Playboi Carti lands his first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, as his Christmas Day release Whole Lotta Red debuts atop the tally. The rapper’s second studio album starts with 100,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending Dec. 31, 2020, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.
Meanwhile, Lil Durk’s The Voice jumps 46-3 following its first full tracking week, after its debut a week ago from just one day of activity, as the set dropped on Dec. 24 (the final day of the previous tracking week). It matches his previous chart high, achieved with Just Cause Y’all Waited 2, released earlier in 2020.
The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units. Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album. The new Jan. 9, 2021-dated chart (where Whole Lotta Red bows at to No. 1) will be posted in full on Billboard’s website on Jan. 5. For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram.
Of Whole Lotta Red’s 100,000 equivalent album units earned in the tracking week ending Dec. 31, SEA units comprise 90,000 (equaling 126.43 million on-demand streams of the album’s songs), album sales comprise 10,000 and TEA units comprise a negligible number.
Whole Lotta Red, which was first announced in 2018, boasts 24 tracks and guest stars Future, Kid Cudi and Kanye West (who also executive-produced the set). The album is Playboi Carti’s second studio effort, following 2018’s Die Lit, which debuted and peaked at No. 3. So far, it has earned 1.1 million equivalent album units and net 1.67 billion on-demand streams for its tracks.
All told, Whole Lotta Red is the 24-year-old’s third charting set, as he also notched a self-titled mixtape in 2017, which reached No. 12. Earlier in 2020, Playboi Carti logged his first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, as the featured artist on Drake’s “Pain 1993,” which topped out at No. 7 in May. The cut also hit No. 4 on Hot Rap Songs and No. 6 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
After two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Taylor Swift’s Evermore falls to No. 2 with 71,000 equivalent album units earned (down 58%).
Lil Durk’s The Voice surges from No. 46 to No. 3 with 66,000 equivalent album units earned (up 191%) following its first full tracking week. It debuted on the chart a week ago with 23,000 units from just one day of activity, as it was released on Dec. 24, the final day of the previous tracking frame. The Voice is the rapper’s third top 10 effort and equals his chart high, achieved with his previous studio set, Just Cause Y’all Waited 2. It peaked at No. 2 on the July 1, 2020-dated chart following its deluxe reissue with seven bonus tracks.
Pop Smoke’s former leader Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon climbs 11-4 with 46,000 equivalent album units earned (down 3%), after spending its first week outside the top 10 since its debut at No. 1 on the July 18, 2020-dated chart. It’s one of a number of albums that bounce back to the top 10 – even with a decline in units – now that Christmas albums have departed the region completely. A week ago, a record-tying six holiday sets dotted the top 10.
Ariana Grande’s former No. 1 Positions steps 14-5 with 38,000 equivalent album units earned (down 13%), Swift’s previous leader Folklore rises 8-6 with 35,000 units (down 33%) and Megan Thee Stallion’s Good News vaults 17-7 with 34,000 units (down 9%).
A trio of former No. 1s closes out the top 10: Luke Combs’ What You See Is What You Get climbs 19-8 with nearly 34,000 units (down 5%), Bad Bunny’s El Ultimo Tour del Mundo rises 16-9 with almost 34,000 units (down 12%) and Eminem’s Music to Be Murdered By falls 3-10 with 33,000 units (down 65%).
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2021-01-04 03:05:572021-01-04 03:05:57Playboi Carti Lands First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With ‘Whole Lotta Red’
Playboi Carti’s Whole Lotta Red album tops the Billboard 200 this week, making it the rapper’s first album to land at No. 1 on the chart — and he seems to be celebrating the good news.
“!!!!! wTF. wE r # 1,” he tweeted on Sunday (Jan. 3), shortly after the Billboard 200 update was posted.
He then showed some appreciation for those who have supported the album: “mY fANs,” he wrote.
Whole Lotta Red, Playboi Carti’s second studio album, started with 100,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending Dec. 31, 2020, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. It follows 2018’s Die Lit, which debuted and peaked at No. 3 on the chart.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2021-01-04 03:05:572021-01-04 03:05:57Playboi Carti Reacts to His First No. 1 Album on the Billboard 200: ‘!!!!!’
New year, new livestreams! Though musicians are easing back into the action now that the holidays are over and we’re officially in the first week of 2021, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any good livestreams and virtual shows to check out from the comfort of your couch and new jammies.
In fact, there are two big celebrations of late music icon David Bowie, who would’ve celebrated his 74th birthday on Jan. 8. The first is a concert that features some of Bowie’s celebrated collaborators, including Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor, Peter Frampton, Duran Duran, Michael C. Hall and many more. And speaking of the former Dexter star, Hall’s London stage performance in Lazarus as Bowie’s Newton from The Man Who Fell to Earth streams also on the legendary artist’s birthday, and through the weekend.
Here are some of the most notable music streaming events for the week of Jan. 4-10. We’ll update this list as more shows are announced.
Jan. 4: Jeff Tweedy’s “The Tweedy” show continues on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on Instagram.
Jan. 5: The Drive-By Truckers, Kate Pierson of the B-52s, and more are participating in the #IVoted Festival Georgia to celebrate voting to mark the state’s senate run-off election. The event begins at 1 p.m. ET; RSVP here.
Jan. 8: Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, Billie Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins, Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction and many more musicians are participating in A Bowie Celebration: Just for One Day, to remember the iconic artist, who would’ve celebrated his 74th birthday on this date. The three-hour concert begins at 9 p.m. ET; tickets start at $25.
Jan. 8-10: The London production of Lazarus, which was captured live on stage and starred Michael C. Hall, will stream in celebration of David Bowie’s birthday. The show features music from Bowie’s catalog, and is available to stream in multiple time zones. Tickets start at $21.50.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2021-01-04 03:05:562021-01-04 03:05:56Here Are All the Livestreams & Virtual Concerts to Watch: Week of January 4
Paul McCartney has paid tribute to his old friend Gerry Marsden, who died at 78 after an illness related to a heart infection.
McCartney had a personal connection to the Gerry and the Pacemakers frontman, from the band’s beginnings in Liverpool alongside the Beatles.
“Gerry was a mate from our early days in Liverpool. He and his group were our biggest rivals on the local scene. His unforgettable performances of You’ll Never Walk Alone and Ferry Cross the Mersey remain in many people’s hearts as reminders of a joyful time in British music,” McCartney wrote in a heartfelt post on Twitter about the “You’ll Never Walk Alone” singer Sunday evening (Jan. 3).
“My sympathies go to his wife Pauline and family,” he said. “See ya, Gerry. I’ll always remember you with a smile.”
McCartney shared the above photo of the Beatles posing with Gerry and the Pacemakers and Roy Orbison, circa 1963.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2021-01-04 03:05:562021-01-04 03:05:56Paul McCartney Reacts to Gerry Marsden’s Death: ‘I’ll Always Remember You With a Smile’
The end of 2020 brought Plastic Hearts, and Miley Cyrus is already having a vision of what’s to come in 2021.
“Predicting a 2021 full of safe sex & effloresce (AND more f—ing MUSIC),” Cyrus wrote Sunday (Jan. 3) on Instagram, where she shared a photo of herself looking glam at the storefront of a Toluca Lake psychic.
The psychic shared Cyrus’ snapshot, plus an outtake, on her own Instagram, posting her services for an “eye opening reading.”
Cyrus, who just released a whole album full of new tunes on Nov. 27, celebrated New Year’s Eve with performances of a fresh “Party in the U.S.A.” and “Midnight Sky” (mashed up with Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen”) for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2021 on ABC.
See her latest photo and her prediction for 2021 on Instagram.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2021-01-04 03:05:552021-01-04 03:05:55Miley Cyrus Looks Forward to ‘More F—ing Music’ in 2021
To get into character for his new “Anyone” music video, in which he plays a champion boxer from another era, Justin Bieber had to conceal his real-life tattoos.
On Friday (Jan. 1), the singer gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at that process: a time-lapse video of himself sitting down in only his underwear as the pros worked their magic to cover up Bieber’s ink for the shoot.
“No tats for the #AnyoneVideo,” Bieber captioned the clip.
“Anyone” debuted on New Year’s Eve, and the Colin Tilley-directed music video for Bieber’s latest single dropped at midnight.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2021-01-03 03:06:572021-01-03 03:06:57Justin Bieber, Wearing Just Underwear, Gets His Tattoos Covered for ‘Anyone’ Video
Booker T is the subject of a Bad Bunny song, and now he’s starring in a music video for it.
“Booker T,” from the chart-topping El Último Tour Del Mundo album, has Bad Bunny saying he’s at the top of his game, akin to the wrestling legend Booker T.
In his new video, it’s not just a reference. He raps around Booker T himself, who steadily keeps his composure until finally giving in to a bit of dancing — and, of course, yelling out his signature phrase, “Can you dig it, sucka?”
“ESTOY EN MI PEAK,” Booker T wrote as he quoted the song on Saturday (Jan. 2) on Twitter, where he proudly shared the new clip multiple times.
“EMPEZÓ EL 2021,” Bad Bunny tweeted with his video announcement.
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Champagne, a bubble bath and wearing nothing but a cowgirl hat: what a girl wants in 2021.
Christina Aguilera kicked off the new year by kicking back and relaxing in the tub, and she shared a video of herself doing just that on social media Friday (Jan. 1).
The singer, who celebrated her 40th birthday right before Christmas, captioned the clip with the clinking glasses emoji, offering a virtual cheers to her fans.
Aguilera also shared a “new year, this energy” slideshow on Instagram, which featured a glimpse at a photo shoot and some birthday snapshots. As the pop star says: “I’m not turning 40. I’m arriving at 40!”
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2021-01-03 03:06:572021-01-03 03:06:57Christina Aguilera Rings in the New Year From the Bathtub
With lyrics ranging from soothing to motivating, artists including Bad Bunny, Erika Ender, Farruko, Raquel Sofia, and Alejandro Sanz released quarantine-inspired songs to help them cope with self-isolation during the global pandemic in 2020.
Ender’s melancholic “Back to Basics” sings of screens replacing real and physical love, while Farruko is wishing he could go back in time and enjoy the moments he once took for granted and Bad Bunny gets real with “En Casita (At Home),” featuring his girlfriend Gabriela, singing about how he’s coping with quarantine.
Here are the Latin songs that have been inspired by the coronavirus global crisis (so far).
Alex Ubago, “Dame Tu Aire” (Home Session 2020)
Just 16 years after his heartfelt hit “Dame Tu Aire,” Spanish singer-songwriter Alex Ubago drops a revamped version dubbing it the “home session 2020.” The new edition of “Dame Tu Aire,” which originally appeared on Ubago’s 2004 album Fantasia o Realidad, was recorded in the midst of the global health crisis with his bandmates Emiliano Giménez, Charlie Giardina, Ariel Colla, and Leonel Duck, recording from their home studios.
“The song was recorded in September 2020 at a distance with the musicians that have accompanied me for years on my South America tour,” Ubago elaborates. Watch the video below. — J.R.
Diego Torres, Macaco, Jorge Villamizar, “Amanece” ft. Catalina García
Offering a beacon of light, Diego Torres’ recruits Macaco, Jorge Villamizar and Catalina García for the empowering anthem “Amanece.” The upbeat pop song finds Torres as anchor of a newscast who brings in some breaking news: the sun will rise. With the help of reporters in Bogotá (García), Barcelona (Macaco) and Colombia (Villamizar), the news team asks viewers to have hope and lean on each other during these trying times.
“At this moment, life is giving us an opportunity to check on ourselves,” Torres said about the song. “To see where we were coming from, where we’re standing and where we want to go.” – G.F.
PJ Sin Suela, “Mirame”
PJ Sin Suela’s “Mirame” is a Latin hip-hopp song that sends a message of hope and love during these trying times. In its optimistic lyrics, the Puerto Rican artist sings about missing his loved ones during the quarantine and social distancing and assures that once everything is over they will reunite. “It’s time to be more united than ever,” he expressed on social media. “Make this song yours, send it to a friend or family member that you’re missing,” he noted.
In the heartfelt music video, PJ shows scenes with his grandmother and his life before COVID. “This song represents the world to me. This is the last time my grandmother and her mother were seen in a video together and a summary of my last years as a musician.” – G.F.
Anthony Ramos, “Stop”
On Aug. 14, actor and singer Anthony Ramos released his new upbeat single “Stop,” along with a music video, reminding people to stop, breathe and live for the moment. “Stop came from my inability to do just that,” Ramos said about the track. “It’s a song about stopping, breathing, being present in whatever moment you’re in and finding the beauty in it.”
Directed by Blythe Thomas, the clip follows Brooklyn artist and stylist Anthony Payne who, after losing his job at a hair salon in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he grabbed his scissors and comb and started cutting hair outdoors, all while supporting Black Lives Matter. The video intercuts footage of Ramos canvasing the streets, getting a haircut, and delivering a subtle message: “VOTE.” – G.F.
Reik, “Lo Mejor Ya Va A Venir”
Sending a message of hope, faith, and love during these trying times, Reik drop their new single “Lo Mejor Ya Va Venir.” Translated to “the best is yet to come,” the Mexican trio dedicates heartfelt lyrics to the frontline heroes and victims during the current health crisis. “Remember that there’s love here and that the sun comes after the storm / remember that a heart gets stronger and doesn’t die of pain,” part of the chorus says.
“Lo Mejor Ya Va A Venir” is the sequel to their recently released single “Pero Te Conoci,” marking the second episode of their upcoming EP, 20-21. The music video, directed by Fernando Lugo, is a continuation to the romantic story found in “Pero Te Conoci.” Watch it below. – J.R.
Beatriz Luengo ft. Alejandro Sanz, “Ojos de Mandela”
Forming part of her 2018 album Cuerpo y Alma, Beatriz Luengo officially dropped the music video for “Ojos de Mandela, in collaboration with Alejandro Sanz. Originally based on a reflection that the Spanish songstress made about a phrase from the novel The Little Prince, “Ojos de Mandela” resurfaces two years later to bring a message of hope and faith amid the global pandemic.
“There was a time, a while back when my mother was sick and I felt just that kind of despair,” Luengo said in an official statement. “I was invoking God, but I learned that for me, faith was right before my eyes, in my mother’s smile, in the gestures of her medical team, and the positive vibes they gave to my family. That’s the faith that I’m singing to today. That’s what the song is about and I focus on Nelson Mandela, who said: ‘I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.’”
Bringing this magical poetry to life, director Asiel presents a somber yet powerful music video. “Beatriz filled me in on her causes and struggles of the past year and wanted to turn them into imagery for the video – FGM, racism, pandemic…and Madrid!,” he added. “‘Please Asiel,’ she told me, ‘I need to see my Madrid, my country specifically. It will be my tribute to the victims and the pain of the people close to me.’” – J.R.
Rio Roma, “Gracias un Millon”
With their powerhouse vocals, Rio Roma dropped “Gracias Un Millon,” a feel-good pop song with inspirational lyrics that can be dedicated to our loved ones and frontline heroes during this pandemic. In their case, Rio Roma penned “Gracias Un Millon” in support of staffers in the music industry who have been affected by COVID-19, including sound engineers, musicians, and dancers, to name a few.
“The lockdown has made us sensitive,” José Luis Roma said in a statement. “At first, we were all scared and uncertain. We didn’t know what was going to happen. We were all going through different stages but then, after a few weeks, you begin to value things that are truly important and to be grateful for the things life gives you. This song comes at a time when we really miss singing and really miss our fans.”
Río Roma is donating 100 percent of song’s income to the Música México COVID-19 initiative driven by Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas (AMPROFON), Cultura UDG, the Feria Internacional de la Música para Profesionales (FIMPRO), and other companies and organizations. – J.R.
Gloria Trevi, “Demasiado Frágiles”
In the midst of the global pandemic, Gloria Trevi has found the inspiration for her new single “Demasiado Frágiles.” The heartfelt ballad, composed by Erika Ender and produced by Ettore Grenci in Los Angeles, sheds light on the emotions many people have during these trying times.
“We thought we were invincible by shooting missiles / But we are fragile, too fragile / We challenge the impossible and today the invisible beat us / Because we are fragile, too fragile,” Trevi chants powerfully. The accompanying music video was directed and produced by Trevi from her own home and edited by Nicotronick. Watch it below. – J.R.
Mitre & Ely Guerra, “Infinito”
The current health crisis has taken a heavy toll on people worldwide, including Mexican singer-songwriter Mitre, who during the quarantine period has evolved as an artist and personally. With the mission of bringing hope and faith to his followers, Mitre teamed up with Grammy-winning Mexican songstress Ely Guerra for “Infinito.”
“Although the world stops and everything changes places,” he sings, imagining such phenomenons as the sun turning into ice and the rain becoming salt, “I will stay with you until the end / I love you infinite.” The homemade music video, which is available on Mitre’s official Instagram account, shows Guerra and Mitre as well as our frontline heroes and people of all ages with their loved ones. – J.R.
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Carlos Rivera, “Ya Pasara”
Bringing some hope and light to these challenging times, Carlos Rivera teamed up with Save the Children for his moving song “Ya Pasara.” Co-written by Rivera and Jules Ramllano, “Ya Pasara” is a Latin pop ballad about resilience during the global pandemic and starting over, renewed, and stronger. “The storm will pass, it will bring calm and what hurts today will heal,” the Mexican crooner sings.
All money raised will be donated to support the girls and boys who are most vulnerable to this pandemic. “The greatest hope that we can have in a crisis is that sooner or later it will be over,” Rivera said in a statement. The official music video, which dropped June 25, shows heartfelt scenes from fans, patients, and frontline heroes around the world as they deal with the pandemic and adapt to the new reality. – J.R.
“Volver a Volarm” Multiple Fonovisa artists
Banda Carnaval, Banda La Ejecutiva, Banda Los Recoditos, Banda Los Sebastianes, Calibre 50, Enigma Norteño, José Manuel Figueroa, among others joined forces to record “Volver a Volar,” an anthem of faith giving fans a positive and powerful message. The song is all about wanting to be reunited again, to be able to hug each other and looking forward to a much brighter and optimistic future. – GRISELDA FLORES
Lila Downs, “El Silencio”
Inspired by the global pandemic, Lila Downs, accompanied by Paul Cohen, penned “El Silencio,” a folk alternative about being separated from your loved ones due to the quarantine and social distancing. “It’s a different kind of silence, one that lets us hear the bird calls. Mermaids go by and I lost your footsteps…today when I heard the loudspeakers of the municipal authorities I knew that a state of fear, of confinement, of depending on myself were coming…because you no longer were,” Downs sings on the heartfelt track. – JR
Joan 808, “Cuarentemita”
Rising artist Joan 808 presents “Cuarentemita,” a song that gives the current health crisis a playful twist. “I’m being followed by the Coronavirus,” he sings in the lyrics, putting in perspective how the invisible disease can be anywhere, from the supermarket to the bank. With a colorful and positive vibe, “Cuarentemita” is characterized by the 808 trap and pop synthesizers of the ’80s. Watch the animated music video below. – JR
Danna Paola, “Contigo”
Mexican singer Danna Paola recently dropped her quarantine-inspired track “Contigo” (With You), a pop-urban song perfect to dedicate to your crush during the coronavirus pandemic. “I don’t see the news anymore, no / I don’t count the time or days / You’re so far and I’m alone / It’s time to stay at home,” she kicks off the song, before expressing in the catchy chorus that she wants to be quarantined with her crush. The playful music video shows Danna singing and dancing the song in a backyard mixed with virtual scenes of her colleagues singing the song. Sebastian Yatra, Lali, Greeicy, and even the cast of Elite, to name a few, make a cameo in the clip. – JR
Bryanne, “Unidos”
Bryanne is a 13-year-old singer who’s putting into lyrics her heartfelt feelings about the global pandemic. In “Unidos,” the young talent sings particularly about the effects of COVID-19 in the United States. “Everything will soon end / there won’t be more cold nights / you’ll be able to enjoy a new opportunity that life gives us,” Bryanne assures in the chorus, bringing a sense of hope and positivity to kids her age. A homemade video shows Bryanne performing the song during a rainy day as other scenes show medical professionals in action. — JR
Siilva, “Comparte Una Sonrisa”
Hailing from Miami, Fla., Siilva hopes to bring a smile on people’s faces with his new single “Comparte una Sonrisa” (Share a smile). To a soothing reggae rhythm, the half Cuban, half Peruvian artist spotlights the importance of sharing a smile amid the current health crisis. “I am very excited to be able to share this beautiful project. I hope you like it and can give you a moment of joy in the midst of this crisis, “the rising artist said in a statement. The song is accompanied by a homemade video showing people of all ages, including frontline heroes with their face masks on (and a smiling face drawn on them). – JR
Gilberto Santa Rosa, “Canta Mundo”
Gilberto Santa Rosa joined forces with Colombia’s Orquesta Sinfónica de Caldas to drop an optimistic salsa song dubbed “Canta Mundo” (Sing World). The collaboration, between the Puerto Rican award-winning artist and 50 Colombian musicians, is about having faith in humanity amid these challenging times. “The world is full of people who want to sing again / who want to forget their sadness / who are tired of crying so much,” Santa Rosa kicks off the song. – JR
Alex Rose ft. Yanzee, “Toque De Queda”
Alex Rose teamed up with Yanzee for “Toque De Queda” (Curfew), a song about quarantine life and the new norm. The rumba reggaeton is a catchy track that sheds light on the current challenges humanity is facing due to the novel coronavirus. In the song, both artists sing about having to pay their bills despite being laid off, the annoying TikTok dances, and surviving at all costs. “I’m going to continue sleeping until this is over,” they chant. — JR
Gloria Estefan, “We Needed Time”
With lyrics such as “All the dreams that we envisioned seemed to crumble in our hands / So suddenly alone” and “The life that I have known will forever be changed / And I pray it’s for the better,” Gloria Estefan brings to light a sincere song about humanity and the current global health crisis.
“Since we’re all in this together, let’s find ways to make it through,” she chants. In a homemade video, the Cuban-American artist is seen playing her guitar on an ocean dock and penning the lyrics, which were born on Earth Day. – J.R.
Manuel Turizo, “Quiereme Mientras Se Pueda”
Giving light to the global health crisis, Manuel Turizo presents “Quiereme Mientras Se Pueda,” a heartfelt urban bop about loving today because tomorrow might be too late. The video kicks off with encouraging viewers to stay home amid the pandemic, it then shows never-before-seen clips of Turizo with his loved ones, including his mother, girlfriend, brother Julian Turizo, and fans. His industry friends, such as Llane and Camilo also make appearances. Watch it below. — J.R.
St. Pedro, “Phone Sex”
Here, the R&B Spanish singer-songwriter gets real about feeling lonely during the pandemic. The R&B pop distancing-inspired song is about young lovers figuring out how to cope with the separation and the virtual mechanisms they’re turning to. – G.F.
Pitizion, “Cura Y Amenaza” feat. Omar Koonze, Jordy Jill, Okaa
Reflecting on global health crisis, Pitizion opens up about feeling a roller coaster of emotions while quarantined and the duality in humans who can be the cure or the pandemic’s biggest threat. For the DIY song and video, the Colombian singer-songwriter recruits other artists like Omar Koonze, Jordy Jill and Okaa. — G.F.
Danny Ocean, “Bailame”
For Danny Ocean, quarantine and social distancing is not quite the challenge since he’s used to creating his music at home. In the midst of the global pandemic, the Venezuelan artist let his creative juices flow, and with the help of director and editors Aroldo Contreras and Daniel Morales, he dropped a homemade video for his single “Bailame.” The romantic urban-ballad forms part of Ocean’s studio album 54+1.
“When I think of ‘Bailame,’ I think of an elegant girl listening to this elegant song at an elegant bar,” he previously told Billboard of the song he created between 2013 and 2014. In the music video, released Saturday (April 25), Ocean is seen in his Miami-based ocean-view apartment, dancing to the song on his balcony, living room, and bedroom. — J.R.
Black Guayaba, “Un Abrazo”
Puerto Rican rock band Black Guayaba released “Un Abrazo” (A hug) to demonstrate how everyone’s life has radically changed due to the coronavirus outbreak. “Even though everything stopped, our time is still the same,” the group chants in the lyrics.
The song, which is a different vibe for the group since they’re all singing in it, comes accompanied by a homemade video that shows all four members and scenes of the frontline heroes. “I think that during this quarantine, people have ventured to try different things, often out of necessity. Interesting things come out of those situations,” guitarist and composer Javier Morales said in a statement. – J.R.
Nibal, Justin Quiles, Danny Ocean, Feid, “Cuando Amanezca”
Emerging artist Nibal has teamed up with Justin Quiles, Danny Ocean and Feid to drop his quarantine urban love song about counting down the days to see that special someone. “We’ll see each other soon when the sun rises / I know this will make the desire grow,” the sweet lyrics say. The homemade clip, filmed in the midst of quarantine, features all four artists singing their verse in a video call. — J.R.
Manuel Carrasco, “Prisión Esperanza”
Spanish pop singer-songwriter Manuel Carrasco gets melancholic in his quarantine-inspired song titled “Prisión Esperanza” where he sings about yearning to reunite with loved ones after being in a prison-like state of mind. The accompanying music video includes breathtaking nature shots to reminisce on the little things we took for granted when we were “free.” – G.F.
David Bisbal, Aitana, “Si Tu La Quieres”
Two of Spain’s melodious voices have teamed up for a soothing and inspiring pop song titled “Si Tu La Quieres” (If you love her). The collaboration, born in the middle of the global pandemic, brings to light the unconditional love between two people, who are willing to make sacrifices for each other. In the video, we see Bisbal and Aitina performing as well as homemade videos of themselves and other people spending quarantine at home. – J.R.
“Resistiré México,” Multiple artists
Mexican artists like Gloria Trevi, Ximena Sariñana and Lila Downs, Horacio Palencia, Kinky, among others join forces for the uplifting and motiving song titled “Resisteré México.” The song’s message is of hope and unity and to tell the people in Mexico to “keep their spirits high in the face of this pandemic.”
One hundred percent of the song’s profits will be donated to the Unidad Temporal COVID-19, a temporary health unit enabled within Centro Citibanamex, which will treat patients with mild to moderate symptoms of the virus. – G.F.
Adriana Rios, “Esta En Ti”
Adriana Rios, one of Billboard’s Latin Artists to Watch in 2020, penned a heartwarming song in regards to the current health crisis. “Esta En Ti” (It’s In You) is a wake-up call to society, encouraging everyone to cooperate and stay at home. In the track, she also recognizes all of the workers and health professionals who have been in the frontline during these challenging times. – J.R.
Banda MS, “Es Hora de Unirnos”
With motivating lyrics and a message of unity and hope, Banda MS releases a new empowering song inspired by the global health crisis to give their fans a simple and direct message: “it’s time for us to unite.” Banda MS’s lead singers Alan and Waldo sing, “it’s time for us to get up, confront the situation. As difficult as it may seem, we will win.” “Es Hora de Unirnos” was written by Omar Tarazón, Javier Rochin and Jhonny Zazueta. – G.F.
Various artists from Azteca Records, “Cuando Pase Todo”
Azteca Records artists have joined forces for the empowering “Cuando Pase Todo” (When everything passes). The heartfelt Regional Mexican tune is about appreciating the smaller things in life, such as a smile, visiting a family member, giving a hug to a stranger, and playing in the park.
Written by Latin Grammy-nominated songwriter, Salvador Aponte, the song features La Maquinaria Norteña, La Fiera De Ojinaga, La Energía Norteña, La Reunión Norteña, Siggno, Los Pescadores Del Río Conchos, and Sexto Grado. — J.R.
Pablo Alborán, “Cuando Estes Aquí”
Spanish singer-songwriter, Pablo Alborán, released “Cuando Estes Aquí” (When You Are Here), a heartwarming beneficial song that brings a message of hope during the current health crisis. According to Alborán, this song represents a virtual hug to all of his fans. All proceeds from “Cuando Estes Aqui” will go to UNICEF to fight COVID 19. To make a donation, click here. – J.R.
Ivy Queen, “Antídoto”
Ivy Queen has penned a heartfelt song about the importance of hugs and kisses during these trying times and the life lessons of a global pandemic in “Antídoto” (Antidote). “We will restore our heart full of faith and we will walk,” says the chorus, encouraging her fans to keep strong.
Compared to her infectious reggaeton hits, the melodies in “Antídoto” are kept simple but powerful, where Ivy sings over a clock-ticking beat. “Let the family be the union / that the future is an uncertain one / and the present a gift,” she expresses before the final message in the video: “We are the antidote of the world.” — J.R.
Abraham Mateo, “Esta Cuarentena”
With shots of empty streets and other takes showing how people are keeping busy while in quarantine, Abraham Mateo’s self-isolation-inspired song is about longing to reunite with those loved ones once quarantine is over. “I’m missing you, not seeing you is taking a toll on me, but I’m doing it to keep you safe,” he sings. — G.F.
Erika Ender, “Back to Basics”
Panamanian singer-songwriter Erika Ender gets real in her quarantine-inspired melancholic song. “A screen replacing love” is how Ender starts the song. “No looks, just empty words.” Ender also released a Spanish version of the song titled “Cosas Que Echo de Menos,” listen to it here. – G.F.
Jorge Drexler, “Codo Con Codo”
With guitar in hand, the Uruguayan singer-songwriter took to social media to sing his new, nostalgic song “Codo Con Codo (Elbow to Elbow),” in which he explores all the other ways one can say hello without touching. “The hugs will come back, the slow kisses. If you run into a friend, say hello to them with your soul. Smile, throw them a kiss from afar,” Drexler sings. — G.F.
Farruko, “El Tiempo Pasa (Cuarentena)”
The reggaetón singer-songwriter is reminiscing on the past, wishing he could go back in time when he was able to visit family and hanging out with friends. “Wish I could enjoy those moments again. I can’t forgive myself for taking them for granted.” — G.F.
Raquel Sofia, “Amor En Cuarentena”“
When I get scared tonight, tell me if this world will come to an end, just tell me that love will save us,” Raquel Sofia sings in her recently-released soothing ballad “Amor en Cuarantena (Love In Times of Quarantine).” — G.F.
Karol G, Anuel AA, “Follow”
In the middle of quarantine life, Karol G dropped “Follow” in collaboration with her boyfriend Anuel AA. Produced by Ovy on the Drums, the song is a fusion of old-school reggae roots and sensual urban melodies about two people who like each other but are playing hard to get. Although the lyrics are not related to the current health crisis, the homemade music video highlights how the urban couple is spending their time at home during the pandemic. — J.R.
Bad Bunny, “En Casita”
Bad Bunny’s quarantine goes from playing with his Toy Story collection on his Instagram to dropping a surprise track with his girlfriend, Gabriela Berlingeri. In the improvised trap song, which was uploaded to Soundcloud, Bunny pens all of his feelings during the quarantine.
“I don’t want to die and I also don’t want to break the law / but being stuck here until May 16 really sucks,” he sings, elaborating in the song that he misses AutoTune, he had to cancel his concerts, and that he wants to see his loved ones but he can’t because of curfew. – J.R.
Alejandro Sanz, “El Mundo Fuera”
Alejandro Sanz and Juanes were one of the first artists to launch the new virtual concerts in times of COVID-19. In addition to crooning his fans from a YouTube live session, Sanz dropped his heartfelt piano-infused “#ElMundoAfuera” (The World Outside). “This song was created at home in quarantine,” he expressed on social media. “It’s an improvisation traveling on a voice note, some harmony instructions and a feeling in common.” –– J.R.
Franco De Vita, “Frágiles”
Venezuelan singer-songwriter Franco De Vita who currently resides in Madrid penned a heartfelt song about the effects that COVID-19 has on humanity called “Fragiles” (Fragile). “I never thought I would miss a hug so much,” he croons over a soothing melody. “Our lives, our dreams, fragile/ Our bodies, our homes, fragile,” says the impacting chorus. – J.R.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2021-01-03 03:06:562021-01-03 03:06:56Latin Songs Born During Coronavirus Quarantine (Updating)
At a time when rock en español lost steam to trap and reggaeton, Argentine icon Fito Páez righted the boat with his La Conquista del Espacio (The Conquest of Space), a gorgeous album that is equal parts a nod to The Beatles sound that Páez so identifies with and eclectic experimentation. The lushly orchestrated set, which ranges from blues to social commentary, won the Latin Grammy for best pop/rock album while the triumphantly joyous title track also won best pop/rock song.
Now, La Conquista vies for a Grammy in the best Latin rock/urban or alternative album, competing with fellow Argentines Bajofondo (Aura), Colombia’s Lido Pimienta (Miss Colombia), Puerto Rico’s Cultura Profética (Sobrevolando) and Chile’s Cami (Monstruo).
Páez, who despite having a string of Latin Grammys has only been nominated twice, spoke from his home in Argentina, where he’s been in deep lockdown writing his new album, a new symphony, and his memoir.
This is an album you did with a lot of hope and joy. How was the process?
One is always making music, but once in a while all the planets align. We went to this beautiful beach in Brazil, in Trancoso. We spent 10 days writing, the songs just flowed. We toured and continued to record and it worked. We stopped in Bogota, recorded some more. We called [engineer] Gustavo Borner in Los Angeles and he had time to work on it. Everything just fell into place with zero difficulties. It was a very beautiful, very joyful experience for the Páez family — and when we say Páez family, I mean my musical family.
You are competing in this mishmash category with a rock album. Do you feel the genre is starting to see an upturn?
I don’t think genres are that important. Works survive genres, in a way. I’m linked to rock, but many people may not know I’m an orchestral arranger or that I also sing tango. I also performed a lot in the U.S. last year, including a concert in Carnegie Hall, and that may have [raised my profile]. Of course, trap and reggaeton in a way took over the “alternative” slot. But rock continues to be an extraordinary school in Spanish.
I hear a lot of social commentary in this album, yet that’s not something I hear a lot of anymore in any genre. Do you think the revolutionary aspect of rock has been lost?
Revolutions are in aesthetics. When rock en español first appeared, it was so innovative that it created a whole continental movement, from Mexico downward and even in Spain. The word “revolutionary” can be very confusing when you speak of music. Chico Buarque in Brazil wrote “revolutionary” songs in the sense that there was a new aesthetic, as was the case with Charly García in Argentina, Café Tacuba in Mexico. And now, we have so many amazing new acts in Colombia and Argentina. Overall, I feel like Argentine rock did a silent and very influential campaign throughout the continent. It did something that was very stimulating for Latin American music.
You’ve been writing your memoir during lockdown. What did you remember that you hadn’t remembered before?
I wrote about my first 30 years. It’s all about “first times.” My mother’s death, music, sex, excesses, politics. All the groundwork of your life that is set in those first 30 years. I was pretty clear on my firsts, and I had help from my ex-girlfriends, my friends, my family.
What was the first time you fell in love, for example?
Well, there’s sex and there’s love and they’re different. For example, when I met [singer] Fabi Cantilo, I was part of Charly García’s band and we fell in love in the midst of tumult because she was dating Charly at the time, so, there was a bit of a ruckus. Which of course didn’t stop us from becoming friends and staying friends to date. I remember I arrived and she was the only woman there. I was a scrawny kid, very peculiar looking. And I came from a small city, and suddenly I was in Charly García’s living room, which was like being in Picasso’s atelier. We looked at each other, and one day I invited her to my hotel room to listen to music and we kissed for the first time, and that became a romance. They called us the “Sid & Nancy” of Argentine rock.
Looking back, what saddened you?
Writing the book was a rollercoaster. At times I was euphoric. But when I had to describe the murder of my grandmothers in Rosario, that took me a long, very anguishing month. I had to find the clippings, do interviews. It was one of the toughest moments of the “trip” because they were the women who raised me. Even though it’s a terrible burden you carry for life, putting it in writing shook me.
Can’t wait to read this book!
You’ll like it. There’s a hero there. He’s a bit of a loser, nothing works out for him, but they finally do. Pretty girls come up to him even though he has zero charm, and I infused it with a lot of humor. I’m considering several publishing offers.
So, now the hero has a Grammy nomination. How important is it to you to win?
Very. Because as always, when they open such an important music home for you, it’s very humbling. When the United States, this great home and music school that I’ve fed on since I was very young, to be told, “welcome,” that’s a big pat on the back. It makes you feel you’re part of the home. I remember when Phil Ramone produced two albums for me, we would have lively conversations. I’d say to him, “None of you know Roberto Goyeneche [an Argentine tango singer famous in the 1950s] and yet we know everything about Sinatra. We know Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan and you don’t know Spinetta and García.” But as it turns out, for reasons outside our hands, this kid from Rosario, Argentina, ends up knowing well the cultural treasures of the United States. I can play from Gershwin to blues, I know from be-bop to country, Bob Dylan to Prince. We had access to that information. So, to have that home open its doors to me, is hugely gratifying.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2021-01-03 03:06:552021-01-03 03:06:55Can Fito Paez Rekindle Rock en Español With a Grammy Win?