Reviews (page 10 of 15)
I want to buy foodtruck now and sell some sandwiches
Fab
Hell yeah. Give me mariachi on a Friday any day of the week.
I liked this album. The jazz piano/mariachi worked for me. Although I have no idea what was being said lyrically - Spanish sounds happier and more flowing than most other languages.
I appreciate it but not my go to. This is something I think I need to be in the right physical space too enjoy more. Some bar in Miami probably.
Love these tunes.
not exactly my cup of tea but i enjoy the instrumentals so its a 7/10 for me
A great relief after getting Junkyard and Trout Mask Replica back to back. It’s been expressed in other reviews, but please someone get me a cocktail. I could listen to this all day! (And I did, on repeat!)
About time I gave this a listen.
Great vibes all the way through
Loving the guitar. Something I’d definitely listen to again on a sunny day. Some of the songs were longer than they needed to be but overall good. Highlights: De Camino a La Vereda Dos Gardenias
Muy bien!
Couldn't finish
What an absolutely lovely album that was to listen to
There's magic in this album. Always happy to listen to this one again. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Foreign to me
You have to admire the artistry of those musicians and the energy they play with.
I enjoyed the music and energy. I need to work on my Spanish.
I can see why it was so popular, it’s just not a genre I get into.
sehr schön für laue Sommerabende
Enjoyed it but it got a bit too easy listening by the end.
Be prepared to dance
Its always been a want to try other languages music and the cubans did not disappoint. This album is a beautiful Latin jazz fusion masterpiece. Engrossed the whole way through. It was also a unique experience for me as I said before, my first introduction to a wonderful Latin-American album. A fun thing about foreign language music is the puzzle of finding out the subject of the song and lyrics. That kept me engrossed, googling the lyrics translated and reading the meaning and intentions behind the song as I have no way to understand the themes and purpose of the songs and album as a whole. Overall brilliant new experience and I want to check out other music from other cultrures. 8/10
So great.
It was not my type of thing , gave me jungle book vibes and no words, if you were mehinto that sort of thing I’d imagine it would be good.
Funky
Man, I just love this style of music so much. The spicy, Spanish flavor is just so good. Every track was very enjoyable and I didn't want it to end, so I played the album through twice. I'd heard Chan Chan before, but the others were new to me and I loved them. Five stars.
Musica Tropicale. It was so refreshing to hear. There was such joy in the singing in this music, not something you hear much of a lot of time. I did feel a few songs went on a bit too much ("El Cuarto de Tula"). But the musicians still kept me interested even when the song went on a bit. Recommended, a good palate cleanser. Top tracks: "Chan Chan," "De Camino a la Verada," "Pueblo Nuevo"
I really loved the opening to Chan Chan - smooth, deft guitar plucking and bongo tapping, and a modern twist. I thought it could be a 5-star album based off that. But I didn't love everything as much. De Camino a la Vereda was alright, but a bit too old school. Pueblo Nuevo was fun, even sneaking in a bit of Louie Louie there? Veinte Anos and El Carretero also had some real nice guitar playing though the vocals in the former weren't as good (vocals in the latter had a classic samba/cubano feel). Candela was pretty good too, though after that I started to get disinterested. Too slow? Too old sounding? I don't know. If this was 4-5 songs shorter, it'd could be really, really good. Feels like a 3.5 in the end but I'll round up because I likely wouldn't normally and that might be due to my uninformed ear for this genre.
I grew up listening to salsa. This is a modern cuban group that keeps it as real as it can get. Doing 40s music and staying clear of progress of the genere. Its world music and has all the jazz, el son, danzon, bolero, salsa and quartet music being released in the late 90. Its like going back in time. Simply an amazing acheivement for modern music.
Nice vibes. Aged well.
Absolutely loved this album.
amazing
This is a 3.5 for me. I like it, but not sure why or how.
I find this one hard to describe, it's pleasent enough, but I'm unsure what it is. And I'm unsure if it's something I'll return to in the future Standouts 3/5
I felt like I was chilling on a secluded beach in Cuba. I don't know how often I'll come back to the album but I've saved it.
I enjoyed this so much
Really nice! Chill, easygoing music that’s hard not to move along to the beat. Worth another listen for sure - I enjoyed this a lot.
Good gentle background music. Nothing particularly noteworthy, but pleasant.
A really nice blend of latin sounds- it was greay music to have on in the background of my day. I can see how it was pribably very well received from enjoyers of latin dance.
Ry Cooder was the one who founded the band to preserve the traditional Cuban music known as Son cubano and Bolero. He took several of the best musicians one could find in Cuba and recorded with them an album that made cultural borders dissapear as pretty much everyone felt and still feels the groove, the energy and the warmth these recordings give out. It is a magical album that no one will be able to replicate. The hour of playtime this album offers is filled to the brim with these special and one of a kind songs that transport you into the tropical streets and beaches of Cuba. The first track 'Chan Chan' already offers one of the albums most iconic moments. I don't know if it's just me but I feel like I always remember this song the most when I think about the album. The repeating lyrics that make up the hook and most of the song are just so easy on the ears while sticking in your mind for eternity. It is a beautiful song to begin the album with as it perfectly introduces a lot of the sounds and instrumental themes the album expands further on. It's genuinely one of the greatest non-english songs that I know of. Especially the trumpet bridge makes this such a mesmerizing experience. The next song 'De camino a la vereda' expands on the lush sound that the opener started. It is as memorable but with more happening throughout with more dynamic and melodic changes. the chorus is really great and the vocals are often as beautiful as you could imagine them. It is just such a lovely song to listen to with so many great and wonderful moments in it. I absolutely love it. 'El cuarto de Tula' goes a much jazzier way by not only having a sort of Jam sound to it but also by being pretty long with 7 minutes. But don't be turned away from that as it is another incredible song. It uses the trumpet in a very "Spanish" way, if you know what I mean. It really flows the whole way it plays without once feeling like it gets boring or unfocused. The different vocals that sometimes raise from the repeating chorus. A truely incredible song with many moments that add tons to the album. The instrumental 'Pueblo nuevo' seems to add a lot from early 20th century Jazz with the piano driven melody and the bass. It does feel a little out of place with the overall dense and lush sounds that the album featured so far but the song isn't bad because of that. It's a pretty good song with some nice moments and a great flow and some of the details are actually done really well, it just didn't NEED to be here. There is a lot of Bolero on 'Dos gardenias' which is actually a pretty short song when compared to some of the songs here with just a little over 3 minutes but it does get amazing pretty quickly. The vocals and their delivery are on point and the bass is really interesting here, I'm not even sure if it is an actual double bass. The song is really good but it doesn't achieve the catchiness that some of the first had. '¿Y tú qué has hecho?' keeps the Bolero ballad form while having some pretty decent vocals but the main attraction of this song is the guitar which flows so well throughout the song and when the time arrives to take the main presence, it does it perfectly. It's a great song but it does feel a little rough around the edges and like they could've pulled more out of it than they ended up doing. A female vocalist joins the established male cast of singers on 'Veinte años'. This song is what the last two did good but makes it better. The two vocal styles work together so perfectly that it keeps enough interesting moments for the song to feel much denser and fuller. It's slightly weird after the bridge but in the best way possible. A great song through and through. The albums second half starts 'El carretero' which is sonically also pretty different. It's hard to pin down what it is exactly but the drums are much different, the details aren't as all around but they still work and the structure and how the vocals are worked into that is just different. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful song and a lot of the "bird sounds" add much to the overall feeling the song gives off but it's just different. It feels a little like a sitar might pop up out of nowhere even if that doesn't really make sense. Great song... Great song... 'Candela' goes back to the sound that the album right when it started. It's a lush and energetic song with a great performance and incredible moments. This is how the album and the musicians work the best. These types of songs feel the most honest and warm and are simply the best way that Cuban music can sound: lush, dense, warm and full of great energy. It's a perfect song, no discussion. There is some interesting Blues incorporated in 'Amor de loca juventud' and it works really well. It's a lovely song with some nice performances and guitar work but I overall don't care for the song as much as I do with most of the other songs. But as I said, the guitar is the true highlight here. It's got the playful sound of a warm late night that you enjoy with loved ones on the beach. It's a great song, still. Similar to before, 'Orgullecida' adds some American touches, this time with Ragtime and some Bluesy nearly "Country"-like guitar. It's a cute song but it doesn't scratch the itch that most songs do here. I still like it especially because the vocals are really lovely but mostly the song moves past me without sticking certainly strong. 'Murmullo' goes back to the Jazz some very Jazz Pop sounding rhytmn sections and piano while still keeping the Afro-Cuban influences and vocal styles. It's a lovely song the feels like a great mix between these two genres but again, I prefer this album with the dense arrangements and less with the laid-back Jazz parts even if they are still great. The instrumental title track 'Buena Vista Social Club' follows with the same old Jazz sounding boundaries. Even if it lacks the vocals, it is presented in a very well working way by going much more into the Jazz than previous songs did which removes the expectations for the dense Cubano even if that means that it feels a little out of place in the album which does make me a little conflicted. It's a really good song but they could've pulled much more out if it than they did in the end. The albums closing track 'La Bayamesa' feels even more out of place. It's got neither the Jazz nor the dense Cubano. It feels more like a vocal centred Folk song of Cuba. It isn't a bad song, it's pretty good but it feels aged and like an extra that wasn't really needed. It's good that it's quite short because if it was longer it'd be pretty annoying. favourites: Chan Chan, De camino a la vereda, Candela, El cuarto de Tula, Veinte años least favourites: La Bayamesa, Orgullecida, Buena Vista Social Club, Pueblo nuevo Rating: strong 8 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes
I listened to this many years ago, I think I had a CD copy at one time. I forgot how good it is. I'll be listening again now I've rediscovered it.
either grunge or that music oasis made
This was a fun listen, however for me there wasn’t much setting it apart from other mariachi music that I’ve heard. Musically, the style is always impressive so you can’t really go wrong. Notable Tracks: - Chan Chan - Pueblo Nuevo - Veinte Anos - Orgullecida
It made my day shine
I bought this CD is 1997 when it was THE thing to own. It would celebrate your diverse musical tastes and rejection of modern pop culture. And I listened to to it expectantly...but Meh. Pleasant enough, and I appreciate the journey into Spanish Language folk music...but it ended up on the back of the cupboard. Listening to it in 2024.... still the same. Pleasant, but doesn't make me want to track down more. Maybe I'm the heathen.
why didn’t you say about this album, when it came out it was An instant classic, and it really defined the era. Listening to it now and hit just the same.
Nando’s toilet
A lovely album to have on in the background, I enjoyed 3/5
depending on mood
Helt omöjligt att betygsätta. Musiken gör ingenting med mig. Jag är helt neutral. Respekterar att många gillar det dock. Det kanske borde bli en 3a men sätter en 2a för jag gillar det ju inte direkt och kommer inte lyssna igen. Blåset blir stundtals lite enerverande.
Som vanlig när det gäller denna typen av musik är det inget man går igång på. Men detta var iaf rätt piggt, och man förstår ändå att det lika gärna hade kunnat vara nåt man diggar. Man blir iaf lite glad!
Är väl kanske inte musik jag själv sätter på, men gillar ändå detta och den goa feelingen man får av att lyssna.
Sköna vibbisar, kanske aningen långt. Stark 2
'Coffee table LPs...' sometimes do please.
This was such a sensation when the documentary came out. Feels even more beautiful now. What a precious treasure for world culture. So intensely sublime and perfect. Makes me hate every other record on this list. Throw it all away. Music doesn’t get better than this. Infinity/5
Heard of them but never really listened to their stuff. Made me feel calm and kind of joyful. Made me want to (learn and) dance salsa in a tropical bar by the ocean under twinkly lights!
Good
i actually love this album. it feels so summery and fresh. the vibe is definitely great and it’s a good change from what i usually listen to. it feels like a breath of fresh air. would definitely listen again !
Nice! A really fantastic LP
Not really for me. There’s one idea per song, repeated for a few minutes til it’s over. I’m sure some people love this.
Solid album, it is a great go-to for vibes.
The first few songs were all the same and not really my vibe, so I got a bit nervous. The later parts of this album have a nice variety of sound. I’m glad I stuck it out.
Good world music album. Relaxing.
Pretty good. Guess it's a nice background album, gives a nice ambience. Don't think it's great for active listening (especially because I don't speak the language).
I forget why I picked this album up back in the nineties. Listening to indigenous Cuban music wasn't a thing for me then. I was a full-on grungehead then. Maybe I was having a brief Ry Cooder moment or some such and thought it sounded interesting. From the first notes of "Chan Chan," I was mesmerized. This is simply gorgeous music -- timeless and ethereal. Let yourself just drift and enjoy.
I actually first heard about this the other day and thought it sounded cool but hadn't had a chance to check it out yet. I've wanted to get into Ry Cooder and Cuban music has always appealed to me so this is a great way to start my morning. There's something beautiful and sad in music from this part of the world that captures me. I would love to see this live.
This is one of those albums that I've been meaning to listen to for years but never got around to it. Thanks to this generator for finally making me sit down with Buena Vista Social Club. What an incredible album. In some ways, it shouldn't even exist, given the US embargo of Cuba. Ry Cooder had to travel illegally to bypass this. The original plan for his collaboration was to include musicians from Mali as well. When their visas were denied, they had to recruit some new musicians and rethink the whole project. With so much going against it, you wouldn't expect it to work. But from the very first notes of 'Chan Chan' you can tell this album will be something special. It might be tempting to dismiss the traditional Cuban music on this album as a novelty that you might find in a tourist gift shop. Despite Cooder's involvement, the Cuban musicians dominate here. But this is truly an incredibly produced collection that earned its place as the top selling world music album of all time. Close your eyes and listen and you can imagine being in Havana, surrounded by beautiful people, colorful buildings, and classic cars. Truly a pleasure to hear.
pretty good, wasn’t really in the mood for it
I say this in the most positive way possible: perhaps some of the best background music ever made, truly excellent stuff.
bueno
Honestly thought this was so good for electronic music. Some of the songs were a bit similar but enough variety where you could put it on in the background and enjoy. I liked this album a lot, especially compared to some other electronic music I’ve listened to.
Now this is what I’m talkin about! Romantically vibrant and beautiful. De Camino a la Vereda was a standout but I danced to most of them, will revisit.
Pretty good, I liked it. 7/10
Latin folk music. It was okay, nothing mind blowing.
Never heard the whole album before. Awesome.
The top review on this album mentions that another highly-rated review gave it a one-star rating on the basis that it's not in English. Now, I want to give my own explanation as to why this kind of dismissal is so utterly (and quite frankly) stupid, with my experience with this album as a guide. As with all albums, this album is elevated with some level of context going into it. Some of Cuba's most talented artists from the 50s, 60s and 70s meeting up with USA guitarist Ry Cooder, and making an album. It's effectively a supergroup. In fact, there's a 1999 documentary about it, which I've not seen. So it's fair to say that in South America, particularly in Cuba, this album is a huge deal, even winning a Grammy award. Plus, while this is the only studio album under the name Buena Vista Social Club, it gave several of the performers on there a second wind, with Ry Cooder, Ibrahim Ferrer, Compay Segundo, Juan de Marcos González and his Afro-Cuban All Stars receiving acclaim with their solo efforts around this time, as well as several others featured on the album - importantly, collaborating with other Buena Vista Social Club performers. All this to say that this is a culturally significant album, and discounting this based on it being sung in Spanish is remarkably ignorant. But obviously that isn't the issue here, if you're not willing to listen to the language of another culture, chances are you don't actually care too much about the culture itself. Alright, that's a whole different bag of worms, but let's talk about the music instead. This is from the perspective of someone who, in terms of traditional South American music, is only familiar with a few artists (Milton Nascimento, Lô Borges, Chico Buarque, João Gilbertido and Antônio Carlos Jobim, and even then, I've only heard one album or song from each). How does it read to someone unfamiliar with the genre, coming from indie rock, alternative rock and experimental rock? I like it quite a bit, personally. I think it's a very inviting record, even, and there's a lot to like here, especially from the stellar first three tracks. It never completely astounds me though, which I attribute to my lack of experience with the style of music here. In this respect, I do understand being put off by it. But to me, I see it as a springboard to learn more about this style of music, how it's done traditionally and how it's performed now. What modern flourishes appear in this album, with it being released in 1997? I don't know, but I very much do want to find out. I realise I've not gone too in-depth about what I thought about the music itself, but the fact that I've gone on this entire tirade should be enough of a hint that I did quite enjoy it. 8/10
A favourite - a beautiful album of its time
Sounds nice, though I fear To judge, I'm underequipped. That is what she said. I remember seeing this album on the shelves in '97 and hearing the buzz around it. Back then I wouldn't dream of taking a chance on it with so many other [hip hop & R&B] options available.
Listening to Cuban musicians is a great way to remind yourself you are not very good. Felt like this stated off cool, but got too mellow for me as it went. Rounding down to 3. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)
There’s some weird tendency, when producing “world music” for a North American audience, to smooth the edges off things. Maybe it’s that the main market is for cafe playlists or something. To my ear, it often sucks the life out of what should be a more raucous, organic sounding thing. This is smooth, but it at least breathes a little. At its best, you can imagine you’re in the room with these guys, and that feels exceedingly rare for a 90s recording that isn’t in English but was marketed towards primarily English speakers. Anyway, I didn’t understand the lyrics, so it’s a 1⭐️ for me. (Just kiddin)
I may not have understood a word they said, but the great thing about the universal language of music is that you don't need to understand what they are saying to enjoy it. This was easy to listen to, smooth, and just all around enjoyable. I was also able to recognize some melodies from other songs that I have a sneaking suspicion drew inspiration from this. Definitely one I'll be coming back to. This made me wish I was somewhere warm, with a nice breeze, enjoying a nice cervaza and some chips and salsa.
Thoughts before listening: Well this is quite fitting coming right after listening to Milton Nascimento's Clube de Esquina. I know this album was a big deal upon its release, but I do not believe I have listened to it. I also don't believe I have watched the accompanying documentary. I have been surprised by how much I enjoy the Central and South American artists on this list, so I look forward to listening to this as well. Review: Well this is quite different than yesterday's album. Where Milton Nascimento's music pulled from the traditional sounds of Central and South America but mixed with more modern styles, this album leans in heavy to the traditional music of Cuba. Its a really chill sound that is instantly recognizable as background music in restaurants or movies, but I have never dug in. This makes for a pleasant listen with excellent musicianship that sounds as if you wandered into a Havana jazz club and saw a bunch of old timers on stage performing. I'll give this 3-stars
Once again, this type of music is full of joy. Even if it's not entirely my thing, I can't help but enjoy it somewhat.
3.25. A classic which introduced a to me new sound
7/10
Me senti em Cuba
Ry Cooder is an unheralded genius. This foray into Latin music is the soundtrack to a documentary. The documentary is fine but the soundtrack is incredible. The band, frozen in time it seems since US sanctions is a capsule of 50s and 60s Cuban music. 5 stars.
All Cuba's exports will make you happy, and a minority will kill you. This is good for you, like a slow lover, or company of a gentle old friend. Oh the soothing music 30 and 40s Havanna (styles called as son, bolero and danzón) Seriously, so very happy to see this album - I'd been meaning to listen to the album, and see the film (Win Wenders seems to be a singular source to pleasure in my life), ever since it came out. So yes it's taken half my life to sit and listen to this. I do love it, more so as it's so much gentler and softer than expected. Feels pure and classical in styles which makes it even more of a treasure. We are fortunate indeed this musical style was preserved and brought back to life.
Eight of the nineteen songs featured in the film are on this album. And there are no duds in either format. Ry Cooder has never stopped collaborating - as a sideman with everyone from Beefheart to the Stones, as a band member with Taj Mahal, as a leading player in the 80’s & 90’s world music explosion & as a composer for at least twenty films, notably Paris Texas, for Wim Wenders, who also directed the film of Buena Vista Social Club. The album just flows - and, as you listen, eyes closed, it transports you to a nightclub in Havana (listen to the piano arrangement in Pueblo Nuevo).You can feel yourself being serenaded at your table. The opening track Chan Chan is perfect. A beautiful album.
When my kids were little and money was tight, friends of the family Bob and Wendy let us borrow their house at Tura Beach near Merimbula for a holiday, which was awesome. They didn't have a large CD collection, but this album was the pick of the bunch, and I flogged it for the full week we stayed there. It's a great listen for a summer holiday, with the kids gamboling around, and just chilling. I've read the criticisms (not really the state of Cuban music, overly nostalgic, only got attention because of Ry Cooder). it is a challenge for world music to get attention on its own merits, without the involvement of a champion to make it more 'palatable' to Western audiences, but Ry Cooder's influence here is much more muted than other examples of world music being regurgitated for mainstream Western markets (most egregious examples: Duckrock or Graceland, both on this 1001 albums list). And it is true that most of the music and artists on this record are more representative of Cuban music in the 1940s and 1950s. It is a highly nostalgic for a time and place that we have never visited (and possibly never really existed), an anemoia. It's like the throwback fashions and old Cadillac that appear on the cover of the album. Is it any less cool because of it? I think not. The history of this record seems a little less exploitative than, say, Graceland or Duckrock. A number of Cuban musicians got a real boost onto the world stage for some late career success, and good on them. The laid back tempo, the Latin feel, the great singing, the warm production and tasteful playing make this a really pleasant album to listen to. Sounds great, is great. Highly recommended for summer afternoons.
loved this.
Definitely not my usual type of dog walking music. Felt like I was in an episode of Narcos but enjoyed it all the same. Probably won't go back but you never know.
Yeah not bad. Interesting guitar work, but not really my style.
Even as a non Spanish speaker, this rules. The vibes are great. Good energy all around.
I've heard of this band. Never listened to this album. Maybe even saw them at a festival. Definitely was not expecting this style of music. Legit.
I have a soft spot for cuban music as well as jazz, so this album was a treat. Something that was easy for me to listen to and opened up some memories of myself when I was younger, since this was closer to what I used to listen to before I heavily got into electronic music. I especially liked Pueblo Nuevo and Buena Vista Social Club because of the usage of piano and specific chord progs. Dos Gardenias and Veinte Anos were very nice treats due to their chord progs and vocals and probably one of the more interesting songs to me on the album. Candela is also quite good. I think I've heard it somewhere before, not sure where. It was generally pleasant to listen to. I'm sure I'd love to hear this in person played by the group or a similar ensemble. Would be quite the treat at dinner as well. I can definitely imagine myself listening to this drinking a cinnamon brown sugar latte in shorts and a shirt near the beachside.
Reminds me of working the kitchen. I'm a software engineer now. I don't miss working in the kitchen. Good chill summer vibe background music, but not something I want to actively put on when in an active listening mood.
Jaaaaaa det her er så hygge ❤️ Har hørt det flere gange før. Rigtig godt til f.eks. at lave mad til! Kan blive lidt ensformigt hvis det ikke er baggrundsmusik hehe 4/5
An enjoyable surprise.
I really enjoyed this album.
❤❤❤❤❤ for "Chan Chan"! A pleasure to listen to although it´s not my prefered style of music. 3,5
Oh, soft spot for this one. I remember seeing Wim Wenders' documentary at the cinema and immediately bend intrigued by this other world. The music is captivating and transporting. Solid performances born of a lifetime playing from the heart. Four harmonic stars.
Me gustaed it for a while. Liked that it was in Spanish, if it was in English I probably would've decided it was old man music and not even tried to get into it. I still didn't get into it, but I don't regret listening to this album
My dad owns this on CD, it's in his car in fact. Due to this, I have listened to this multiple times since I first heard it back in ~2017 or so. Listened to it another 2 times for this review just to make sure. There's unfortunately a reason why I only remember Chan Chan, or why every time I search "Buena Vista Social Club" I only ever turn on Chan Chan. The album itself isn't bad, nor did I experience a single moment that I disliked, it's just that the rest of the album does nothing for me. Like a fat stripper or plain rice.
Even though I cannot understand what is being said, the album is pretty cool. It starts off with energetic songs, and then becomes rather soft with many songs featuring piano. This isn't really the type of music I'd normally listen to but I was able to enjoy it. The song "Candela" is a little too repetitive for me.
I used to really love this album, but I think it was more of a gateway into Latin/Cuban jazz and other music, to the point where I’ve listened to so much of the genre that this doesn’t really stand out any longer. I will say that crediting the album to “Buena Vista Social Club” as the artist doesn’t really do justice to the amount of talent involved. American Ry Cooder (himself a specialist in world music despite my finding his music mostly really boring) helped conceive of the project and bring the musicians together. There’s tons of legendary Cuban musicians like Cachaíto on bass, Manuel "Guajiro" Mirabal on trumpet, Compay Segundo playing guitar and singing, Rubén González on piano, and Omara Portuondo singing. Many of these musicians were in their 70s when recording, which is a testament to their immense talent and popularity.
Get me a rum punch NOW!
It's been a long time since I heard this album. And it's really good to have a non-English language album on this list! Of course the challenge then is to grasp what the songs are about. Nevertheless, for me this was a pleasant album to listen to, and it made me want to kill time in a Cuban bar with a daiquiri.
The Coffee Table album to end all Coffee Table albums back in '97... and for that reason I kinda avoided it. But since then my horizons have been forever expanding. Time to revisit. It's fantastic. It's like the dry dusty earth it comes from - it's just there. It's always been there. Who knows where it came from. This kind of collaboration should be more prevalent - it needs to be encouraged.
4-5 stars
Had some really good tracks. 3.4.
I really enjoyed this even though I have no idea what any of the lyrics were. Personal Enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5
Great
I enjoyed this album ... the tracks featuring piano were especially good.
bops
An album to throw on anytime I don’t know what to play
Fantastic. One of my favourite finds on this list so far. 9/10
3.5/5
0/10, говно
3 out of 5. First time listening to BVSC and while not usually into this style it was a fun listen.
Played the 25th anniversary edition. Chan Chan is good and I like the jazzy, piano driven tracks like Pueblo Nuevo, Murmullo, and the title track. Most of the rest sounds like generic Latin music to my ears. Still an easy *** for Chan Chan and the piano pieces.
Ok this entire album is in SPANISH? 😭 This album is so fun but I wish I knew what they were saying lol The beginning songs were very like party but then it got much slower for like majority of the album and I’m like what happened Fav was candela 3/5
I fw this quite a bit, but it’s not something I could see myself listening to on my own accord. GREAT vibe music tho. A sold 3.5.
Liked it a lot, upbeat and chill, liked all the songs, even though it was Spanish the music was still good, no complaints, but nothing too special. 7.5/10 id say
fantastic start and considerably less fantastic mid-end :( the unclean and acoustic approach to recording the album makes it unidentifiable as a late 90s record in some regard, giving it super fun authenticity and some silliness that is often lost in works via overproduction 3/5
I think my Uncle Ian introduced me to this album many years ago, but I seem to have lost the tape and never got the chance to hear it until today. At first, Ry Cooder's name caught my attention, as I know him from the soundtrack to Crossroads, and something else cool he released at about the same time. Still, Cuban music isn't really in my wheelhouse, so I approach this with trepidation. Will it be, as I suspect, suitable as background music in cafes, Mexican restaurants, or other inconsequential locations? Is it going to be what those four entertaining owls played to Rango in the desert? The answers are: Yes and Yes. But it is also well played, dynamically recorded, and quite fun to listen to at home while doing the dishes or other boring chores. As an aside, some of the repetitive choruses seem to have a touchpoint in African tribal music. Not bad.
- Chan Chan (erster Song ) 10/10
Plátano superior.
Very pleasant. This passed me by at the time. Would play again.
Fantastic album….
Nicely fills a genre gap in my audio portfolio
This album is a fantastic listen. Not what I usually consume but something different is never a bad thing. I think the first track “Chan Chan” and “Veinte Años” were stand out tracks while listening. This is something that I would put on while cleaning the house and listen through start to finish. Amazing musicianship and singers on every track. Great listen.
I already own this one 😀
I had never listened to this one before this, but I know a masterpiece when I hear it. The language barrier (for me despite 4+ years of Spanish in school) adds to the music in my opinion. There were several moments that stopped me in my tracks while listening: something about the combination of instruments and the synergy of the band is magical at times. It makes me want to visit Havana and listen to it on repeat. A superb album.
Fantastic Cuban/World grooves and Spanish lyrics. A wonderful album for just chilling with a margarita.
a really cool foray into cuban music! i don't know if i ever would have gone out of my way to listen to this album, but i'm glad i did. the album is very passionately played and sung. you can tell that a lot of care went into this. i'm not familiar with the group, but it looks like there is a documentary that is sort of in tandem with this album that i may check out. really cool stuff. although i did enjoy myself, i'm not sure it's an album i would really come back to all the time, but it certainly is an album i enjoyed outside of the scope of the music i normally listen to and i really do appreciate it for that.
Eine der besten Platten der neunziger Jahre
Buena Vista Social Club The Guardian told me I should buy this back in 1997, so I did, likely thinking it would make me appear cool and eclectic. I did enjoy it, but it didn’t have much longevity in my barely formed 18 year old brain, so I don’t think I listened to it between 1998 and now. Of all the music outside of the Western Europe/North America bubble, I do find myself drawn more to North and Northwest African desert blues and Indian stuff like Call of the Valley the other day, rather than things like this in the central american/caribbean/latin american genres. Maybe it’s the spanish guitars or the jazz adjacency but it never quite fires my imagination. However I did enjoy it today, maybe out of nostalgia and maybe because it was a nice sunny day, but also because it is genuinely good. The various lead vocals and lead vocalists are superb, I love that they are a bit older and have that great lived in, slightly frayed around the edges feel. And the harmonies are excellent throughout. The playing is also great, giving the whole thing such a languid, sunny feel, although often there is a detectable air of melancholy. I obviously don’t know what they are singing about, it could be about lost love and family or worker co-operatives and production quotas, but it doesn’t matter, it sounds great. However, unless you are really into this type of music, an hour is a lot. There’s no doubt it does start to feel quite samey after about ½ an hour, and although it doesn’t really drag, it’s one of those where you could accidentally restart the album at any point and you wouldn’t necessarily notice. Highlights for me are the first 3 tracks, particularly the first one Chan Chan. Ry Cooder’s slide on this is great, subtly adding to the track and giving it a very pleasant hint of bluesiness. I also really liked El Carretero and Orgullecida. The rest, while very nice and atmospheric, didn’t particularly register. Overall I’d say it’s right in the 3s. Very listenable and enjoyable, and I would listen again, but doesn’t quite resonate enough with me over the course of an hour to push it into the 4s, despite the obvious quality of musicianship 🇨🇺🇨🇺🇨🇺 Playlist submission: Between Chan Chan and Orgullecida, I’ll go Chan Chan
We must be grateful to Ry Cooder for putting this ensemble of Cuban legends together. Chan Chan is by far the best song on an album that would also be a classic if it was not on it.
A delightful foray across multiple genres of traditional Cuban music
Find it very hard not to love the socks off this music
Absolutely killer vibes, mix of so many different feelings. Listened to the whole album on my way home and didn't pay any mind to the traffic around me, happy happy happy
Agree it’s an album to listen to before you die. No way I’m listening to this again.
Music for holiday, not for prepping a radiator to be painted. Not sure why any better than other holiday music?
Niceee want it vinyl
Funky.
Beautifully soulful.
Pleasant if I was in my 60s and was throwing a dinner party, but that's a while till that becomes me. Faster tracks were much more enjoyable, slower ones not so much. Nice to hear, can see why it's on this list, but generally not for me.
Nah
This is good. It's mellowed-out mariachi music which is much more enjoyable.
I love the sound and beats of this musical group. Really glad they got their music outside of Cuba.
I feel like it got a bit repetitive but it definitely didn’t hurt them because it was so good
If they had taken off like four or five songs from this album it would have gotten a 4 from me. It was really enjoyable and loved the sound. It was fun, festive, and full of life. Again, I really didn’t mind not being able to understand pretty much anything they were saying. However, I really wish this hadn’t been as long of an album, it started to drag about halfway to three quarters of the way through.
Excellent album-love the variety of instruments, and tempos. Great vocals. Fantastic listen
This sort of unknown to me gem is why I'm here.
The best music transports you to a different world.
Just really enjoyable and well arranged.
I remember listening to this with it first came out and it was part of Peter Gabriel's REAL WORLD collection trying to get people exposed to new sounds. I bought all those releases thinking it made me cool. I liked this one, 3 stars
Easy listening but I didn’t connect with any songs in particular.
Really enjoyed this.
Wow - I really loved this album. It's so calming and yet uplifting. Really beautiful melodies and the perfect way to start the day or perfect album to lunch to.
2+ Letkeetä kesäistä
You can start smelling the mojitos on the first note. Can confirm that this can still be heard on the streets as of at least 2017, though I am sure these musicians are the best of the best. The entire thing was lovely but Chan Chan really stood out for me.
Great synergy between the old codgers and Ry Cooder on Latin music.
I really liked this, even though it was in Spanish! 4 stars
“Musica cubana” at the highest level.
Not for me. Just background music for my ears. I think the fact that I don't speak Jazz had more of a negative influence on my experience than the fact that I don't speak Spanish. Shame on me, I say! Also the vibes got kinda ruined, because I listened to this while it was raining outside. This is very much a sunny day album.
Really fun great listen
Mariachi band I love whilst painting . How do they carry the piano from bar to bar?
Instant classic
Isn't it weird that, between Bad Company yesterday and Buena Vista Social Club today, I got two albums in a row that contain a song that's also the name of the album which is also the name of the band that happens to start with a B? I think that's weird. You know what else I think? I think this album's pretty good. I feel like I've had a really good track record with non-English albums so far. Albums such as Os Mutantes, Getz/Gilberto, Ágætis Byrjun, and now this have all pleasantly surprised me with how much I enjoyed them. The sound and singing are quite pleasant. It feels distinctively Latin American. I translated the lyrics and the results were also positive. My one complaint is that it's a bit repetitive and long, but that's not that big of a deal in comparison to other albums that go on for way longer and are way more repetitive. This is just a nice album that somehow managed to sell over 8 million copies. Wow! Good job Buena Vista Social Club. You deserve it. Light 4/5.
Niks anders dan vijf sterren hiervoor. Zoooo goed
Very relaxing.
Without some silly coincidences, this album never would have been and with that the sound of a country would have been lost. These amazing musicians and their music would have never been saves for us to enjoy. Amazing album front to back. It’s even better with translated lyrics next to it.
Very cool
Delicioso para uma segunda feira de trabalho
116/1001
Classic cuban vibes
apart from the one song everybody knows, not much to see...
Love this album. Can listen to it all day.
So good!
8.5/10
Looking beyond its role in Half Man, Half Biscuit's very accurate skewering of a certain type of middle class Englishness, this is still a legitimately brilliant record. Master craftsmen and women doing what they do best.
It was good ngl . My first Latin Music Album. Big Fan
It's a classic, I love it
Meh
Heavy rotation when this came out, such a beautiful soundtrack. Timeless music performed by timeless souls. Sweet nostalgia for our newlywed days of 1997.
First time listener who was blown away. A few songs don’t connect but is beautiful 😍
Not super interesting but not bad Standout songs: El Cuarto De Tula Candela
It’s very cool. I really need to watch the documentary.
This was a super fun listen! Perfect for the summer in my opinion
As the weather gets warmer, and we are less than two weeks away from the start of summer, life calls for more music like this. Something that represents summer break, the heat, and relaxation. Based on the cover alone, I was ready for a vibe. And a vibe it was. This album feels so fitting for the summer, and paints pictures in my head of people driving around with the sun roof open, or on the beach, with this playing in the background. And I love how large of an ensemble this group is. You can feel the energy through the music, and I really get the feeling this was something created because of the love they all share for traditional Cuban music. I’m just a little disappointed though. When I listen to an album, it’s pretty clear to me whether I like it or not. I dislike the music I dislike, and I love the music I love. I don’t feel like I ever really have to justify that to anyone, or explain that why I don’t like a record is because I’m missing something. But I think today may be an exception. I wanted to like this more. Really badly. But something about it just didn’t seem to really click in my brain. But I also don’t feel qualified to speak on this. This is very far out from what I generally listen to, and this also isn’t my culture. But I do feel like I have a little bit of experience with this kind of music. I wish this blew me away like I was expecting it to. I still respect it for everything it is. Rating: 5/10
I’m glad I finally got a non-English album because I think it’s ridiculous that seemingly over 90% of the albums on this list are in English BUT I unfortunately found this a bit boring. The Cuban vibes were definitely strong!
A great Classic of charming Cuban music.
I don’t speak Spanish only did like half
Pleasantly surprised with this album. Jazzy cuban music. Favorite track: Candela other picks: Chan Chan, Pueblo Nuevo
Feels like drinking cuba libre -- nice taste, well made, nothing too exciting.
The BVSC was an interesting mix-up from the recent picks. First thing that hit me was how well the recording quality was. I am going to relished to this when I have my good headphones available. Overall this isn’t my normal jam, but I enjoyed it. I picked up on the In the Heights Musical soundtrack nod in Candela. This reminded me of my brief stint in Belize many moons ago. Favorite track was the opener Chan Chan.
Can’t remember how I exactly happened upon this one but it’s been a staple for years. These amazing Cuban musicians get their due on this record. You can almost taste the pressed sandwiches, black beans, and plantains when playing this album. Delicious music indeed.
Background sort of music. If not for the backstory on this band, it wouldn't be on here.
Cheerful, chilled. Just as Shaft said, "makes me sway".
Pretty pants
Music to eat a chicken butterfly or sell copious amounts of cocaine to
Honestly loved this album. Very relaxed feel, reminds me of a morning on a vacation.
Really good vibes, had a good time listening
A solid entry into a genre I know very little about. I’m looking forward to giving this one another spin, as I feel like there are a lot of great nuggets in here.
A cavalcade of Cuban musicians, bound by cultural pride and fueled by rum and coffee, come together to preserve their country’s rich musical heritage for generations to come.
I don’t think that I can give this a true rating- I listened to it while I was driving, and was unable to look up the translation for the lyrics. Overall, I enjoyed the instrumentals and the overall vibes of the album.
It’s like being on holiday, sounds good.
I liked this more than I expected to. I thought it was really pretty and the faster songs made me want to dance.
Got nervous when the first 2 tracks sounded very similar but there was more variety as the album went on. Generally fine with this music genre and this was decent.
I’ve listened to this before. As always, it’s fine.
Back when it came out, this was everywhere but in my ears somehow, and it’s lovely. The instruments sound like they’re within hand’s reach, set into intricate patterns - there’s a formality to this that enthrals. Everything has its turn and place, and you don’t need to understand the order to admire it. Sounds like these dudes played together for decades, which they probably did.
really good, a breath of fresh air when it came out in the heyday of Britpop. seemed to be played everywhere at the time, listening to it now brings back good memories of London bars and restaurants in the late '90s. thoroughly enjoyable [EDIT - 5 in a row that I own, how long will this pleasant but unenlightening streak continue?]
This was a perfect album to listen to while working in front of a computer for the day. Top-notch musicianship and really interesting Caribbean jazz fusion. It made my office cubicle a slightly happier place for an hour.
Fun album keeps you in a good mood.
jazzy, liked it
Incredibly conceptual..
First track is amazing, an all time favourite. And then we're in a cuban restaurant waiting for a song you recognise. Nice enough - nothing wonderful
Fun album.
There are songs I’m familiar with already. It’s very enjoyable and I would return to listen to the album as a whole again. Nice to have in the background without it being boring. Helped me focus which is sometimes such a plus for me.
Would I listen to it again: no Is it a no-skip album: - Do I like it: no* * I was so bored. It's a me problem.
Great album. The instrumentation work is awesome, whether it’s the dual guitars, horns or the keys it all works. There is great variety in style and ambiance throughout the album.
Lovely album. Listened through it while playing with my 8 month old and she had an excellent time dancing along. Obviously the rhythm section is the star here, as in most Latin music, but the harmonic movement of this band is also so good. Pueblo Nuevo was a standout for me for this reason. There are some moments where this sounds like the corny ragtime you only now here in amusement parks, but the highs more than make up for it.
Very nice! Shame I never heard of them!
Great stuff
Classic
pretty good, i dont really understand spanish but sonically it sounds really nice. I wasnt paying attention much but it was a no skip album.
Still sounds amazing 👌🏻
Not normally something I’d listen to, but really enjoyable listen.
Good ol Spanish music. A good time
Deeelight. For this one the dad wish is cocktails at a beach bar.
Nice island vibes.
I want to give this 10 stars.
Just a classic and very lovely record.
Nice and pleasant. This would be some great beach music.
i loved it , old school feel
Super enjoyable listen - didn't leave a review after I listened because I wanted to listen again. But I realized that once I was done with it, I haven't thought about it since. Will maybe listen again some day but not one that stuck with me for the long haul.
Another that was fine but where I felt no compulsion to finish it.
Wonderful album! Something great O had not discovered yet! Will be a repeat listen for sure.
This is so mellow and so good. I hadn't heard it before. Liked songs added: - De Camino a La Varedo - Pueblo Nuevo
cool band and nice kind of instrument
I liked this album when it came out. I liked this album as it became widely known and reached a point of oversaturation. I liked this album ever since and I still like it now.
Chill but same
Amazing holiday vibes
Chan Chan El cuarto de Tula El Guayabero Dos gardenias
I think I’ve yet to have a bad samba album, and today is no exception. Buena Vista Social Club remind me a little of the Gipsy Kings, but more laid back. I had this album on in the car today while driving to see some monkeys in a forest, and it made for a really nice experience. I’ll admit I wasn’t hyper focused on the music as my attention was on the road, but I still really enjoyed the album nonetheless.
Literally didn't understand a word of it, but honestly enjoyed quite a bit of it. Not sure why it's on this list, and it certainly felt like an album that belonged closer to 1957 to 1997, but overall a decent enough time. 3/5
Love this album so much. I have been a fan for years and it always feels fresh.
Good mood
Made myself get through the first track and I couldn't get any further
Het is buiten 27 graden. Wát een perfecte dag om dit album te luisteren zeg. In de winter werkt dit album gewoon minder goed, ook al vind ik wel dat echt goede muziek je automatisch in de goede sfeer/mindset kan krijgen. Heb dit album al eerder meerdere keren geluisterd maar deze zetten we natuurlijk graag nog een keertje aan! Zwak voor internationale albums, en dit is natuurlijk een latin klassieker. Bijna iedereen heeft Chan Chan wel eens voorbij horen komen, en met goede reden. Het zijn heerlijke nummers. Maaaar; het is wel allemaal redelijk hetzelfde. Er gebeurd niet wereldschokkend veel in het uur dat het album duurt. De nummers zijn inwisselbaar op een bepaalde manier, hoezeer ik hier ook van houd en het zal weinig mensen uitmaken of je Dos Gardenias aanzet of El Cuarto de Tula. Sommige nummers zijn met bijna 8 minuten mij ook even te lang. Maar over het geheel is dit een super sfeervol album, wat perfect de Cubaanse muziek pakt en laat zien. Een soort best of voor Cuba eigenlijk! Ook is de eerste helft van het album duidelijk de betere helft, na ongeveer Candela is het echt een stuk minder, maar dat kan er ook mee te maken hebben dat ik er tegen die tijd ook een klein beetje klaar mee ben. Maar: lekker album, lekker zomers, lekker man. FAVO: Chan Chan, De camino a la vereda, Dos Gardenias, El carreto, Candela
Damn near perfect album, perfect energy.
sounds like its pretty significant for latin american music, but i didnt vibe too much with it YNN
pretty incredible. 4
Not bad
Different and so easy to listen to. Great vibe. 4 stars
Maybe.
Um dos melhores discos, inclusive tenho em vinil
Fire! Not the kind of music I typically listen to but this was awesome.
A great way to start the day 4.5 stars
It wasn’t my cup of tea but I enjoyed listening.
Fun album love the sound
I think I'm on my 5th rewatched of Breaking Bad. I first saw it on TV back when cable was a thing. Then I bought the DVDs.... Then I upgraded to Blu Ray. Then it came on Netflix. Then the 4k version came out on Netflix and I am finally watching that version. I still think it is one of the best acting and writing in a television series. I'm on the fence if I like Better Call Saul more. BCS is a slower burn.it took longer for me to get into it. But when it hooked, it really pulled me in. The whole Chuck plotline was fantastic. Lalo might be one of the best antagonists ever written. And don't get me started on the jaw dropping Howard Hamlin scene... I don't know... Both shows are just perfect. This whole album reminds me of Breaking Bad. And specifically the Negro Y Azul: The Ballad of Heisenberg episode. Despite that, the album was only ok. It's hard to really get into an album that I don't know the language. It's got a really great vibe. The music is well written. But there is a disconnect for sure. It makes me feel like I'm in a dive bar drinking margaritas. Which isn't a bad thing. But as a musical piece it's only ok.
Close your eyes, imagine you’re listening to these songs from a couple of old gents down an alley way, cool crisp air, smells like coffee or something idk. Fantastic Cuban music. 3.6
Dos gardenias and el carretero are solid songs, along with amor de loca juventud
💃🕺
Not really my style of music and I didn't massively enjoy this tbh not particularly offensive but still a slog to get through
Very easy listening...even though I am not fluent in spanish!
fun entry
Not something I would normally listen to, but very enjoyable especially on a sunny day like today
Nice and vibey, might have scored higher if I could understand any of the Spanish. Simpsons: No
Top background music. Will play more from these.
I really struggled to get into this, it probably didn't help that I couldn't understand any of the lyrics.
I just love a bit of Latin music. Wish my Spanish was better to understand it lyrically but I’ll get there
Solid.
Great music by great musicians. 4*
One of those albums that truly transports you to another time and place - one of the most Cuban pieces of art, ever. Listened to: at home. Favorite track: Chan Chan
Takes me back.
nice and good thumbs up emoji
Heel lekker, maar houdt de aandacht er niet bij
Loved!
This is one of those albums hyped up so much that there’s no way it can live up to the expectations, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad by any means. In fact, it’s pretty great!! But it is an extremely difficult nut to crack on first listen. A part of me is still intimidated by the Cuban elements, but they’re not so intimidating that I’m unable to hear the honor and tradition on display. Thankfully, the jazz elements are pretty obvious, and allow anyone to latch onto this, as long as you like jazz. It is much, much stronger in its opening third, though, and can start to feel overly traditional as it goes on, but the final leg closes strong in that style. And there’s still good material in the middle, as long as you don’t need it to be 100% in your face. I think it’s definitely an album that needs to marinate with the listener, and as someone who has a hard time with “albums you need to sit with,” this isn’t an instant love. I feel like this book’s main flaw – and the main flaw with music nerd lists in general – is that all “World” music gets lumped together without enough historical context, so you’re a bit lost at sea with only the crossover material as guidance, and sometimes, those records don’t give me as a music nerd enough to feel properly educated in any critique I may have. And knowing this book has a bit of a fascination for Cooder’s brand of ‘90s crossover-World albums, I’m unsure if I should read the lounge/calmer songs as a bit overly Westernized, or if that critique shows my ignorance. Especially when I feel like this whole album is a grower, even the tracks I liked instantly, because it’s dense and, well, still a jazz album. What I do know is that on pure vibes alone, it’s a perfect Summer Sunday album, a good relaxation album, and an album with layers. Once my ears let go of the hype machine, I think I’ll have an easier time moving from respectful enjoyment to active enjoyment, so in the meantime it’s getting a strong like from me.
Underwhelming. The songs are pretty one note. Limited hints of Latin beats. Would be fine background music - but I wouldn’t search it out.
I sound like my dad but I couldn't understand the words
Simple harmonies, complex instrumentation. A real feeling of location with a breadth of melodies. Amazing album.
Yeah it was good I’d listen to it again definitely
For what this is it's near perfect. Cuban rhythm and guitar slaps
Beautiful, classic Cuban music.
This is out of my wheelhouse. I can’t say if it’s good or bad. I suppose if I have to host a party where it is Latin music themed I can have this playing on repeat. I wouldn’t know the difference unfortunately.
Traditional Cuban music. OK for what it is but it's not my thing. 2.5 stars
Shout out Cubans
Viel een beetje tegen, best leuke muziek, maar ook niet echt boeiend
A fun album, enjoyed the vocals
It was the first album of this project that I was completely unfamiliar with. However, I enjoyed the music; it was a fun listen during my morning run. The jazz and pop blend was driving enough to keep me motivated but not overly distracting from my workout. I don't think I'll return to this album after the project, but I was happy to have listened to it today!
Fun album. Really nice sound. I don't know if it'll go into my rotation of music that I actually listen to though
Fun music that's a joy to listen to. Lots of traditional latin beats and riffs.
tolles Album mit entspanntem Sound, immer wieder gerne gehört!
Hammer! Ein unglaublich cooles Album welches zeigt mit wie wenig Elementen grossartige Musik gemacht werden kann. Alles scheint locker und improvisiert aber super arrangiert.