Ortega’s unique country style embraces uncommon elements—Ennio Morricone’s spaghetti-western soundtracks, dark Angelo Badalamenti moments, torch singers, vintage rock, Spanish lyrics (Ortega, a Toronto native, is half Mexican). “Til My Dyin’ Day” would blow away a Grand Ole Opry stage with its brushed snares, steel guitar, and subdued vocal. “You Ain’t Foolin’ Me” and “The Comeback Kid” stomp with feral rock ‘n’ roll fervor. Her voice is angelic throughout, whether in English or Spanish (“Pablo,” “Gracias a la Vida”).
- Nikki Lane
- Whitney Rose
- Margo Price
- Eilen Jewell
- Elizabeth Cook