The Best Latin Albums of 2023: «There Are No Rules About How Latin Music Should Sound»

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As 2023 comes to a close, it’s that time of the year when we reflect on what we’ve accomplished and look back at the events of the past 365 days. In the world of music, there’s a similar tradition where we take stock, and recently, nostalgia has been in the air. There have been numerous lists and reviews highlighting the best songs, most popular artists, most-watched videos, and the highest grossing tours of the year. Now, Rolling Stone has compiled a list of the 100 best albums of 2023. 

From this extensive list of talented artists from all around the world, the influence of Latin music stands out prominently in the music industry, which is a source of pride for Latin Americans. From this list, we’ve chosen the top albums by Latin artists. Almost making it into the top 10 is the Argentine artist Nicki Nicole, with her album Alma, coming in at number 92 out of 100 overall and ranking 11th among Latin artists. 

10. DLUX – DannyLux 

At just 19 years old, the talented ‘sad-sierreño’ artist from Palm Springs is already one of the members of a new generation of artists that is revolutionizing Mexican music, currently being one of the most listened genres in the world. He has crafted an exceptional third album, filled with intriguing choices and catchy love songs. Those who appreciate DannyLux’s Mexican musical roots will find solace in the enchanting guitar melodies of his collaboration with Eslabón Armado, «Me Cambiaste.»

Rolling Stone 100 Best Albums of 2023: 90/100

9. Yo No Era Así, Pero de Ahora en Adelante, Sí – Diego Raposo

Diego Raposo, a Dominican producer, sets himself apart by embracing the raw energy of spontaneous creativity. His album is both chaotic and intriguing, revealing an unexpected touch of romance amid its distinctive digital sounds and unconventional beats. Raposo fearlessly explores a variety of musical elements, showcasing his willingness to push boundaries and experiment. 

Rolling Stone 100 Best Albums of 2023: 80/100

8. Lo Que No Te Dije – GALE

Gale’s talent has been winning over more and more people. The Puerto Rican artist has delighted us with a unique musical style that blends various genres that have inspired her since the beginning of her career. Her talent has not only captivated anonymous fans worldwide but also other artists of the caliber of Shakira and Christina Aguilera, for whom she has worked on the composition of some of their songs.

In her debut studio album, Lo Que No Te Dije (What I Didn’t Tell You), she shares her personal stories, each accompanied by distinct rhythms. Notably, her track «D Pic» departs from the urban sound to bring us closer to hypnotic pop-rock.

Rolling Stone 100 Best Albums of 2023: 78/100

7. El Comienzo – Grupo Frontera

Grupo Frontera unveiled their debut album, El Comienzo, in August of this year. It features hit singles like «Un X100to» with Bad Bunny and their breakthrough track of 2022, «No Se Va.» The album also introduces new songs that expand the group’s horizons beyond their signature norteña-cumbia style, including collaborations with Grupo Firme, Junior H, and Yahritza y Su Esencia. 

Rolling Stone 100 Best Albums of 2023: 66/100

6. Genesis – Peso Pluma

In addition to Taylor Swift, Peso Pluma has likely had the most successful year of his career. The Mexican artist not only found immense popularity in his home country and the United States with his unique style but also gained a strong following internationally. His collaboration with Eslabón Armando on the track «Ella Baila Sola» became the most-streamed Latin song globally and in the United States. Furthermore, Peso Pluma’s album Genesis has earned a well-deserved spot on the list of the top releases and best albums of 2023. 

The young artist has achieved so many successes that it would require an entire article to fully cover them. In this project, he has collaborated with renowned artists like Natanael Cano, Junior H, Grupo Frontera, Jasiel Nuñez, Eladio Carrión, and many more. 

Rolling Stone 100 Best Albums of 2023: 57/100

5. Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana – Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny announced the arrival of his fifth studio work in the purest New York-style Peaky Blinder fashion and with a completely shaved head. We thought that maybe Benito would be back to his trap roots, a genre the Puerto Rican artist elevated to new heights with his debut album, X100PRE (2018). However, in this new release, ‘El Conejo Malo’ blends a multitude of styles with hard-hitting rhymes that range from the sensual to the pure beef, leaving no one indifferent.

Rolling Stone 100 Best Albums of 2023: 32/100

4. Red Moon in Venus – Kali Uchis

Colombian-American singer Kali Uchis dropped her third studio album on March 3, 2023. The album has 15 tracks, each diving into the intricacies of love in all its forms. Through her music, she demonstrates her deep understanding of love. She’s also known for reshaping Latin pop by blending it seamlessly with elements of R&B. 

Rolling Stone 100 Best Albums of 2023: 29/100

3. Esquinas – Becky G

Becky G’s artistic journey, which has taken her from rap to pop, then to reggaeton, and now to Mexican music, appears to be a seamless and organic progression. With this album, she proudly reconnects with her roots and emphasizes the significance of her family bonds, making it one of the most intimate musical projects of her career. 

The album’s cover art features a childhood photograph of the singer, radiating undeniable charm with a sombrero, two long braids, and a strikingly distinctive red bandana– a symbol deeply resonating with Mexico’s cultural fabric. The album also includes collabs with artists such as sad-sierreño artists Ivan Cornejo and Danny Lux, as well as corrido tumbados main exponents Peso Pluma and Gabito Ballesteros, among others. 

Rolling Stone 100 Best Albums of 2023: 16/100

2. Mañana Será Bonito – Karol G

One of the standout albums of the year has definitely been this, along with its extended edition, Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season). In this musical project, the Colombian artist sends a powerful message as she sings about her past relationship and heartbreak, expressing gratitude for the journey that has shaped her into the successful artist she is today. This music serves as a reminder that even on tough days when life seems challenging, Mañana Será Bonito reminds us that the sun will rise, and our hearts will heal from the wounds of the past. 

Rolling Stone 100 Best Albums of 2023: 14/100

1. Data – Tainy

The first place goes to the Puerto Rican producer, Tainy, with his first album under his own identity, Data. Regarding the development of this project, Tainy reflects, “There are no rules about how Latin music should sound. Music is art, so we should create anything that we find incredible and connect with the listener. I had fun; it was a learning experience that I enjoyed a lot because I could express myself in different aspects, not just in music.”

The album is a love letter to Japanese culture, reggaeton and immersive sound textures. Its essence is presented from the outset through the cover, which features the android SENA, an anime character (one of the artist’s passions) representing the entire story and inspiration behind DATA.

Among the collaborations, we find music legends and renowned figures such as Daddy Yankee, Zion & Lennox, Julieta Venegas, Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Arcángel, Feid, Skrillex, Myke Towers, but also artists who are gradually making a name for themselves on the charts like Young Miko, Omar Courtz or Álvaro Díaz.

Rolling Stone 100 Best Albums of 2023: 3/100

Which of this year’s best Latin albums was your favorite?