Kelsey Montanez

If you take a moment to check out Kelsey Montanez’s Spotify bio, it reads “one of Chicago’s best kept secrets,” but if she keeps releasing tracks like “Let Me Love You,” we have a feeling that she will not be a secret much longer. And with just over 11k followers, the word has definitely started to get out. If you have not yet heard this woman’s voice, you really need to brace yourselves before hitting that play button because she is going to completely blow you away. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of bluesy songs about heartache, pain, longing, and yearning, this track has managed to set itself apart from all others, demonstrating Montanez’s fiery, seductive, and sultry vocal range through lyrics that you cannot help but believe are true. Kelsey has managed to conjure the styles of Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill, with a slight hint of Fiona Apple and a short dose of Alannah Myles, all while maintaining her own, unique and unmistakable voice, which rises like a phoenix and then flies directly into the pit of your soul.

In fact, we love this track so deeply that we are also strongly urging you to check out her previous 2022 release, “Everything is Fine.” It’s a quick step away from the bluesy rock ballad of “Let Me Love You,” yet another outstanding showcase of her adept vocal range and dynamic control. The subject matter will not cut into your heart as profoundly as her latest track, but it may very well help you to recover from it.

-TM