The Hot Mamas – Pack Your Bags (Single Review)

The Hot Mamas are back with a new single. The Hot Mamas are an eclectic collective of femme multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriters. They combine grit, humor, harmonies, and sass as their vehicle, taking audiences on insightful adventures. Their song styles truly range from jazzy to pop, from funky punk to murder ballads, soulful blues to drinkin’-when-you’re-sad country tunes, or simply some of the let’s-have-fun tracks.

“Pack Your Bags” opens up as the first single from the band since their recent “Ford Escort,” which also happens to be their first track in 2025.

My personal first exposure to The Hot Mamas was quirky, funny, yet insightful. What impressed me the most was the chemistry the ladies had between each other, creating that authentic experience and atmosphere. However, while “Ford Escort” found itself in a more relaxed place and introduced itself as a funny standalone track, the new joint demonstrated The Hot Mamas from a different side.

From the tracks’ opening, you can see that the band is going for an absolutely different vibe, giving you a much more polished, epic, yet classy sound. The rhythmic and palpable sound of drums adds another layer to the track, establishing a dynamic yet tense soundscape. Fueled by raw emotions and inspired by a gripping moment from The Handmaid’s Tale, Mallory McKendry clearly channeled her feelings into an anthem that highlights the values of feminism, bodily autonomy, and empowerment.

“Pack Your Bags” doesn’t truly belong to any particular genre, at least not in its usual forms. The tracks I find most adjacent are in the realm of alternative folk that lean into rhythm and blues with a catchy chorus. Speaking of the catchy chorus, the group manages to create and progress it with weight and volume, thanks to their immersive chemistry.

Furthermore, this new single doesn’t only feature The Hot Mamas—it also includes a rap verse from Lady Taij. At first, it might sound bizarre, in terms of how a rap verse would accompany the rhythmic and dynamic, jazz-leaning sound, but Lady Taij nails it. She seamlessly captures the right cadence and beat direction, giving you a concise yet expansive verse. I really like how the ladies capture the feelings of “going to war,” and Lady Taij circles back to illuminate the theme even more with her classy yet ferocious delivery.

All of those emotional and intense track vocals are backed by relentless marching drums, creating a powerful sound with a captivating texture. In comparison to “Ford Escort,” the new single feels mature, flowing through soundscapes and echoes of emotional and physical struggles in the fight for human rights.

The Hot Mamas’ new track has a strong purpose: reminding everyone to fight for their own voice, and for the voices of all. “Pack Your Bags” doesn’t only empower you to stand up—it celebrates strength, unity, and resistance.

Overall Score/Excellent. “Pack Your Bags” is an extremely emotional and powerful single that leaves a pleasant and empowering aftertaste, demonstrating the complexities of the struggle and reminding you that the battle for freedom is continuous. As The Hot Mamas themselves indicate in their message, the fight continues—hand in hand, mother to mother, sister to sister, human to human.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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