Looking for the next ‘Despacito’
Forget song of the summer. “Despacito” is the song of the year. And one of the biggest of all time.
The tune by veteran Latino acts Luis Fonsi, who will be performing at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land on Sept. 17, and Daddy Yankee got a huge lift when Justin Bieber added his vocals to the intro. It has topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks and is the first primarily Spanish-language song to hit No. 1 since “Macarena” in 1996 — that’s more than two decades.
“Despacito” is also the most streamed song of all time and the most viewed video in YouTube history, with more than 3 billion views. Billion. With a B.
And it’s not just a fluke. According to YouTube, Latin acts account for more than one-third of YouTube’s 100 most viewed artists of 2017.
So who’s got next? Here are the songs that seem poised to follow in the dance steps of “Despacito.”
“Subeme la Radio,” Enrique Iglesias: He’s already a crossover superstar. And the song’s driving reggaeton beat seems an easy in for Top 40 radio. The original tune features Descemer Bueno and Zion & Lennox. A new Spanglish version features Sean Paul and is impacting Top 40 radio. Try to not sing along. Iglesias performs Sept. 22 at Toyota Center.
“Nuestra Cancion,” Snow Tha Product (Play-N-Skillz Remix): Texas ties all around on this track. Snow Tha Product spent years living in Forth Worth and working in Houston. Production duo Play-N-Skillz is from Dallas. Her flow is one of a kind, and the beat is sick.
“Si Una Vez,” PlayN-Skillz with Frankie J, Becky G and Kap G: It’s normally never, ever OK to touch a Selena track. But Play-N-Skillz treats this one with respect while still giving it a fresh spin in Spanish, English and Spanglish. Chalk it up to the Texas connection. And seriously smooth vocals.
“Mi Gente,” J Balvin: This song is already a worldwide smash. It blends African and Caribbean rhythms with a message of unity through music. And J Balvin is making the right kind of noise for a big crossover. Balvin performs Sept. 28 at Escapade 2001.
“No Te Puedo Olvidar,” Nicky Jam: Reggaeton artist Nicky Jam seems to have his sights set on a crossover, too. Several of his songs are available in Spanish and English. This one has a pop sensibility that could make it a huge hit. Jam performs Sept. 8 at Toyota Center.
“With You Tonight (Hasta el Amanecer),” Nicky Jam: Another Jam track, this one bilingual, with the same pop sparkle. It’s just a matter of time for him.
“Chantaje,” Shakira: Shakira is no stranger to pop radio. And this track, featuring Maluma from her current album “El Dorado,” is one of the Colombian singer’s best. It’s silky and seductive and impossible to resist. Shakira performs Jan. 26 at Toyota Center.
“Hey DJ,” CNCO featuring Yandel: The boy band formed on reality series “La Banda” has translated that accomplishment into real-world success. “Hey DJ” rides a driving reggaeton-pop groove. Cue the swoons. And maybe a duet with Fifth Harmony. CNCO opens for Iglesias and Pitbull Sept. 22 at Toyota Center.
“Ni Tu Ni Yo,” Jennifer Lopez: Don’t ever count Lopez out. This Spanish-language single is one of her best in years. It’s a sweltering, horn-fueled celebration. And she’s never sounded better.
“Hermosa Ingrata (Bruno Martini Remix),” Juanes: Juanes has often said he’s not interested in English-language success. But throw a rapper or singer on this punched-up remix and he could have a hit.
“More,” Karol G and Total Ape: Karol G is one of the few women to make real waves in reggaeton. This collab with production duo Total Ape is more EDM than anything else. But it’s undeniably addictive. Check her solo work, too. “Baila Ritmo No
Pare,” Bombón: Colombian rapper Jefferson d’Lion provides vocals on this breezy tune from the Houston collective. It’s the perfect end of summer anthem. Bombón performs Sept. 2 at Fox Hollow.
“Bailame,” Nacho, Yandel and Bad Bunny: A trio of reggaetoneros team up for a song that just makes your hips want to move.