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‘Record of the Year’: What Are the Nominated Songs About?

This category honors the artists, producers, and engineers who contributed to a song

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The Latin Grammy nominations, one of the most important music awards, have revealed the talented artists competing in each category. We see a lot of familiar names like Karol G, Feid, and Bad Bunny. This year, some artists are getting their first nominations, like Young Miko, Emilia, and Iñigo Quintero. While Artist of the Year is always a tough competition, the songs themselves also hold a lot of weight.

We sometimes forget that a song involves more than just the singer—there’s a lot of work behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed. This is especially true in the ‘Record of the Year’ category, which focuses on the actual recording of a song and recognizes the artists, producers, and engineers involved. Meanwhile, Song of the Year highlights the songwriters who created the music. So, which songs are in the running this year?

Record of the Year

Anitta for ‘Mil veces’

The Brazilian artist already won a VMA for this song, but could she be on her way to winning a Grammy? ‘Mil Veces’ brings a smooth, melodic funk vibe, with romantic lyrics and a softer production that dives into the ups and downs of a relationship. With Damiano David from Måneskin by her side, the passionate music video had many fans wishing they could be in Anitta’s place.

Talking about the song, Anitta said, “This track is such a joy! I love the catchy pop feel of the lyrics, which tell the story of a relationship that wasn’t meant to last but keeps dragging on, full of highs and lows. It’s crazy… It’s a situation a lot of people have probably been through. I think ‘Mil Veces’ is something people will really relate to.”

Bad Bunny for ‘MONACO’

The Puerto Rican artist is no stranger to these awards and even mentions them in part of his song. In ‘MONACO,’ he talks mostly about his wealth and lifestyle, making it clear that he doesn’t care what people say: “You’re all talking s**t, while me and my crew are in Monaco.”

He also drops the names of several famous figures from different fields, like LeBron, DiCaprio, and Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez. And let’s not forget the legendary actor who makes a cameo in the music video: Al Pacino.

Camilo and Carin León for ‘Una Vida Pasada’

The song blends several genres, primarily ranchera with elements of pop and regional Mexican music, a fusion that perfectly complements both artists’ distinct styles. Camilo’s soft, melodic voice pairs beautifully with Carin León‘s deep, passionate vocals, creating a dynamic and emotional performance that tells the story of soulmates who believe they met and loved each other in a past life.

Cimafunk and Monsieur Periné for ‘Catalina’

This song is a vibrant collaboration between Cimafunk, the Cuban funk and Afrobeat sensation, and Monsieur Periné, a Colombian band known for their blend of Latin pop, jazz, and swing.

‘Catalina’ is an upbeat, playful song that celebrates the power and allure of a woman named Catalina. The lyrics highlight her magnetic personality, independence, and the irresistible effect she has on others. It’s a joyful, celebratory tune that embodies energy, passion, and fun, inviting listeners to dance and enjoy life.

Fonseca and Grupo Niche for ‘Con Dinero y Sin Dinero’

This song showcases the versatility of both Fonseca and Grupo Niche. Fonseca, known for his mastery of vallenato and pop, steps into the salsa genre seamlessly, while Grupo Niche remains true to their salsa roots, adding depth and energy to the track.

‘Con Dinero y Sin Dinero’ (With Money and Without Money) is a song about celebrating life regardless of financial status. The lyrics convey a message of happiness, love, and fulfillment that transcends material wealth. It’s a reminder that life’s true richness comes from relationships, joy, and living fully, whether you have money or not.

Karol G for ‘Mi Ex Tenía Razón’

With this song, Karol G embraced a Norteño style, reminiscent of Selena’s music. The track went viral shortly after its release, and the reason was clear. Not only is the title relatable (or not), but the lyrics also contain several subtle references to Anuel AA, Karol G’s ex-partner.

As Anuel was making waves by mentioning her, ‘La Bichota’ clapped back—though she did it with grace, which is key post-breakup. She essentially agreed that ‘her ex was right’ by saying things like, “he’s nothing like you, he’s way better.”

Juan Luis Guerra 4.40 for ‘Mambo 23’

This song is a testament to Juan Luis Guerra’s ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his roots. As one of Latin America’s most respected and beloved musicians, Guerra continues to push the boundaries of traditional genres while keeping his music fresh and relevant. The song is a nod to mambo’s golden age, but it also infuses modern elements that make it accessible to today’s audiences.

Mon Laferte for ‘Tenochtitlán’

The song is a powerful and evocative song by Mon Laferte, as part of her ongoing artistic journey to explore and give voice to historical and social issues, often intertwining her personal experiences with larger cultural narratives.

‘Tenochtitlán’ is an emotionally charged song that delves into the history of the Aztec Empire and the conquest of Mexico. The lyrics pay homage to the ancient city of Tenochtitlán, which was the heart of the Aztec civilization before it fell to Spanish colonizers in 1521. Through this song, Mon Laferte expresses sorrow and pride, reflecting on the loss of indigenous culture while celebrating the resilience of the Mexican people.

Kali Uchis and Peso Pluma for ‘Igual Que Un Ángel’

This song surprised everyone with Peso Pluma‘s involvement, considering that Kali Uchis has a very different style from his. Nonetheless, the collaboration has been a massive success, spending a considerable amount of time among the top songs worldwide.

‘Igual que un Ángel’ represents a genre-bending collaboration that highlights the growing trend of blending Latin pop with traditional Mexican sounds. Uchis has consistently pushed the boundaries of Latin music with her fusion of R&B, pop, and reggaeton, while Peso Pluma has become a standout figure in the corridos tumbados movement, modernizing and popularizing the genre among younger audiences.

Which song do you hope will win the Grammy?

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