Lotofire
Mexican singer-songwriter Ely Guerra has accomplished something truly  impressive onLotofire, her domestic debut but third album  overall: she's crafted an incredibly rich, diverse, and subtle album that stands  up well in the company of such techno-informed pop divas asFiona AppleorBebel Gilberto. This is  Guerra's best work to date. She retains her own style throughout with a sound  that uses the arty elements of Arto Lindsay's skilled production while  containing flourishes of a myriad of other styles drawn from south of the  border. Regardless of how much ear candy is piled on top, the album also  features a solid foundation of songwriting craft in Guerra's music, and her  beautiful pop melodies really stand out. Instantly recognizable once heard,  Guerra's sensual voice (she sings mostly in Spanish) cracks, coos, and takes  flight. Perhaps most importantly for gringo ears, it also serves her well as a  distinctive calling card even for non-Spanish speakers. Highlights include the  trip-hopish "Abusar," the dubby "Vete," and the bossa-nova-driven "Prometo Ser."--Ted Hendrickson