HOT HALF DOZEN  2.14.23 Valentine’s Day!

Not all love songs, but all great songs this week.

276 songs and albums submitted this week for review

Strong Enough, single by Maggie Szabo.  Originally written to pitch to other singers, Maggie liked this song so much she decided to release it herself. When you listen, you will understand why. Full of hooks and hummable notes, it will stick in your ears and your mind. Stream on all major platforms.

Enough for Love, single by Kelela. From her just released Raven album, this song is mysterious, earthy, and hypnotic. Sultry, confident, completely mesmerizing. The blending of experimental sounds, her angelic voice, and innovative production makes this song – and whole album – a must hear.  Stream on Spotify, video on YouTube.

I Have Loved, single by Amanda Abizaid. The many faceted Amanda has produced a wonderland of music in a song that sparkles softly like fireflies in a dark night as she creates musical nostalgia that gently floats by.  Available on Spotify, Apple Music and all major platforms.

Stripped, album by Christina Aguilar This is a reprise of her fourth studio, and third English-language album, the release that moved her from teen pop to the star she is today. It gives us pop and R&B with influences from soul, rock, hip hop and Latin music. First recorded in 1999, and awarded a Grammy in 2004, this release is as fresh as tomorrow and classically beautiful.  On all platforms.

 Llego la Dinamita,  EP by Sonora Dinamita. Classic yet unique. The three women (sometimes four when Mariana Seoane or Kika Edgar join them) and eight men who create the music know how to assemble Mexican-Latin music that flows like hot blood through each of the 10 songs on this album. It will make you smile and dance. Stream on Spotify, YouTube Music. Spanish.

Dance, Dance, Dance, single by Gabrey Ponte and Allesandra. Combines Allesandra’s ethereal voice with Pont’s electronic dance wizardry for a party number that won’t let you go. Stream on Spotify. Spanish from Mexico.

BONUS. Annual Valentine’s Day Mixtape by the artists of the Force Field Agency. With artists like Teenage Frfanclub, Gthe Cry, XTC, gthe Ravonettes and many more. Stream on Spotify.

Patrick O’Heffernan