Every week, La Alternativa delivers the very best from the Latin alternative scene by curating a blend of emerging and established artists within the Latin diaspora, while providing a platform to champion our growing local music scene. Listen on demand here and on 88Nine from 10-11 p.m. every Wednesday.
We made it!
I’d be remiss not to mention the absolute joy I’ve had joining the Radio Milwaukee team and co-hosting this wonderful show with Kenny Perez. This was an opportunity that only lived in my dreams, and I’m so thankful for everyone on the team who supported this journey and you, our listeners, who tune in and listen to our selects each week.
As we get ready to peace out 2025, it’s time for the difficult task of making my picks for this year’s best tracks amid all the great music that came out. Bad Bunny shattered all expectations with DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS and his residency in Puerto Rico. Rosalia won me over with Lux and the intricate orchestrations with gut-wrenching lyrics.
It was a challenge for me to pick five songs for the full show (along with Kenny’s five), and a bigger one to only mention two of them in this post. But here goes:
Meme del Real, “Princesa”
I’ve spoken endlessly about my appreciation for Meme del Real’s sonic exploration in the multiple singles he released leading up to his album, La Montana Encendida. “Princesa” is a song that starts as a gentle ballad before evolving into synth pop through an orchestral crescendo and futuristic resonance. This was one of the first songs I heard in 2025 that got me really excited for what to expect sonically for the year ahead.
Bad Bunny, “Baile Inolvidable”
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS was on many lists this year, from everyone’s “Wrapped” to Rolling Stone. It was an album that left an immediate impression and continues to captivate audiences almost 12 months after its release.
There are so many potential “favorite” tracks on this record, proven by how many of them landed in my top five most-listened-to songs of 2025. But if I have to pick one, I cannot get over the electricity “Baile Inolvidable” exudes while adding Bad Bunny’s signature flair of melancholy over the ex that got away. The chorus moves crowds as part of a song to unite generations — a track that not only I can play for my abuelita, but one we can both dance to.
Best Latin alternative songs of 2025
Paula Lovo’s picks
- Mon Laferte, “Veracruz”
- Meme del Real, “Princesa”
- Bad Bunny, “Baile Inolvidable”
- Rosalía & Yahritza y Su Esencia, “La Perla”
- Fuerza Regida, “Marlboro Man”
Kenny Perez’s picks
- Bad Bunny, “DtMF”
- Chuwi, “Falta Algo”
- LATIN MAFIA & Omar Apollo, “Hecho Para Ti”
- Silvana Estrada, “Dime”
- Rauw Alejandro, “Carita Linda”
