Be Still, single by Dessy Di Lauro. Gut-grabbing mesmerizing, high-powered but inspiring, Di Lauro has hit a home run with her blend of low-fi Afrobeats and rising healing, lyrics. See my review next week after the song is released February 9th. Streaming on all platforms Feb.9.
Génesis album by Peso Pluma. No wonder he was one of only two Mexicans to pick up a Grammy this weekend. Fast-paced, high-energy, but very sophisticated lyrical/composition. The slide trombone and trumpets in “Luna” are brilliant. Stream on all major platforms (also check out “Siempre Pendientes”, his colab with Luis R Conriquez). Spanish.
TQG (Te Quedó Grande), single by Karol G and Shakira. From the Grammy-winning Mañana Será Bonito album. Another Grammy winner. Karol G speaks to you with a blood-pumping beat behind her while Shakira weaves in and out. She manages to be personal and danceable at the same time. Put this on the top of your playlist. Stream on major platforms. Spanish.
La Diabla, single by Xavi. From the bouncy guitar strum to the moving dance beat with his alto voice, this is just fun to listen to. CVI is the first Mexican-American artist to achieve the top spot on Spotify’s Global 200 for a solo song and has broken the record as the only Mexican-American artist to have two solo songs (“La Diabla” and “La Victima”) chart on Spotify’s Global Top 10. Stream on all major platforms. Spanish.
Strong, single by Romy. This is not Mid Air 2.0. “Strong” captures her seductive voice and moves it into sophisticated dance beats that blow out speakers anywhere. Stream on all major platforms.
Adentro, single by Francisca Valenzuela. Valenzuela moves from her power stance in La Fortuleza to an equally strong but more interior, full rich, emotional exploration of herself after breakup, and her music grows with her. Valenzuela is one of the most brilliant talents of our time, and to hear her sail through her own soul is inspiring and immersive. Stream on major platforms. Spanish.
