout tracks: "La Presa," "El Día Que Perdí Mi Juventud" featuring Blood Orange and "Aprender a Amar."
The Marías, 'Submarine'
The Marías blessed us with an ethereal, hypnotic album meant to be devoured and emotionally dissected. With their second studio album, "Submarine," the Los Angeles-based band returned to their psychedelic indie rock genesis, but it has also catapulted them into global territory.
From a Coachella 2025 gig to a sold-out arena tour with Billie Eilish, 2024 has been transformative for the band. In fact, change was the thesis for "Submarine" as the 14-track bilingual album traverses loneliness, isolation, freedom and healing. "Submarine" will have you defiantly singing along to an ex with "Run Your Mouth," then back in the throes of post-breakup loneliness with "Lejos de Ti" and rip it out once more with the introspective, melancholy "No One Noticed." − Avila
Standout tracks: "Run Your Mouth," "Lejos de Ti" and "No One Noticed."
Peso Pluma, 'Éxodo'
Peso Pluma is aware of his global star power, even likening himself to Bruce Wayne, the wealthy American playboy who is Batman's alias. "Me siento Bruce Wayne porque en el Lambo' ya me han visto, en las noches como un vampiro," he croons.
For his fourth studio album, the 25-year-old flexed just how many collaborations he could squeeze into the 24-song tracklist. Pluma tries his hand at rap and hip-hop with cameos from Cardi B, Quavo, Rich the Kid and DJ Snake. But he's at his best belting corridos tumbados with his Mexican music contemporaries Natanael Cano, Gabito Ballesteros, Tito Doble P and Junior H. − Avila
Standout tracks: "LA DURANGO," "VINO TINTO" and "BRUCE WAYNE."
Ivan Cornejo, 'Mirada'
Ivan Cornejo is only 20 years old, but with the way he hauntingly sings of heartbreak, you'd think he has lived a thousand lifetimes. With "Sale Para Ser Feliz," the Mexican American crooner begins his third studio album, "Mirada," singing of a lost love and the pitfalls of a life without the one.
Cornejo pulls his weight all on his own with no collaborations or features, showcasing his growth as an artist. Sticking to his signature sierreño sad boy vibe, Cornejo blends música Mexicana, corridos and alternative rock, taking us on an introspective journey of the highs and lows of amor. − Avila
Standout tracks: "Intercambio Injusto," "Dónde Estás" and "Aquí Te Espero."
Becky G, 'Encuentros'
Rooted in the warmth of family ties and cultural pride, Becky G rediscovers herself on "Encuentros," an album that serves as a sequel to her regional Mexican debut "Esquinas." The project, inspired by Becky's Mexican roots and the death of her grandfather Miguel, bursts with emotive lyrics that earnestly capture the euphoria and agony of all-consuming love.
Becky's cutting lyricism is bolstered by a soulful sound that ranges from angsty corridos tumbados and aching balladry to experimental fusions and sprightly cumbia-pop. "Encuentros" is a riveting reminder that Becky G is at her best when she sings from her corazón. − Segarra
Standout tracks: "Como Diablos," "Otro Capítulo" and "Ultima Vez."
Rauw Alejandro, 'Cosa Nuestra'
Alejandro's "Cosa Nuestra" is the Puerto Rican superstar's first project after his breakup with Spanish singer Rosalía, and while themes of heartbreak are present, the project feels more like a celebration and homage to the sensual, sultry sounds of salsa romántica of 1970s New York. Putting the perreo on the back burner − not to be confused with his undeniable sex appeal − Alejandro proves his ability to shape-shift and tap into new territory seamlessly. − Avila
Standout tracks: "Qué Pasaría…" featuring Bad Bunny, "Tú Con Él" and "Ni Me Conozco."
Manuel Turizo, '201'
Manuel Turizo brings heart to the party on "201," a warm and dance-friendly album that draws inspiration from the childhood festivities of Turizo's native Colombia. While the 12-track LP ricochets between the infectious rhythms of various Latin genres, from bachata and mambo to reggaeton and salsa, Turizo's smooth baritone and romantic lyrics tie the songs together for a collection that's as energizing as it is feel-good.
The Latin Grammy-nominated singer's charismatic guest list, which includes collaborations with Yandel, Grupo Frontera and Elder Dayán Diaz, strengthens the album's communal feel. If Turizo is hosting, rest assured the vibes will be great. − Segarra
Standout tracks: "Qué Pecao" featuring Kapo, "Sígueme Besando Así" and "La Ex de mi Amigo" featuring Elder Dayán Diaz.
This story was updated to add a photo.