Se que estoy cambiando, single by the Meridian Brothers. Colombian indie band – actually a combo of composer Eblis Alvarez, Maria Valencia, Damian Ponce, Cesar Quevedo and Alejandro Forero blends intricate guitar work and elements of calypso intertwined with Colombian and Haitian roots. The rhythm is vibrant, west African, but more. This song is on the edge of progressive jazz, electronica, and psychedelia. It is an acquired taste, but sooo interesting. Stream on Spotify and major platforms. Spanish
Pocketful of Sunshine, single by Amanda Abizaid. Pure pleasure from her 2023 album, Cover Me. A hypnotic blend of Middle Eastern instrumentation, fast-talking lyrics, and heavenly melodies. You could listen to this forever (unless you also downloaded her most recent song, You Are a Superwoman, which you will want to mix in). Stream on Spotify and major platforms..
100 Años, single by Lluvia Arámbula . Born in Oklahoma, 19-year-old Lluvia Arámbula is an accomplished requinto (small Mexican guitar with a high pith and distinctive sound) guitarist who ventured into regional Mexican music when she saw there were virtually no women. This song showcases her requinto skills and forceful lyrics. Follow it closely for the chord and tempo changes. ..she is regional Mexican but much more complex. Stream on Spotify. Spanish
No Puedo Olvidarte single by Ivonne Galaz. One of Mexico’s rising Gen Z regional female stars, the 19-year-old is from Ciudad Obregon, infamous for feminicide, so she sings modern corridoes and ballads about strong women and inclusivity. This song, like all of her music, is a story set to music, this time with a slow beat and painful lyrics. Very powerful. Watch her rise. Stream on Spotify. Spanish
La Receta, single by Conexión Divina. Three young women bringing a new take on Mexican regional music. This is a song to listen to carefully if you speak Spanish, or to weave around to if you don’t. The three women sing and play the bajolonche, (a basswood acoustic and electric 4-string bass guitar) requinto and guitar. The interplay of the guitars, with the three women’s harmonized voices, are hypnotic. Let the emotion in their voices wash over you. Stream on Spotify. Spanish.
Boys Lie, single, by Pamela Mcneill. Nashville -influenced American country with a theme that would make the Gen-Z female Mexican regional singers smile. Complex instrumentation, exquisite drumming and out-of-this-world songwriting and vocals make this a hit-replay song. Stream on Spotify and major platforms
BONUS. We Can’t Be Friends, single by Ariana Grande. Enough said.
