Delicate Americana With A Mexican Twist
She's collaborated with such well-known artists as Lucinda Williams, Joan Baez and Nanci Griffith and even been asked by the Clintons to perform at the White House, however, many people here in the UK might be unfamiliar with the bilingual country-folk stylings of Tish Hinojosa (pronounced ee-no-ho-sa)
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'Would You Love Me Back Again' is the first single to be released from Hinojosa's new album, 'A Heart Wide Open', her first studio album in five years. This cute sounding piece of acoustic Americana has a pretty, feminine edge and a slight country twang, but despite its instantly memorable, catchy melody, 'Would You Love Me Back Again' is at times a little predictable, if not a little coy, while its slow, shuffling rhythm often feels that it should be shifted up a gear. However, it is overall an enjoyable example of heartfelt acoustic song writing that sets off Hinojosa's voice beautifully.
Also featured on the CD single are two exclusive extra tracks, 'What Our Hearts Can't Say' and the bilingual fiesta sound of 'En Mi Vecindad'. 'What Our Hearts Can't Say' is similar in tone to 'Would You Love Me Back Again', a similarly engaging melody and acoustic sound but is slower and even more effective at showcasing Hinojosa's delicate voice. 'En Mi Vecindad' steps away from the more folk-influenced sound of the other tracks and returns to Hinojosa's Mexican roots with its picked Spanish guitar, accordions and upbeat rhythms.
In these three tracks alone it is clear why this Austin-based singer songwriter has enjoyed prolific career and critical acclaim in the US even if she is not so well known this side of the Atlantic, covering everything from the breezy Americana to acoustic folk and traditional Mexican influences. If you've never come across Tish Hinojosa before, it's about time you did.