66 songs, albums, and videos submitted this week for review
Hablanda de Mi, single by JNoa. Dominican rapper J Noa, 2X consecutive Latin GRAMMY nominee, joins with Goyo from the group ChocQuibTown, The song uses Goyo’s melodic, Afro-Latin influence to complement J Noa’s incisive rap cadences, creating a contrast between smooth hooks and assertive bars. The song, about her self-worth, this song lifts her far above the rap/hip hop crowd. An earworm and fascinating. And as one of the most promising voices in Latin hip hop. Spanish. Stream on major platforms.
Law of Nature, single by Gab Ferreira. Brazilian musician Gab Ferreira has released “Law of Nature” ahead of her upcoming album, Carrossel, about falling in love with the unknown. Dreaming, captivating, hypnotic, it sails along with the power of her voice and lush, lush composition. A real treat. Stream on Spotify and other major platforms.
Muros, single by Chika Di. Inspired by everyday resilience and built on a hypnotic hook, Muros (Walls) is a celebration of love, movement, and resilience for every dreamer who’s dared to begin again. You can dance to it, toe-tap to it, laugh with it, and love it. The video that accompanies it pays tribute to the Mexican immigrants who have made significant contributions to their adopted country. It is a gentle, happy, positive message with hooks and fun. Spanish. Stream on all major platforms.
Soy Rebelde, single by Conexión Divina. This all-female Mexican-American sierreño trio (Liz Trujillo, Sandra Calixto, and Ashlee Valenzuela) combines the melancholic requinto guitar melodies of corridos tumbados with danceable regional music. The combo works so well, you hit Replay every time. Spanish. Stream on all major platforms
Reno, Nevada, single/video by The Third Mind, Since my short-lived first marriage was conducted in Reno, a lifetime ago, I had to check this out. Shot on location in Reno, Nevada, by videographer Jon Luini, of the video (and song), director Victor Krummenacher says, “’Reno, Nevada’ is a strange song about a strange town. So true, but the music grips you and makes you grim as you look sideways at the “Biggest Little City in America”. Pop blues at its best. Stream on all major platforms and YouTube Video.
No Rain, No Flowers, single by The Black Keys. Dan Auerbach (vocals, guitar) and Patrick Carney (drums)—known for a blues-infused garage rock have released their latest studio album, No Rain, No Flowers. The title song is a long way from the Ohio garage rock; it is a comeback song that flows with hooky, collaborative rock. The song will make you say, “This is the Black Keys?”, and then answer, “Yes, and I like it.” Stream on all major platforms.
Patrick O’Heffernan
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