Clandestino by Manu Chao

Clandestino

Manu Chao

3.22
Rating
17916
Votes
1
2
3
4
5
Distribution

Album Summary

Clandestino is the first full-length solo album by Manu Chao, released in 1998. The album contains many soundbites throughout, two of which are bits of a speech by Subcomandante Marcos and, like Chao's subsequent albums, was mostly recorded by the musician himself in various locations around the world, using a small laptop—which is referred to in the liner notes as Estudio Clandestino. The French edition of Rolling Stone magazine named this album the 67th greatest French rock album (out of 100). The album was also included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. The album was ranked number 469 in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2020.

Wikipedia Read more on Wikipedia

Reviews

Sort by: Top Date
Aug 03 2021 Author
3
When you're in Mexico, and you go downstairs at whatever dive backpacker hostel you're staying in after a huge night drinking the shitty local imitation Corona, this is exactly what the seedy cunt who owns the hostel will be playing as he has a ciggie and hoses the vomit off the floor. He somehow won't be hungover, but you'll want to die. You'll also remember, through the haze, getting knocked back by that cute fair-weather hippie chick who is staying in one of the other rooms. You thought her flowing skirt, flirty behaviour and see-through top were a come-on, didn't you? lol. Just drink your breakfast beer and hang your head in shame, loser. Maybe you should give googol bordello a go if you're serious about trying to root chix who are pretending to be free spirits for the duration of this one holiday. Throw your standards out the door; just do it. Snarky disses aside, this was pretty catchy. 3/5.
Jul 30 2021 Author
4
Well, that was a delightful surprise. This album was just fun. It was energetic without being frantic, proud of its roots while staying accessible, complex without being too complicated. I really enjoyed it.
Sep 29 2020 Author
4
I expected to say "I respect this, but it's not for me" and call it a day, but it was way more listenable than I expected. Plus, who can resist a lyric like "Welcome to Tijuana / Tequila, sexo, y marijuana"? Best track: Welcome to Tijuana.
Dec 28 2024 Author
5
TIL that, in spite of all the spanish in his music, Manu Chao is french?! I was convinced my entire life he was latin american. The first few tracks flow so well into each other. Really vibed with this, 5* Fuck the reviewers that trash this or any other album only because it isn't in english; what a shitty, close-minded, ignorant take. Highlights: je ne t'aime plus, desaparecido, bongo bong, luna y sol
Jun 22 2023 Author
1
este album es wank
Jan 28 2021 Author
5
Es difícil hablar chido sobre un wey que creó un personaje con este disco y que luego se lo creyó hasta que que el Manuel Chao, ciudadano francés, desapareció por completo. Un wey que seguro tiene un pinche castillo en Francia o algo así por el estilo pero que en algún momento representó cierta posición política altermundista, de izquierdas pues, que era interesante. Para empezar, puedo decir que el wey nunca superó este disco. Ni lo hará. Creo que en Clandestino volcó todo lo que tenía que decir. Y ya no hay más que agregar. O mucho que agregar. Y está bien, no pasa nada. Eso que tenía que decir es esa idea de mestizaje desde el primer mundo, Barcelona mestiza. Yo siempre le olí un poco de turismo de clase a ese pedo. Digo, al final muy vivan los zapatistas y no sé qué pero vives en Europa, carnal. No es lo mismo. No es lo mismo tomar esa posición en México o en Chile que en la España del capital. Pero al menos lo intentó, hizo algo con eso, me caga la palabra privilegio, eso. Pero fuera de esa disonancia que siempre estará presente en lo que haga Manu. Igual les platico el ciclo con Manu Chao (que me ha pasado con muchas bandas): Lo amé, me formó. Me cansó, me hartó y luego me cagó. Odio, mucho odio. Escuchando el disco hoy, enero de 2020. Creo que tiene más sentido que antes. O al menos lo entiendo mucho mejor. Ritmos cubanos, ska, reggae, trompetas de esas que los españoles llaman fronterizas, flamenco. Me da esperanza, me da orgullo (¿?). La fuerza de nuestra región, la riqueza de nuestras expresiones. Creo que lo más chido es que es un disco profundamente melancólico. Celebrando la mentira, la muerte, lo ilegal, lo que se oculta. Una melancolía vital. Una que alienta la esperanza porque hay que estar vivos para sentir esa melancolía. La malegría. Trisfeliz dice un gran amigo. Mención aparte tiene Welcome to Tijuana. Es raro verme representado en el rock o como quieres llamar a esto. Está lleno de bangers este trip. 14 rolas, 14 likes. Bye.
Aug 02 2022 Author
3
3.3 - This album immediately transports me to a hostel lobby circa 2001. There are tapestries of Ché Guevara and Bob Marley hanging on the wall. I'm sipping on a lukewarm cup of Nescafé waiting to use the communal computer so I can book my next train ticket. Some Belgian chick who I just met is sitting across from me explaining why George W Bush sucks. I nod my head politely, mostly tuning her out and listening to this music bumping in the background. "Did the singer just rhyme 'Tijuana' and 'marijuana'?" I think. This scene which may have excited me when I was 20 just seems tiresome now that I'm older. And that's exactly how I feel listening to this record. There's a chill vibe throughout but it's overall uninspiring.
Jun 23 2021 Author
5
Love the vibes of this one. Something that will definitely make my rotation since I'm always looking for good world music to vibe to.
Feb 02 2023 Author
2
The sound of white dreadlocks.
Feb 11 2021 Author
5
Habe dieses Album auf dem Weg zum Splash 2011 gehört, obwohl das LineUp weiter weg von Manu Chao nich sein könnte. Aber so bringt man sich halt in Stimmung. Irgendwas zwischen 4 und 5 würde ich als Bewertung da lassen, aber Rationale Zahlen sind ja nicht möglich. Danke Entwickler.
Feb 23 2021 Author
1
Spanish shite. Like the stuff you hear when you're hungover, eating breakfast in a bar in Benidorm
Jan 23 2021 Author
1
Was not in english so not for me
Feb 27 2021 Author
5
So far I like this one. I think the soundbites add some interest to the songs, and I like the sound of Spanish music. I liked this one a lot. I would consider downloading this one.
Oct 31 2021 Author
4
Very interesting mix. The music itself seems to be more Latin American inspired but the lyrics are sung in many languages including Spanish French and English. The music is infectious and very danceable. My Spanish isn’t as good as it used to be so I don’t understand as much as I like, but from what I’ve read, the lyrics have an anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist
Aug 06 2023 Author
3
The album has a beautiful sunset feel to it. I also like the minimalistic production. Would have never guessed this guy is French-Spanish.
Dec 19 2021 Author
5
I'm not always on board with the mood Manu channels, but the craft of that channeling is immaculate as far as I'm concerned. The mixing of vocals into the rest of the sounds is especially perfect. The dash between "French" and "Spanish" on Chao's Wikipedia is audible. Feels good to really love an album on the site again. No single track leaped out at me, which gives me more confidence in the score.
Feb 04 2025 Author
2
Becomes grating as it moves forward draining the joy from the cultural source of the music. Flat and uninteresting.
Aug 13 2023 Author
2
A few tracks are alright, but most are either forgettable or actively annoying.
Apr 05 2022 Author
5
An old favorite from way back. I mean, he's the king of Bongo Bong, what more is there to say?
May 27 2021 Author
5
this just rules. I don't know anything about this genre of music, and I'd never heard of Chao, but this was such an enjoyable experience. it's sort of beneficial that I feel like I don't know what's going on (due to both language and genre), because I can get very lost in the music!
Jun 15 2021 Author
5
This is one of my favorites ever. Manu Chao is an absolute party - incredible talent, catchy, great melodies, spectacular use of language. And a damn good concert.
Jan 18 2021 Author
5
Really enjoyable music to have on while cooking dinner. Easy and interesting to listen to. The songs seemed varied but not too far from each other in theme/feel. Was a bit confused that some of the songs seemed to be in French but then Google told me he is a French born Spanish musician and sings in many many languages.
Aug 04 2025 Author
4
BONGO BONG
Mar 29 2022 Author
4
A total fiesta!
Jan 24 2022 Author
4
Enjoyed this a lot - sultry latin vibes for a cold winter's weekend. Whenever it threatened to get a bit samey he'd chuck in a louder or softer number to keep things fresh, or sing in a completely different language just for the hell of it. Earns its fourth star for absolute commitment to the album format - I don't think anything else on the list so far has flowed so seamlessly between tracks.
Jan 18 2022 Author
4
Heh, I don’t think Manu Chao had much of an impact on the UK, but he was apparently massive a lot of other places. I first encountered his music while backbacking around Thailand around 2000, as was the custom at the time, and a guesthouse owner kept asking me “Do you like Manu Chao?” and I assumed it was Thai for something, food, or drugs or lawd knows what, and when I said I didn’t know what Manu Chao was he just kept repeating “Manu Chao! Manu Chao!” and waving his arms around - in retrospect to get me to pay attention to the music that was playing - but I was utterly baffled for an embarrassingly long time… The music is alright, I guess - chill, polyglot, a bit juvenile from what I do understand. Probably a three star album, but I'm awarding an extra star for the above anecdote associations... Fave track - "Bongo Bong" which I'm pretty sure was the track that was playing in that guesthouse...
Dec 29 2021 Author
4
Loved it. I was impressed when after 4 or 5 songs he had shifted from Spanish to English to French. Apparently Minha Galeria (track 14) is in Portuguese. But aside from his mastery of different languages, the style is upbeat, the beats are catchy, and his lyrics are interesting (at least from what I could understand from English and French...minimally Spanish). Regardless the language, there's lots of neat wordplay. One knock is some cheesy studio effects added in periodically (e.g., the 80's video game missle sound in Desaparecido and other songs). My favorite tracks were Malegria (crazy cool pace), Dia Lunadia Pena (his best vocals and elegant melody), Welcome To Tijuana (weird and wonderful), Je Ne T'Aime Plus (great beats, which were the same as Bongo Bong but lyrics not as cheesy), Clandestino (nice intro to the album), La Vie a 2 (simple guitar arrangement combined with intense vocals).
Oct 23 2021 Author
4
An absolutely fascinating. So many styles and really interesting sounds. Each song seems to have something compelling about it. I like the switch from Spanish to French and back again. I have no clue how to classify the music on this album but I do know I am very much looking forward to the next listen and discovering more layers of goodness. 4.5 stars
Aug 26 2021 Author
4
Manu's grasp on languages and genres is impressive. You never really know what you're going to get on each song. I feel like a lot of the record is influenced by early hip-hop (including the two rapped tracks earlier in the track list). A solid 3.5 from me. Favorite tracks: "Luna y Sol", "Mentira"
Jul 13 2021 Author
4
Really fun! A nice variety of moods and feels, but they all make me want to dance.
Nov 07 2024 Author
3
Reggae. By a French artist. Singing primarily in Spanish. Its very chill. Nice.
Jul 26 2023 Author
3
Kinda lost me at "king of the bongo" but I thought this was overall quite enjoyable
May 02 2021 Author
3
Surprisingly tasty, and apparently recorded on his laptop!
May 24 2024 Author
2
Not for me to judge but here I am.
Jan 23 2023 Author
2
Manu Chao’s “Clandestino” is a really fascinating tapestry of cultural and geographic musings that fall into each other without really ever clashing. Chao, a polyglot, sings in up to four languages on the album, and with each language, he pulls influences from the respective cultures, making the album a melting pot of ideas and sonic structures that are still cohesive. probably because Chao is selling a message of universal oneness and peace. but that cohesion, a few songs in, begins to breed repetition, till the music blends into itself. the album is light and breezy, sure, but that lightness begins to work against it: all of it fades into the background, with nothing truly lush enough to stand out. though i admit this is not music i would naturally gravitate towards, i can appreciate the courage in Chao’s ideas and thematic leanings; how he not only sings of unity, but strives to sound like it too. but the music just lacks the gusto to really hold itself together — and maybe that alone says a lot about the world it’s hoping to unite.
Sep 29 2022 Author
2
Interesting listen, much different from anything I would normally listen to. Not really my thing but I thought some of it was enjoyable. Really impressive that he made the whole album on a laptop in the 90s while traveling the world.
Dec 28 2021 Author
2
I bet The Jesus from The Big Lebowski tells everyone this is his favorite album, but he's probably never even listened to it. Good on him.
Jul 26 2023 Author
1
Nah sorry
Nov 20 2025 Author
5
A really good album, I liked Clandestino, Bongo Bong, Je ne T'aime Plus and Luna Y Sol the most. Will definitely listen to the album again.
Nov 13 2025 Author
5
Up until today I thought Manu Chow was a post-career foray into the pet food market by a former Spurs legend. Anyway, this is great! Five patchouli petals.
Nov 13 2025 Author
5
Largely fuelled by nostalgia for a past life and a sense of freedom that came from my youth - this album brings me back to some beautiful memories. I can almost feel the joy of singing along with strangers I had just met travelling who became quick friends. This album is a real joy (even without the flashbacks).
Nov 05 2025 Author
5
love the genre and language mixing
Nov 01 2025 Author
5
World music, but catchy. What's not to like? Except the fact that this has unfortunately served as backdrop music in way too many sleazy backpacker joints. Still an outstanding album, though.
Oct 30 2025 Author
5
Looooove Manu Chao
Oct 23 2025 Author
5
Actual fucking banger, I misjudged this album art heavily.
Oct 20 2025 Author
5
I loved it when I was younger and it still holds a special place.
Oct 16 2025 Author
5
Now this was fresh! Something out of the ordinary and loads of fun. Frenchman singing in Spanish about tequila and marijuana? Sign me up! Seriously, wonderful Latin grooves and a fun, bouncy sound. You don't need to know what he's singing to have a great time.
Oct 15 2025 Author
5
5/5. Reggae strikes again! This was honestly perfect, each song did not over stay its welcome and it travelled from one song to the next with such ease. The melodies were catchy and even the "skits" were not annoying, maybe because I didn't understand what they were saying but it still felt correct and created an air of relaxation but still danceable. Although it didn't break the mold per se, there was a lot of 2000s music I heard in this while releasing in 1998. I wouldn't be surprised if there was some influence other artists took from this record. It was wonderful, not really any notes. Best Song: Bongo Bong, Mentira..., Luna y Sol, Clandestino
Oct 15 2025 Author
5
A friend of mine brought this one back from a semester overseas, and I was hooked. This many years later and I still love this one. Infectious rhythms, clever mixes, great lyrics (as far as I can really tell), I'm never down when this one is spinning.
Oct 11 2025 Author
5
Unique and a true classic, doesn't get old! 4.6
Oct 09 2025 Author
5
Excelente álbum. Me alegra que que aparezcan álbumes en otros idiomas, en especial en español. A esta altura Manu Chao es un cliché de la cultura hippie contemporánea, pero eso no le quita mérito a la experiencia. Todos los temas están compuestos y dispuestos de una manera integral a lo largo de toda la obra. Los recursos son sencillos, pero bien integrados. Suena órganico y acústico, pero al mismo tiempo tiene elementos de edición electrónica. El álbum te transporta a otro momento y lugar. Relajado, triste pero esperanzador, como estar de vacaciones en una playa, pero con consciencia de clase.
Oct 06 2025 Author
5
J’adore
Oct 02 2025 Author
5
I grew up with my parents playing Manu Chao in the car- I think I must have heard “Bongo Bong” at least 100 times. I remember rediscovering the song back in summer of 2019, when I backpacked across Europe and found this song playing in a seedy underground bar in Prague. Since then I’ve fallen back in love with his oeuvre- I think he’s a fantastic musician that a lot of people don’t click with because they associate him with a certain vibe or time in their life. I, for one, love the music.
Sep 27 2025 Author
5
Man, this is the vibe. It's really easy to make me sad, but this man managed to make me happy and he didn't even need lyrics for that Favourite track: Despacito
Sep 18 2025 Author
5
Can't be fully objective, as "Bongo Bong" is one of those nostalgic songs from my childhood, that never get played anymore; but I love the creativity of the sound, something so raw and intriguing about it
Sep 18 2025 Author
5
Exactly what I'm here for. An artist I've never heard of with a genre I'm not familiar with. And man, does this put the "groove" into............. erm, "groovy". An artist with an uncompromising vision and beliefs translating that into musical form. 4 stars - bonus mark for a track called "Bongo Bong". Yes, I have the humour of a 6 year old - and?
Sep 15 2025 Author
5
Greatest stuff after Ozomatli
Sep 12 2025 Author
5
The soundtrack of my adolescence. My aunt gave me a copy around the turn of the millennium and I know every word.
Sep 04 2025 Author
5
This really made my day. I’ve loved this album a long time and for it to land with me while I’m on hols in Ibiza, the timing was perfect
Aug 27 2025 Author
5
I am not exactly sure why, but I really like this album a lot. By no means a diehard fan of south american music (though Manu Chao is french), so it's a bit surprising to me. It is a bit of a weird album in some ways. It almost feels like more of a very long song than distinct tracks at times. Melodies from tracks also come back again later in new songs, so it's repeating itself quite a bit. I feel like works both in the favour of the album, and against. On one hand, it feels very cohesive, and on the other hand it feels like a bit of slack to reuse melodies with new lyrics ('Bong Song' and 'Je ne t'aime plus', 'Mama call' and 'La despedida', for example). Speaking of lyrics, they can often times be quite repeating themselves quite a lot throughout the song. Somehow I don't have very big problems with this though, it suits the album somehow. Generally I find almost every "unique song" to be stellar and enjoyable. 'Clandestino' is great, so is 'Bongo song', and probably my favour one, 'Mentira'. Overall this is just a great album. I don't speak portuguese so I don't know what the lyrics are about, but sound wise it's a great cohesive journey that I think is very cool. Easy 5 stars.
Aug 20 2025 Author
5
Day 7 I had never heard any of these songs before or even heard of Manu Chao but absolutely loved this album. First album that’s made me glad to go through this list as it’s one I almost certainly wouldn’t have tried otherwise. Every song sounds different but they all flow really well into each other. Will definitely be going into regular rotation and I’ll be checking out the rest of his discography. Highlights Clandestino Bongo Bong (adored this one!!) La Vie a 2 9/10
Aug 20 2025 Author
5
very good interesting sound cool languages cool album
Aug 18 2025 Author
5
Loved this one!! Truly enjoyed the change of regusters
Aug 15 2025 Author
5
27/1089 I’ve heard this artist before thanks to Me Gustas Tu, but i can’t place where i heard that originally and it’s driving me crazy. Clandestino is a captivating start and the flow into the second track was so smooth. one of my favourite things to hear in an album the production on Bongo Bong is really infectious and his voice compliments it so much. very Gorillaz and the way it flows into je ne t’aime plus is wild. Mama Call really reminds me of ZABA by Glass Animals which i love. I quite like it having short songs but still a good overall length, it gives it a really exciting pacing and none of the songs grow old before they finish. Welcome to Tijuana was fun but a little too repetitive for me. Malegria is a fun pick up of the pace, the production once again is super catchy and the effects on his vocals are cool and stylish La Despedida almost feels like the precursor to Me Gustas Tu, a very well crafted penultimate song This album was a joy to listen to from start to finish, I will absolutely be returning to it. faves: Bongo Bong, Desaparacido, La Despedida, Malegría, Mama Call least faves: I liked them all but if i had to choose then Minha Galera has to be 5 stars (94/100)
Aug 08 2025 Author
5
like! 5
Aug 06 2025 Author
5
Shit I didn't know they included peak
Jul 27 2025 Author
5
Super chill vibes. Loved it a lot. Mentira, Lágrimas de Oro, Luna y sol, Welcome to Tijuaña, Malegría, and La Vie à 2 were my favorites.
Jul 13 2025 Author
5
#DÍA 24: 1001 Discos Que Hay Que Escuchar Antes De Morir (English Translation Below) Bueno, bueno, bueno, bueno, bueno, bueno… Qué sorpresa que ha sido para mí este álbum, es fabuloso. Manu Chao es un artista francoespañol del que conocía sin saber, por su famoso single Viva Tu. Aún así, me sorprendió que al fin me saliese un proyecto en español en el desafío, aunque contiene también francés, portugués e inglés, en general me alegra ver un poco de variedad en ese sentido porque estoy seguro de que esto va a ser raro. Me dirigí algo ciego (o sordo) a este disco sin saber qué esperar, miré algo en Wikipedia acerca del estilo y supongo que esperaba canciones sencillas con ritmos latinos con algún toque alternativo. Sin embargo, me choco con este viaje de 16 canciones sencillisimas pero cargadas de poesía y, sobre todo, una coherencia sorprendente pese a realmente ser muy ecléctico. Por encima de esto, Manu Chao conecta las canciones a la perfección, no solo con transiciones sino con motivos que de vez en cuando vuelven a aparecer, como los refranes de Mentira o el estribillo de Luna y Sol haciendo un melancólico vis en Día Luna… Día Pena. Cada tema suma a una imagen general que se va dibujando poco a poco según te adentras, comenzando con el perfecto entrante homónimo, el cual resume todo el álbum y su sentido, cargado de crítica hacia los estereotipos de hispanos y latinoamericanos, lo que también vemos en la alternativa Bongo Bong o Welcome to Tijuana. Además, nos presenta un autorretrato interesante, como alguien solitario y viajero, algo tratado en profundidad en Desaparecido o Mamá Call; síntoma también de no encontrar un destino en la vida, posiblemente un lado más pesimista ante las mentiras del mundo, aunque es un hecho que le puede ser tanto para bajar cabeza (Día luna… Día pena) como para levantar el ánimo de hacer un cambio y buscar un ideal (Luna y sol). Por otro lado el amor también está presente, pero como uno que se quiere olvidar principalmente, aunque Manu Chao no parecer ser capaz como finalmente se revela en La Despedida, pese a mostrar bastante seguridad en ello en Je ne t’aime plus o La vie A 2 (casualmente las dos que están en francés, me pregunto si será algo hecho de forma intencionada como referencia al cine de este idioma en el que es tan típico que se trate el amor). Aún así hay un pequeño sentido de amor, pero principalmente dirigido a las drogas, como el alcohol en Malegría o la marihuana en Minha galera, ambas camufladas como canciones románticas. Finalmente el LP concluye con El viento, un motivo que encarna el carácter del protagonista: todo va y viene, el amor, los problemas, la tristeza, la felicidad, las personas… Quizá estoy sobreinterpretando de sobremanera todo lo que trae este álbum, pero realmente ha estimulado enormemente mi cerebro melómano que se despertó con ganas de coser conceptos. Casi no he tratado aspectos musicales del LP pero en general son impecables, tienen un carácter orgánico que los hace preciosos y unos grooves pequeñitos pero muy pegadizos. A todo esto se le suma un uso magistral de samples para crear una atmósfera única, desde interpolaciones de música latina bien conocida (como La Llorona en Mentira), grabaciones que hizo Manu Chao en sus viajes, una comunicación de los primeros viajes al espacio de la Unión Soviética, hasta un jodido extracto de Garfield… Es tan extraño pero a la vez lo siento tan claro todo cuando lo escucho, tengo ganas de seguir escuchándolo de principio a fin porque es una experiencia sin igual. Favoritas: Clandestino, Desaparecido, Bongo Bong, Je ne t’aime plus, Mentira, Lágrimas de Oro, Mamá Call, Luna y Sol, Día Luna… Día Pena, Malegría, La Vie A 2, Minha galera, La despedida, El viento Menos favorita: Welcome to Tijuana (principalmente porque las vocals tan graves de sapo me incomodan, pero ignorando eso es buen tema) #DAY 24: 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die Well, well, well, well, well, well… What a surprise this album has been for me—it’s fabulous. Manu Chao is a French-Spanish artist I knew without realizing it, thanks to his famous single Viva Tu. Even so, I was surprised that I finally got a Spanish-language project in this challenge—although it also includes French, Portuguese, and English. Overall, I’m glad to see a bit of variety in that sense, because I’m sure this is going to be an uncommon occasion. I went into this album somewhat blind (or deaf), not knowing what to expect. I skimmed Wikipedia for a bit about the style, and I suppose I was expecting simple songs with Latin rhythms and maybe some alternative touches. However, I was hit with this journey of 16 incredibly simple songs, yet loaded with poetry and, above all, a surprising sense of coherence—despite being truly eclectic. On top of that, Manu Chao connects the songs perfectly, not only with transitions but with recurring motifs that reappear from time to time, such as the refrains from Mentira or the chorus from Luna y Sol making a melancholic reappearance in Día Luna… Día Pena. Each track contributes to a bigger picture that gradually takes shape as you dive in, starting with the perfect self-titled opener, which summarizes the whole album and its meaning, full of criticism towards stereotypes of Hispanics and Latin Americans—a theme we also see in the alternative-flavored Bongo Bong or Welcome to Tijuana. He also offers an interesting self-portrait—as a solitary, traveling figure—something explored in depth in Desaparecido or Mamá Call. This also hints at a lack of direction in life, possibly a more pessimistic view in the face of the world’s lies, though it can lead either to bowing one’s head (Día Luna… Día Pena) or to lifting one’s spirits to make a change and chase an ideal (Luna y Sol). On the other hand, love is also present, but mostly as something to forget—though Manu Chao doesn’t seem capable of doing so, as is finally revealed in La Despedida, despite showing quite a bit of confidence in Je ne t’aime plus or La vie A 2 (coincidentally, both in French—makes me wonder if this was intentional, as a nod to French cinema where love is such a typical theme). There’s also a small sense of affection here, but directed mostly toward drugs, such as alcohol in Malegría or marijuana in Minha Galera—both disguised as romantic songs. The LP finally closes with El Viento (The Wind), a motif that encapsulates the protagonist’s character: everything comes and goes—love, problems, sadness, happiness, people… Maybe I’m overinterpreting everything this album brings, but it has truly fired up my music-loving brain, which woke up eager to stitch concepts together. I’ve barely touched on the musical aspects of the LP, but overall they’re impeccable, with an organic quality that makes them beautiful and some tiny but incredibly catchy grooves. To all of this, add a masterful use of samples to create an unique atmosphere—from interpolations of well-known Latin music (La Llorona in Mentira), to recordings Manu Chao made during his travels, to communications from the first Soviet Union space missions, to a freaking Garfield excerpt… It’s so strange, yet it all feels so clear when I listen. I can’t wait to keep playing it from start to finish, because it’s an experience like no other. Favorites: Clandestino, Desaparecido, Bongo Bong, Je ne t’aime plus, Mentira, Lágrimas de Oro, Mamá Call, Luna y Sol, Día Luna… Día Pena, Malegría, La Vie A 2, Minha galera, La despedida, El viento Least Favorite: Welcome to Tijuana (just because of the toad-like voice, otherwise it's a great tune)
Jul 11 2025 Author
5
a classic!
Jul 07 2025 Author
5
Pretty friggen good
Jul 02 2025 Author
5
The Layers… Another album from my childhood! I definitely know Esperanza better but all the things I think the later albums build on is here in glory.
Jun 25 2025 Author
5
Not a fan of most Latin music but this was amazing. Songs like La Vie, Mama Call, and Bongo Bong totally redefined what Latin music could be.
Jun 16 2025 Author
5
The only album...
Jun 07 2025 Author
5
I want to say, "It joins tequila and tacos, as one of my favorite things from Mexico." But the dude is from Paris.
May 28 2025 Author
5
********** stars would be more appropriate. ;-)
May 04 2025 Author
5
I was introduced to Manu Chao by my Spanish teacher, and enjoy his music. I'll check out more
May 02 2025 Author
5
Thank you for sharing
Apr 20 2025 Author
5
This has to be regsrded as a top 10 album in latin american music history. Manu is the greatest latin artist. Well educated, well versed, well travelled, knowledge on all music of all countries, dominates and sings in 3 languages. Social justice and political themes in reggae, punk, ballard, peruvian and equatorian local music. Just one of the best albums ever.
Apr 17 2025 Author
5
Chill af spanish reggae
Apr 10 2025 Author
5
¿Quieres café, mi vida? (Sí) ¡Pues, sírvetelo!
Apr 04 2025 Author
5
Mikkl uppáhaldsplata. Manu Chao er frábær.
Mar 31 2025 Author
5
nice album. sommerlichi vibes. wöri weder lose
Mar 28 2025 Author
5
This is great! Chilled out and funky and fun. I will definitely be revisiting this!
Mar 24 2025 Author
5
absolute fire bongo bongo
Mar 23 2025 Author
5
Manu Chao is king!... of the bongo.
Mar 21 2025 Author
5
Amazing
Mar 19 2025 Author
5
Love this album
Mar 02 2025 Author
5
Гений, создавший уникальное звучание и лучший альбом латиноамериканской танцевальной музыки. На альбоме Clandestino представлено все что могло только относиться к танцевальному жанру в 1998 году: гитарное сопровождение, качающие синты, заводная драм партия в латиноамериканском стиле, тексты на 5(!!) разных красивых языках и многое другое. Альбом просто невозможно описать на словах, поэтому я рекомнедую каждому ознакомиться с творчеством Manu Chao, особенно с этим альбомом. Атмосфера альбома потрясающая, подходит для прослушивания в различные жизненные периоды, но в особенности рекомендую слушать для поднятия настроения. Лично мне по звучанию напоминает музыку Джесси Пинкмена из Во все тяжкие, которую в эпизодах он слушал в наушниках. Потрясающая находка из списка «1001». Танцевальные 5/5.
Mar 02 2025 Author
5
That was pretty fun. It suffers a bit from ending up being samey, but I've liked it overall as a project, the transitions between songs, the vibe. If it tried to be a bit more, it'd be an easy 4 and a 5 contender, for now I think it's a tricky 4. Edit: Listened to this one so many times, I cannot think of giving it anything than 5 nowadays.
Feb 20 2025 Author
5
Classic!
Feb 06 2025 Author
5
Always loved this one. I learn so much specific Spanish 🤣
Jan 18 2025 Author
5
Ahh I loved the first half soooooo much. It would've been an easy 5 star, but the other half was a little bit less amazing. Still, I think it deserves to be among my other 5 star albums. Light 5
Jan 18 2025 Author
5
The way I love this album is unrivaled .. I would give a 10 if I could
Jan 18 2025 Author
5
Really awesome
Jan 16 2025 Author
5
Awesome
Jan 16 2025 Author
5
Jaaaaa! Heerlijk!
Jan 12 2025 Author
5
Subversive, sublime, takes me right back to a time and place
Jan 09 2025 Author
5
What a fun album. Never heard of the artist or album prior to listening. It's so uplifting and happy. Reminded me of summer holidays around the pool and on the beach. Could almost taste the tequila and lime. Perfect de stress. Brilliant
Jan 02 2025 Author
5
Definitely a throwback for me, it's been a bit. This album is great and just has a wonderful groove and vibe to it, nostalgic for sure. Listened to it a couple times. Great stuff!
Jan 02 2025 Author
5
Spanish rege