El Circo

In just the few short years following his breakout single, “Mi 45,” Alexander García has become one of the most exciting stars in Mexican music. His penchant for singing catchy corridos and canciónes rancheras serves him well throughout El Circo, his sixth album in half as many years. Despite the inherent mystery and menace implied by his stage name, there’s a humanity to García’s clear, booming voice that competes handily with the robust banda bass on such lived-in songs as “Lupe Campos” and “La Vieja Escuela.” El Fantasma has a genuine love for the genre and the people it elevates, and he exudes humility on “Machete Terciado” just as he weaves a compelling narco narrative on “El Pastor.”