112 songs, videos, albums submitted this week for review
Look Up, album by Ringo Star. The Beatles sound is definitely there, you can hear it in some of the phrasings and of course in his voice, but Ringo Starr’s foray into country (everyone’s doing it now) is fun if a bit uneven. “Want Some”, and “Can You Hear Me Call”, the latter with Molly Tuttle, check off all the country boxes. Other songs – some do and some don’t. But it is absolutely fun. Stream everywhere.
Desfado single by Ana Moura. One of Portugal’s premier fado singers, who also records with rock stars like the Roling Stones, Ana Moura has given us a Desfado that is upbeat, optimistic, and a source of happy energy that you can listen to all day. This follows on the heels of her smash album Casa Guilhermina. Stream on Spotify and all major platforms. Portuguese.
Hey You, single by Yeemz. Classically trained cellist and singer-songwriter, Yeemz, released her debut EP titled Hey, You! at the end of 2024 with intricate string arrangements, quietly powerful lyrics, and earworm melodies. Hey You sounds like a little girl, but is delivered with the confidence and maturity of a woman who knows the full extent of her talent. Stream on major platforms.
Entre Los Fores, album by Miramar. The Bolero-Beat Band From Richmond, Virginia, are a global studio in themselves. Reis Alvarez (vocalist) boasts Puerto Rican Roots, keyboardist Marlysse Simmons, is a first generation Chilean, and Laura Ann (vocalist) combines Appalachian and Brazilian music. The result is unique, fun and like nothing you have ever heard before. Stream on major platforms. Spanish.
Simulation, single by Whitney Tai. In my opinion one of the best dream pop/pop rock songwriters out there, Tai delivers power and gentleness together in songs and collections that are bound together by a concept, and free to roam through hers – and our – universe. Simulation grabs you with its lilting lyric delivery while caressing you with ethereal accents. A creative triumph. Stream on major platforms
XT4S1S, single by Danna Paola. From the 2024 album Child Star with over 300 million streams on Spotify in 2024. Producer, songwriter, singer – she does it all, and this song really shows. Every line lines up and tickles your ears. The production accents are edgy, but don’t get in the way. A fun single to play all day. Spanish.
Patrick O’Heffernan
