Hot Half Dozen

299 songs, albums, videos submitted this week

Dualidad, single/video by Vanessa Zamora and Esteman Dreamy, romantic, lovely.  The two blend their voices in a song about the blend and bond exists between two people in a loving relationship, and the healing and strength in the relationship.  Stream on Spotify and other major platforms.  Spanish.  Video on YouTube.

Have it All, single/video by Lisa Morales and Jojo Garza.  A Mexican American who grew up in Arizona, she sings of the homelessness she found in her travels around the country. “Have It All” written by Morales & Jojo Garza (Los Lonely Boys) and performed in Spanglish with Jojo’s classical guitar and violins circling around the lyrics about how to make the world better. I love the song and the theme and the language. Beautiful. Stream on major platforms.

Wild as a Rainstorm, single by Vanessa Collier. Gentle, but determined. This songwriter, blues, soul, funk and R&B singer and saxophonist tells us a story about herself and life that is an earworm. It is the kind of song you hum during the day, long after you have absorbed the lyrics. Stream on major platforms.

Llamando (Calling), single by Julieta Rada with Ile. A true Music Sin Fronteras artist. Born in Argentina, citizen of Uruguay who fuses various musical styles including jazz, pop, and Latin rhythms in this collaboration with Puerto Rican singer-songwriter iLe, making your feet tap and maybe even sing along. Stream on Spotify. Spanish

Amor Bonito single by Lukas O. A modernish take on classic Mexican music, Pure romance, like Mexican corridos should be. But this is different, and very entertaining. Stream on Spotify.

Dame Chance (Rayuela), single by Renee. She is one of Mexico’s fast rising pop artists and is redefining Mexican pop. Her songs have become anthems for women, and she has nearly 2 million monthly listeners. Rayuela is lite and frothy, happy, and a bouncy, pop move-along beat. She blends Mexican accents like the accordion accents with clever production, spirited singing, and just plain fun. Stream on most platforms.  Spanish.