After the high-ranking chart successes of his 2012 debut album,
Pa'La Raza, Mexican singer
El Dasa (whose birth name is Dasahev López Saavedra), follows up with an often celebratory collection of Mexican Regional bandas, rancheras, and corridos in an alternative corrido style on
Alegre y Enamorado. While the soulful ballad of his pre-release single "Mi Amiga, Amante, Amor" showcased his deep romantic side,
El Dasa's stylistic reach runs the gamut on these 15 songs. Highlights include the jaunty opening title cut, the swinging banda "Otro Tequila," the midtempo "Madre Soltera," the galloping "Hasta Las Chan Las," the dynamic love song "Ne Merecias Tanto Amor," and the glorious closing ranchera "Todas Son Iguales" by the great
Espinoza Paz. ~ Thom Jurek