Five Great Música Mexicana Records You May Have Missed
It’s been a landmark year for música Mexicana, with corridos tumbados still climbing global charts and names like Peso Pluma, Fuerza Regida, Tito Double P, Junior H, and newcomer Netón Vega leading the charge. But while the spotlight has been on the genre’s megastars, several projects from rising talents and fresh voices are also worth your attention. From heartfelt ballads to gritty corridos bélicos, here are five música Mexicana albums you might have overlooked in 2025.
1. Chino Pacas – “Cristian”
At just 18 years old, Chino Pacas has amassed more than 17 million monthly Spotify listeners. His sophomore album, Cristian, solidifies his place among the top corridos tumbados acts while experimenting with new sounds. Highlights include the banda-infused “No Es Un Juego” (ft. Banda Otro Pedo), the hip hop-corridos crossover “GTO” with Santa Fe Klan, and a fast-paced cover of Tropicalísimo Apache’s 1993 hit “Ojitos Mentirosos” — currently viral on TikTok.
2. Armenta – “Pórtate Bien”
Known for producing some of Fuerza Regida’s biggest hits, Armenta steps into the spotlight with his debut LP Pórtate Bien. Across 15 tracks, he blends corridos tumbados with reggaetón, bolero, and pop touches. Songs like “Ansiedad” and “AbrilSinTi” showcase his melodic side, while “Bolerito” (ft. Manuel Medrano) pays homage to bolero tradition. Early standout “Pensando y Pensando” has already become a fan-favorite ballad.
3. Kane Rodriguez – “La Batuta”
Houston native Kane Rodriguez first built buzz with TikTok corrido covers, and his debut album La Batuta proves he’s here to stay. Staying true to traditional corrido styles, Rodriguez distinguishes himself with raspy vocals and piercing guitar work. The title track “La Batuta” and “Morro Mañoso” revel in risky storytelling, while “Se Volvieron Locos” fires back at doubters with fierce conviction.
4. Clave Especial – “Mija No Te Asustes”
After years of anticipation, Clave Especial dropped Mija No Te Asustes in February — and it delivered. The 16-track debut leans into brassy “mobster-core” sounds reminiscent of labelmates Fuerza Regida, with whom they collaborate on “Como Capo” and “No Pasa Nada.” Their single “Tu Tu Tu” (ft. Edgardo Nuñez) recently hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, making the trio from Salinas, CA, one of música Mexicana’s most exciting breakout acts.
5. Chuy Montana – “No Fue Suerte”
The posthumous debut of Chuy Montana is perhaps the most bittersweet release of the year. Tragically murdered in 2024, the corridos bélicos singer’s album No Fue Suerte was completed with the help of his family and label, Street Mob Records. Tracks like “Qué Bendición” highlight Montana’s humor and resilience, while “Perdón Mamá” (ft. Juanpa Salazar) feels haunting in hindsight, with Montana apologizing to his mother as though predicting his fate.Why These Albums Matter These five projects showcase música Mexicana’s versatility in 2025 — from traditional corridos and banda fusions to hip hop crossovers and emotional boleros. Whether you’re already immersed in the genre or just discovering it, these albums prove that música Mexicana is more vibrant and diverse than ever.
