With 2022 coming to a close, it’s always a great time to reflect on what the year has brought us. Music is one of the most rewarding and fun subjects for this journey of reflection. After all, there’s a reason why traditions like Spotify Wrapped have become so wildly popular. Join me on a survey of 10 Latino albums from 2022 that you’ll want to listen to if you haven’t.
1. Un Verano Sin Ti
Bad Bunny
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without Bad Bunny’s hit album, “Un Verano Sin Ti.” With award-winning and chart-topping songs like “Titi Me Pregunto,” this Urbano, reggaeton album is certainly a must-listen. And speaking of Spotify Wrapped, Bad Bunny was listed as the #1 most listened to artist of 2022 on Spotify’s global statistics. He’s #1 for a reason, and beginning with “Un Verano Sin Ti” is a great place to start if you haven’t already explored Bad Bunny’s music.
2. Fórmula, Vol. 3
Romeo Santos
I previously wrote an article on Romeo Santos, King of Bachata. I talked about his newest album then, and want to highlight it again here as one of the must-listen 2022 Latino albums. Receiving positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, this bachata album is full of beautiful, romance-centric songs that are a very different listening experience from “Un Verano Sin Ti.”
3. Motomami
Rosalía
The 2022 Latin Grammys Album of the Year, Motomami is another must-listen. If you haven’t already listened to Spanish singer Rosalía, her newest album is the perfect place to start with its genre-fusing sound.
4. Dharma
Sebastián Yatra
Voted the Best Pop Vocal Album in the 2022 Latin Grammys, Sebastián Yatra’s “Dharma” is a lovely, diverging listen from the three albums listed so far. Colombian singer Yatra captivates with his newest album, a Latin pop masterpiece with great collabs and romantic, catchy sounds. Despite being considered Latin pop, Yatra also doesn’t hesitate to explore other music genres in this album. For example, my personal favorite song, “Pareja Del Año,” has a reggaeton inspired beat.
5. Aguilera
Christina Aguilera
Along the same musical lines, Christina Aguilera’s critically acclaimed album, “Aguilera,” is another must-listen Latin pop album. Winning the 2022 Latin Grammys Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album title, Aguilera’s newest collection is a generally upbeat vibe filled with collabs and powerful vocals.
6. Unas Vacaciones Raras
Él Mató A Un Policía Motorizado
If you’re looking for a rock vibe that these other albums don’t really have, check out “Unas Vacaciones Raras” by Él Mató A Un Policía Motorizado. This album won Best Rock Album at the 2022 Latin Grammys. Él Mató A Un Policía Motorizado is an “indie rock band” of five members “from La Plata, Argentina.”
7. Esquemas
Becky G
This list wouldn’t be complete without Mexican-American singer Becky G and her newest album, “Esquemas.” With chart-topping hits like “MAMIII,” this album fuses “disco-pop and reggaeton for a unique blend of sounds that’s entirely Becky G.”
8. Obsessed
Yahritza y Su Esencia
Latinitas writer Jenny Castro has previously highlighted Yahritza y Su Esencia in her article, “5 Latino Artists On The From Seattle.” As Jenny explains, this band is composed of Yahritza Martinez and her two brothers, Jairo and Armando. This Mexican-American trio based in Washington has broken musical records with their sierreño-genre album, “Obsessed.” At the age of 15, Yahritza is the “youngest Latino artist to chart on Billboard’s Hot 100” with the hit song “Soy El Unico.”
9. Pa’lla Voy
Marc Anthony
For a long time now, Marc Anthony has been making hits and waves in the tropical salsa music genre. Sure enough, Anthony’s newest album, “Pa’lla Voy,” won Best Salsa Album in the 2022 Latin Grammys. “Pa’lla Voy.” is a collection of songs filled with energizing instrumentals and Anthony’s signature powerful voice. The titular song, “Pa’lla Voy,” is my personal favorite from the album. Also check out “Mala,” which was voted 2022 Latin Grammys Best Tropical Song.
10. Tinta y Tiempo
Jorge Drexler
Last but not least, we have the album that won Best Singer-Songwriter Album in the 2022 Latin Grammys. Uruguayan musician Drexler has created a collection of songs with “Tinta y Tiempo” that has soft vocals and sensual vibes. A great example of this style is the hit of the album, “Tocarte.” It’s my favorite song on the album and it’s also the song that won Record Of The Year in the 2022 Latin Grammys.
Sources:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr8K88UcO0s
Latinitas Magazine: https://latinitasmagazine.org/the-legacy-of-romeo-santos-king-of-bachata/
Billboard: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/romeo-santos-formula-vol-3-best-new-music-1235134795/
Grammy Awards: https://www.grammy.com/news/2022-latin-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-nominations-list-las-vegas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosalia.vt/?hl=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebastianyatra/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elmatoaunpoliciamotorizado/
NPR: https://livesessions.npr.org/artists/el-mato-a-un-policia-motorizado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeckyg/?hl=en
Variety: https://variety.com/2022/music/news/becky-g-new-album-esquemas-1235265801/
Latinitas Magazine: https://latinitasmagazine.org/5-latino-artists-on-the-rise-from-seattle/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/39CdVx9DN5FtCzIyqkrzAq
Marc Anthony: https://www.marcanthonyonline.com/en/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/463Gp4DWFkicvZ3DCfgj0S
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjqMFOcRpuI
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drexlerjorge/?hl=en
