Reviews (page 12 of 15)
En tienny et tykkäisin tästä
I kept tuning out of this one rather than finding myself drawn in. On paper a mix of jazz instrumentals with samba stylings should at least be enjoyable to me, but there's not enough editorial or musical guts here to get down to killer tracks rather than filler background noise.
Wonderfully timeless. Some tracks hit it for me more than others.
This album was great! Not something I would have ever selected on my own, but it was a relaxing fun vibe that I enjoyed as background music. It felt timeless and would be perfect for a dinner party or summer bbq.
Loosens up the vibe
"Buena Vista Social Club" is a studio album by Buena Vista Social Club, an ensemble of Cuban musicians directed by Cuban bandleader and musician Juan de Marcos González and American guitarist Ry Cooder. The purpose of the album was to bring back traditional Cuban musical styles of trova and filin, mellower versions of son cubano and bolero and also danzón. The album had commercial success becoming the biggest selling world music album, was critically well received and in 2022, was put in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its artistic significance. The album opens with "Chan Chan" performed by its writer Company Segundo. The style is an example of son cubano which blends elements of Spanish and African music. Cooder on guitar. The beat carried by congas and bongos. It's slow. A trumpet comes. The highlight are Segundo's and the backing vocals. "Pueblo Nuevo" is a danzón instrumental. Rubén González is on the piano. He also stars throughout this album. Syncopated beats with the güiro and udo drum. The trumpet comes in midway through. An interesting style which paces at a 2/4 time signature. Bolero is the musical style most heard on this album with five songs. The first one "Dos gardenias." Ibrahim Ferror on lead vocals in this romantic style and song. A seductive trumpet. Slow featuring Rubén González again on piano with congas and udo drums keeping the beat. "Candela" gives us a brief break from the bolero and goes back to the classic son cubano. Multiple singers. A more complex percussion beat. Cooder on slide guitar. The self-titled "Buena Vista Social Club" is a danzón; this sounded very jazzy. Piano and a cast of percussion instruments including maracas. This album was very enjoyable and educational for me. I defintely gained an appreciation for the different styles of Cuban music. There was a similar album "A Toda Cuba le Gusta" by the Afro-Cuban All Stars released at the same time which I need to checkout. For those of you willing to check out a different musical style "Buena Vista Social Club" is worth the effort.
Felt like something I would listen to away on my holidays
Écouté et ré-ecouté
Enjoyable cuban music, good vibes. Doesn't quite make it to 5*/favorite territory but very enjoyable nonetheless. Highlights: el cuarto de Tula, pueblo nuevo (really vibing with this one)
Ry Cooder, thank you for your service. What a delight.
Really nice album, glad I listened to it. Love the piano.
Много любими
One of the best albums in the book
It’s nice and laid back, maybe a bit too much for me. I would have liked some more heat, even when the trumpet is playing it feels almost distant, but perhaps that is a mixing thing. Overall very enjoyable.
Mediocre Son Cubano
Didn’t know much about the band, album was pretty nice background noise despite being something vastly different from my usual listening.
A huge surprise on my part. While I knew it was a very good album, I didn't expect to like it so much. It became one of my favorite Spanish-speaking albums. Very nice and fun. Chan Chan: 9.2 De Camino a la Vereda: 9.4 El Cuarto de Tula: 9.3 Pueblo Nuevo: 10 Dos Gardenias: 9.3 ¿Y Tu Que Has Hecho?: 9.5 Veinte Años: 9.6 El Carretero: 9.2 Candela: 9.1 Amor de Loca Juventud: 9.3 Orgullecida: 9.2 Murmullo: 8.6 Buena Vista Social Club: 9.8 La Bayamesa: 9
Gorgeous. Beautiful, joyous, soulful music being performed by people who have lives well lived.
A really good acoustic Latin record. Incredibly catchy vocal hooks, especially in the opening three tracks (Chan Chan, De camino a la vereda, El cuarto de Tula). The fact that this album was recorded in just six days only adds to its impressiveness. The guitarwork is also very solid and provides an atmospheric backdrop to the shining vocals, emphasising the band's Caribbean roots. The energy and soulful performance decreases slightly throughout the album, but this is harder to notice if you have it playing in the background. However, through close listening, this was a bit of an issue (coupled with the lyrics I couldn't follow!).
Das ist nicht meine Art von Musik. Qualitativ bestimmt sehr hochwertig gemacht jedoch nicht das ich gerne höre.
Melodic, well crafted and jazzy. This album made me want to immediately book a flight to Cuba!
Bellino ma noiosetto
man I got lost in this album so easily. hit after hit from start to finish, gets your blood pumping and makes you want to move. beautiful music, simply put.
Love love love this album. It’s basically just the best Cuban musicians taking a victory lap. HOWEVER!!!! I prefer the live versions of most of these songs. This kind of music just sounds better with the energy of an audience behind it.
The atmosphere this album produces is fantastic.
The Chan Chan song always puts a smile on my face thinking of the Spanish sunsets with friends and family. Feel good music and great to listen to.
I enjoyed listening to it! I felt like I was on vacation somewhere. I feel like I could listen to it occasionally. I wanted to fire up a cigar! 3.9 stars
An old friend burned me a CD playlist back in 2002 introducing me to BVSC. I love the entire album. Makes me want to visit Cuba and drink mojitos.
so good. made me want a mojito and a cigar.
Transported to Cuba.
Fun Cuban album. Great guitar work.
Love this album!
Not my genre so difficult to compare to anything. I trust the list so I’ll give it 3.
This was a pretty good album! I really enjoyed some of the tracks and overall the album was a fun listen. Cubano music is not my usual type of music that I listen to, but I would highly recommend listening to this album once. Favorite Song(s): "Chan Chan", "El Cuarto de Tula", "El Carretero", "Candela"
Transcendental. Real lives expressed in the most visceral way. And in the words of the immortal Gord Downie, "Get Ry Cooder to sing my eulogy!"
My boss recommended I listen and I thought, “Wait…I know this album!” Wonderfully produced, I can see why it’s so cherished. Would’ve been a five but had to notch .56 because it dragged just a tad in the middle.
B- Chan Chan 4 De camino a la vereda 3 El cuarto de Tula 3 Pueblo Nuevo 3 Dos gardenias 3 ¿Y tú qué has hecho? 3 Veinte años 3 El carretero 3 Candela 3 Amor de loca juventud 3 Orgullecida 3 Murmullo 3 Buena Vista Social Club 3 La bayamesa 3 This was fun. Between this and Siembra, I think I'm starting to really like music from down unda.
Latin salsa/lounge. Catchy
Oh I love this album
Starts well but peters out, all sounds a bit too similar overall
Amazing album, excellentsound
Álbum Fantástico. O fino da música latina/cubana. Só não considero um 5/5 pois as 3 últimas músicas não me agradaram muito. Chan Chan, Dos Gardenias e Candela são as melhores músicas do disco. Recomendo muito.
Not my normal fare.
Muy bueno! Me gustaron varias canciones y creo que puede ser un disco para concetrarse mientras trabajas.
No idea what they were saying but it sounded so happy. Liked it
Apenas achei paia demais
Honestamente achei bem divertido e dançante. Não sei se seria algo que procuraria sozinha para ouvir um dia mas eu gostei da experiência. Só não foram todas as músicas que me divertiram, algumas achei meio chatinhas. Fave: el cuarto de tula
Танцевать на заправке под музыку из альбома - бесценно) так что пятерочка от меня за настроение))
Didn't mind it but didn't love it.
It’s a great album, great afro-Cuban jazz album. Forgot about this album until it came up on the list. 4/5, if for no other reason that I probably wouldn’t listen to this album often as anything other than background music when reading.
During the covid lockdown, the weather was fine where I live I spent half my time watching Better Call Saul and the other half drinking tequila while listening to this album The atmosphere it transmits is insane
So many trips through this album, and it still shines
I love Chan Chan, but get a little lost in the rest
Delightful. Although it kind of has the vibes of “background music at nice restaurant”. I’m a big fan of Ry Cooder who helped make this album. If you like this album, then I recommend you also listen to the album Buenos Hermanos by Ibrahim Ferrer, one of the vocalists this album.
See now this is dance music that I like. Was I dancing to this around my bedroom after my shower? You bet I was. And now you have that image in your head. Happy Early Christmas!
Nice. I, of course, knew about this, but I had never listened. It’s pleasant and fun to listen to, but too mellow for my taste. It could’ve used a few more energetic songs mixed in there.
Love this one!!! Been a favourite since it came out.
Fun album!
Nothing really surprised me here. It was pretty nice though
Masterwork.
I don't speak Spanish, but the music speaks for itself, and it is beautiful! This was an awesome album!
I've listened to this before and enjoyed it! Great background or entertaining music with fun instrumentals and vocals. It represents a rebirth of the Cuban musical tradition and its breakthrough into the mainstream.
Takes me back! College Girlfriend introduced me to this album. Lotsa skill in this cadre for sure
Actually interesting seemed to change pace and genre a lot
Fundamental para ampliar os horizontes musicais.
- kannte die Klänge noch entfernt von dem gleichnamigen Wim Wenders Film, hatte mich aber nie wieder damit beschäftigt - super entspannt - man fühlt sich direkt nach Havanna versetzt - perfekte Hintergrundmukke - Chan Chan ist ein richtig geiler Track!! Rating: gute 3,25/5
- Kannte das Album zum Teil schon - Insgesamt moody af - Chan Chan ist wohl der bekannteste und einer der besten weltfolkloristischen Banger aller Zeiten - ich bin bei Instrumental-Stücken häufig zwiegespalten, entweder hop oder top, beide stücke auf diesem album sind bei mir eher downer, die die sonst so facettenreiche musikalische Reise duech Mittel- undSüdamerika irgendwie eher unterbrechen. - auch das letzte Viertel kann mMn nicht an der grandiosen Qualität des Anfang- und Mittelteils anschließen - 4/5
- kannte ich bereits ein wenig - arsch chillig - teils abwechslungsreiche Sounds dabei - zum Anfang und Mitte besonders stark - lässt zum Ende ein wenig nach
Way better than I remember, still makes me wanna dance.
Very bouyant sound, feels like I am in a wahaca restaurant ordering some pork pibil tacos. I can just imagine that this is what Sarah and John Connor would have been listening to on the beach in Guatemala, moments before they were gunned down by yet another T-800 Terminator as depicted in the opening scene of terminator dark fate. Of course, that's if you believe this is the true continuation of T2, which is what James Cameron wants, but personally i have no issues with Terminator 3 - Rise of the Machines and thought Nick Stahl made a pretty good John Connor and he didnt die did he, he hid in the mountain. But I Digress
Sounds like an obscure GTA radio station I would enjoy but not seek out
Enjoyable even in winter.
Boring background noise.
Half of it was beachy and pleasant, the other half kind of boring. Stand-out: Chan Chan
Discovered this a couple years ago! really high quality 3.5/5
Forgettable but some nice tunes
Immaculate vacation vibes though
Love it. Knew before pushing play it would be 5 stars
loved it! great vibes
Good latin music, not my taste but very pleasant.
Latino music is easy I can fuck with anything (except Bad Bunny), but this album is perfect to be wandering around to
Generally ok but a bit predictable.
I thought I might dig this but I didnt. I expect setting counts for a lot with this album.
great album here, wonderful background music to have on while working. the songs are musically varied and interesting, and the lyrical themes were fun to work out with my intermediate spanish knowledge. I'll definitely listen to more of this in the future. favorites: chan chan, de camino a la vereda, el cuarto de tula, dos gardenias
First few tracks were great. Would have loved if the second half of the album didn't mellow out so much.
Great Spanish music that I will definitely come back to.
Known before: Some songs Standouts: El Cuarto de Tula; Buena Vista Social Club 8.5/10
Known Before: Standouts: 2. De Camino a La Vereda 6. Y Tu Que Has Hecho? 6.0
known before: some songs Standouts: Pueblo Nuevo Rating: 7
Known Before: Some songs Standouts: 1. Chan Chan 2. De Camino a La Vereda 3. El Cuarto de Tula 8.0
4.5/5
Reminds me of that time I was sitting in a social club in Buena Vista.
Very nice vibes
Some really good stuff but I feel that I only know the start of the album, after many listens.
Fun Latino band. Has all the easy-listening elements you’d want in an album like this. Would love to see them live. Makes me wanna go on vacation now. Mid 3
So yesterday, I got the Pogues, an Irish band..my heritage on my mother’s side. Today, Buena Vista Social Club, a Cuban group…my heritage on my father’s side. I’m not saying the generator is sentient (I am), but there sure have been a lot “coincidences” as I’ve embarked on this journey. Because of my aforementioned heritage, this record hits right for me. I’ve heard it many times before and enjoy it thoroughly. It’s great. It’s a glimpse into a culture that, for some reason, the government of the country I call home has made as difficult as possible to experience in person. They do business with countries that behead journalists and countries that practice the same type of government as Cuba’s, but that little island 90 miles from Florida, they’re the ones we really need to put in an economic chokehold. It’s not because they’re inherently bad, it’s because *we can*. I’m ranting, but it’s fucked up how America treats Cuba, so it’s nice to have a slice of that part of my genetic make up (in the form of this record) that I can visit without having to bend over backwards to experience - All I’m saying is that it would be infinitely easier for me to hop on plane and visit Ireland than it would for me to even think about getting to Cuba. Well, this review turned out to be depressing.
Not my Genre unfortunately. But great Kuban Music Sound.
A classic. Takes me back to sitting in a cafe.
Pretty enjoyable!
Love this, another classic.
Fine album. Don't know that it rises to extraordinary in as much as I don't know the genre. A solid 3 for being understandable as music and not offensive.
2.85 per track
Just as good today as it was when it was released
personally I don't get the hype, it's alright
Not my style but they are very good. Not something I could listen to a long time
Are you a Mexi-can or a mexi-can't?
Amazing. I’m a better person when listening to this. Existentially at a Havana cafe mid afternoon, smirking at the absurdity of all dramatic emotions.
The first album up for review on this site that id truly say was fresh listening that i should hear before i die lol. Cuban jazz. Never heard of these guys before. I loved it, have played it in the background all weekend... would be an excellent album for a summer party with friends and a load of bacradi cocktails
Great
de camino a la vereda was a very enjoyable song to listen to although it's easy listening in the background I wouldn't relisten to this album otherwise
Funky album, two songs added to playlist, however rest didn’t catch attention, decent for background/lounge music however. But probably wouldn’t listen to the whole album again. 3/5.
One of the best things to ever happen to humanity.
Warm tones for cold autumn evenings. And that's it.
Not my favorite - respect the musicianship, but not for me!
Good vibe
Jazzy, almost sounds like elevator music. Definitely the sort of music you’d hear in a Cuban restaurant or in the background of a “cartel movie” or series like breaking bad when there’s gratuitous violence
Hadn’t heard of these guys before until today and now I’m part of the fan Club! It was muy Buena!
One of my favorites
It was a fun album, the music is good but not my vibe
why is the siesta not a normal thing for other cultures. what a shame.
nice to have in the background but I would not actively listen to this
Bouncy and very relaxing. I found myself drifting off into my daydreams while listening. Varied and buoyant drum beats had me tapping my feet from the jump. That said, it was a little too sonically similar from song to song, making it difficult to tell where one song ended and another began. And yet, here in East Harlem, the album felt like home, and like the music that wafts into my room through the screen window from the street. Standouts: El Cuarto de Tula
- it took me a minute to make connections on why the name of the group was familiar to me! I remember being in my Aesthetics of Editing class and watching clips from the documentary made about Buena Vista Social Club! 💖 - perfect album to lay back and drink a cold cerveza or mojito to - reminds me of going to Coppelia on 14th St at 3am after working on finals to have a nice Cuban sandwich and plantains... nothing beats the sandwiches back home in florida though, obviously - there's something about this chiller style of bolero that you can't hate on, even if the songs are a bit repetitive in nature. it's music meant to be enjoyed in the sunlight, preferably somewhere beachy where you can float in saltwater, but if that's not available, I think wearing some linen clothes would suffice. It's interesting to listen to this while walking the streets of NYC in November of all months, but it's welcome. -favorite track was probably El Cuarto de Tula for the instrumental work on it being impeccable
Not really my type of music. It's not bad, just not my jam
La primera mola el resto no
Enjoyable
Not really a type of music I would set out to listen to
Wunderschön, ich schließe die Augen und stehe in kubanischen Straßen. Leider sehe ich nicht, wie diese Musik in meinen Alltag und in die Musik passt, die ich höre.
Next 5 Songs played by my Spotify Algorithm: Cody Castro - He Hopes She Loves Me Nos Naranjos - No Tradition no Se Olvida Maria Agusto - Eres Un Punto Ray Perez - Muchacho Loco Ray Baretto - Acid
This was very enjoyable and something new for me
Great album, casual but brilliant
Fine but not for me
Not bad but a bit on the slower side
I really enjoyed it, it was a lot of fun and I’d definitely listen to it again.
Has a nice atmosphere to it, and it really varies from track-to-track which style of hispanic music you'll get. Not as much energy as something like Siembra which I love, but still very listenable. 7/10
Good music, wish it was in English so I could understand the story being the lyrics
Enjoyed the familiar tunes and was nice to have on in the background. Easy listening and pleasant to the ear
Pleasant listen, but probably not something I would seek out to listen to again.
Did not expect a spanish album to be integrated in the 1001 album mix. Maybe id understand its influence better if I spoke the language. I gave 2 stars because some of them I could bop my head to.
Classic album and sound
Interesting album. I don't speak Spanish but didn't feel I had to to appreciate this work. Would like to listen to more but seemingly their one album.
Relaxing low-key modern takes of Cuban classics. My major issue is the songs feel slow and simple, with some horn or piano solos to spice things up, but overall feels a bit drawn out in nearly every track, despite how most of them are under 4 minutes. I'm a bit mixed about the production. On one hand, you can hear and make out everything clearly, but it has a bit of a poor quality behind it, most noticeably in the vocals. Everyone does play with enthusiasm and confidence. And with how much diversity there is in the genres (linked together by its jazz and folk consistencies), it does become a pleasant listen in the background, but not so much for active listening. Especially since the only upbeat song after the first few is "Candela". Favorites: Chan Chan, De Camino, El Cuarto, Buena Vista Social Club
I had a Ugandan friend in college who played this album on repeat any time we would hang out. I have heard it six trillion times. It's a very solid album, front to back. I think this is a great example of an album that deserves to be on this list, but it's not something I'd ever listen to on my own.
I've discovered how fun it is to translate some lyrics to English and interpret with no cultural context. My experience with this style of music has been while patroning Tex-Mex restaurants mostly, but also passing vehicles and distant gatherings at the lake. There is often a two part alternating base line that I find to be good. The fact that this is Cuban music and I have that opinion should be telling. This album gave me good feelings. 3.0
Hablo espanol solo muy pequeno (quiero practicar) y no comprendo mucho a dice. With that said, this is some of my favorite musical style, and I often don’t even know the lyrics to songs in english because I pay more attention to the instrumentation and the melodies. I’ve always found Latin music very fulfilling. As soon as it starts with those acoustic guitars with nylon strings - they are recorded so beautifully. In fact, the entire album is recorded quite superbly. But then that muted trumpet hits and I was instantly ready to give this album 5 stars and knew I’d be listening to it again later on in life. With that said, in the middle it really slows down a little too much for my taste, and it was enough for me to knock it down to 4 stars. But even then, the songs are still beautiful. And the recording quality is excellent. Whenever there are group vocals, I really get a sense of feeling like I’m out ina courtyard in Havana with these guys all singing. But it’s obviously recorded a high quality facility. Capturing that feel is not easy to do. In fact, thinking about it, I believe some of my favorite recordings have come out of studios in Cuba (looking at you, Arturo Sandoval). Even if it’s not all Cuban music (also looking at you, The Cat Empire).
It was cool
Classic
Bops. Fantastic car music
A fantastic and incredibly catchy, laid-back project that’s suitable for any mood really
Loved it. I just want to do cocaine and drink tequila at my finca in Colombia while listening to this lol
"Buena Vista Social Club" is a classic album by the Cuban ensemble of the same name, released in 1997. This album is not only a musical masterpiece but also a historical and cultural treasure. The project was spearheaded by American guitarist and producer Ry Cooder and featured some of Cuba's most talented and iconic musicians. The album captures the essence of traditional Cuban music, particularly the son cubano, and it played a pivotal role in bringing Cuban music to a global audience. Musical Diversity: The album is a rich tapestry of Cuban musical styles, including bolero, son, danzón, and guajira. It showcases the sheer diversity and beauty of Cuban music, with each track presenting a different facet of the island's musical heritage. Talented Musicians: The album features legendary Cuban musicians like Ibrahim Ferrer, Compay Segundo, Rubén González, Omara Portuondo, and many others. Their virtuosity is evident in every note, and their emotional depth adds a layer of authenticity to the music. Cultural Significance: "Buena Vista Social Club" is not just an album; it's a time capsule of Cuban music from the 20th century. The musicians involved were largely forgotten by the world, and this project resurrected their careers and preserved their musical legacy. Acoustic Brilliance: The album was recorded in Havana with a focus on capturing the purity of acoustic sound. The result is a warm, intimate recording that makes you feel like you're sitting in a Cuban cafe, savoring every note and lyric. Lyricism and Storytelling: The lyrics in the songs often tell stories of love, heartache, and the daily lives of ordinary Cubans. Even if you don't understand the Spanish lyrics, the emotion in the music is universally relatable. Ry Cooder's Production: Ry Cooder's involvement as a producer and musician helped bridge the gap between Cuban and Western musical traditions. His guitar work and overall production added a unique layer to the traditional Cuban sound. Standout Tracks: Notable tracks on the album include "Chan Chan," "Candela," "El Cuarto de Tula," "Dos Gardenias," and "Veinte Años." Each song has its own distinct charm and musical flavor. Legacy: "Buena Vista Social Club" had a profound impact on Cuban music's global recognition. It won the Grammy Award for Best Tropical Latin Performance in 1998 and has sold millions of copies worldwide. The project also inspired a documentary film by Wim Wenders that further popularized the musicians and their story. In summary, "Buena Vista Social Club" is a timeless masterpiece that transcends cultural boundaries and continues to enchant listeners around the world. It's a celebration of Cuba's musical heritage and the talent of its veteran musicians. If you appreciate authentic, heartfelt music, this album is a must-listen, and it's likely to evoke a sense of nostalgia and a desire to explore more of the rich musical history of Cuba.
Really fun and might listen again.
I loved the rhythm and melodies, but I don't have the experience with Latin music to make an informed critique.
Made my day
Such a vibe. Chill music I’d like to play on a yacht or something if I had one. Or just a Sunday afternoon at home, cooking dinner. Something with capers.
zero thoughts just vibes
This is a relaxing listen. I don't speak Spanish so I can't comment on lyrics. Listening to this album reminded me of a vacation I took to San Juan. Not that it's particularly island music but it does give off the chill latin vibes that I got spending a day at the beach in Puerto Rico. I typically prefer music a little more up tempo but I enjoyed this listen regardless.
gorgeous, gorgeous music
Klassiker. Solide gut
Really enjoyed even though I couldn't understand lol
Cool vibes, i like it
A classic. Definitely transports the vibe of a cuban film from 40-50 years ago, even though it's not that old. However, feels more like nice background music.
pas envie de review 1 par 1 mais banger hein
Nicely done!
It was catchy for a while. Got old kind of fast.
A nice break from my usual but not a must-have for me. Actually, the piano player Ruben Gonzalez put out a solo album I enjoy more than the Buena Vista release.
Throwback to high school! Great movie and soundtrack. The real life “Tap” of Cuban music!
Icon salsa vibes
Easy 5 stars for this classic gem of Cuban jazz
Great slbum
Musique cubaine, à écouter en sirotant un margarita sous un chaud soleil. Je me sens comme dans un début/fin d'épisode de Dexter. Me gusta correct
Great
Solid. Kind of long.
Not my cup of tea
Wow this album was everything I never knew I wanted. There's a sense of nostalgia and comfort here, despite the fact that I know very little Spanish and have never listened to this type of music before. Everything on the album exudes talent. The composition, the vocals, the instrumentation, and I'm going to assume the lyrics, all resonate universally in a way that only music can. And to have 14 tracks cover the breadth of music that this album did is a feat in its own, it's an instant classic in my book. Highlight: De Camino a La Vereda Lowlight : n/a Surprise Hit: Dos Gardenias
I really liked the album, a wide range of styles and very well put together.
My first album in the project Cuban Chan Chan is groovy!
Uno fantástico, por fin. Absolutamente recomendable.
music that makes you happy to be alive
On a past visit to Cuba, I had the pleasure of seeing the Buena Vista Social Club live. While I doubt anyone I saw performed on the album, this contains the same Cuban spirit I witnessed. Laidback and smooth but still lively, it encapsulates the feel of my visits to its home country. For that reason, I'll always love this one. It felt a little long to listen to in one go, but still -- undeniably a classic piece of Cuban music.
I mean it sounds great but would never listen to it
Coming into this album I was loosely familiar with Buena Vista Social Club, but I’m not sure I’d ever given them a fair listen. I was unaware that this record helped revive the Latin music scene on a global stage, but I’m not surprised. What is somewhat surprising is that the group came out of Cuba in the nineties at the peak of Castro’s anti-globalization policies in the midst of the Soviet collapse. I listened to this album while working, and it was a great soundtrack to finish the day to. While I can’t fully appreciate the lyrics, I can appreciate how it stands at or near the top of its genre.
Decent variety. Some songs are danceable and others kinda sleepy
Fun and energetic introduction to Cuban music. Not an album I'd ever listen to again though.
A classical record from this artist. Very enjoyable
Its like I am in rev da cuba. Salsa lets go
Not really my cup of tea but some interesting ideas
Very pleasant listen, with a nice variety of piano, guitar, horn, and vocal leads. I can just feel the sentimentality coming from these songs, despite not being able to understand the lyrics.
Boring, not for me
Excellent
Pleasant
Now I have an answer to the question, “Do you know of any Cuban artists?” Endlessly replayable.
I enjoy this genre of music a lot. The songs were well composed and interesting.
Completely solid from front to back. I just want to sit in a small cafe on some forgotten street and drink tea and eat delicate pastries while these songs waft in from the club across the street.
Top notch display of the Cuban musical heritage.
i didn’t understand it but it was groovy
This was such a contrast to the cuban-infused dance pop I first heard with Miami Sound Machine. Such a wonderful laid back easy listen.
#7. This was the first one so far that I hadn't heard that I actually liked. I have no idea what exactly they were singing about, but they convinced me anyway. It has all the things you need in fun quirky music, and now I'm gonna go find a smoky cantina to drink some tasty rum drinks in and you can't stop me. 4/5: fantastic Song added to playlist: De Camino A La Vereda I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
Total classic. This whole album is perfect.
This album transports you to a beach-side jazz bar in Cuba, resplendent with mojitos galore. In reality, it was a rainy day in Birmingham. Any album which can paint a scene and transport you there is worthy of praise and I'm sure to listen to this again the next time I'm enjoying a strong rum-based drink.
Great Working Tunes. Obv dont know the lyrics lol
4/5 Pure Mexico vacation vibes Strong start and finish, gets a bit slow in the middle for my taste Fav track for sound is Chan Chan Fav upbeat track is De Camina a Le Vereda
good vibes
A couple of tracks in, has a very social record feel to it. Good for get-togethers and drinks, conversation and laughter. Added 7 of 14 tracks to "1001" Playlist and easily could've gone higher
I really liked this. Cuban Jazz isn't really something I'm familiar with, but they have a cool vibe.
Love the vibes, some of it makes me wanna get up and dance! This album makes me want to learn Spanish! Great addition to the music collection.
excellent, great vibe
Love the grooves and tones. Everything feels authentic. Live recording of Bitch by Mephistopheles, but tropical. Demerara vs pure cane. Unstressed strain. Similar sociocultural roots to Oblomov but qualitatively valuable regardless. Anything in order. Seriously. Organized well. Veinte Anos / Amor De Luca Juventad / Title track for decreasing public increasing public listenability
Loved this when it first came out, I can still remember where I first heard it at a music loving friend's place.
Already listened to this a billion times, certified banger.
Vibrant and energetic, yet pretty chill and contained. 4.4
Tapestry of sound. Complex layering. Makes you feel like dancing
This is such a cool album. I've never heard anything like it honestly.
Love it, but already knew it
Lovely sounds.
Great background music. Will be a repeat listen. The group is tight and the music is smooth.
Repetitive nonsense
I quite liked it as a vibe but I can't see myself putting it on just to listen to. Standout Track: Chan Chan
Mellow and groovy
Ok
This is such an amazing album. The songs showcasting every member to perfection. The incredibly warm and intimate production that captures the essence of the songs. The musicianship and blended harmonies. There's just nothing wrong on this album.
Not bad, felt like I was on a beach somewhere in or walking the streets of Cuba.
This is beautiful music but wouldn’t be on my rotation
When I’m an old Cuban, these are the dudes I want to hang with.
Sunny.
Helt ärligt fett mysigt. Bästa var chan chan
Just a peaceful, relaxing, fun album to listen to. Listening to this just makes you want to be on a beach somewhere relaxing. Great Cuban jazz music and the opening song, "Chan Chan", it's very well known. What I also find interesting is that this has an older sound to it - you wouldn't think this is a mid-90s album. 8/10.
Meget chill, men forstår virkelig ikke hvad albummet laver her. Meget basic spansk chill
Very chill, relaxing vibe throughout. The instrumentals sound great, especially the piano. Obviously I can't make out the lyrics, but the vocals sound nice to me. It's not super hooky, but the sound is so great that I could listen to this as ambient music any time.
Intressant genre, men kanske inte min favorit
Would never think to listen to this, but it was actually pretty nice. I'm also fluent in Spanish now. Crazy!
Immaculate vibes. Didn't understand a word but the music and vocals are great, loved it.
Good vibes, I only wish I was in Cuba hearing this.
I absolutely love this album. It feels like vacation. It's so cool and just so much fun.
I really enjoy this music. Just a bunch of old heads playing music. Love it.
didn't know I was big into cuban jazz
I love the rhythm of the songs. Makes you want to get up and dance.
I thought the documentary of the same name came out first, then this album. That this was essentially a soundtrack. Wikipedia says I’m wrong. The album came out two years prior to the movie. Strange. It’s weird to think how ubiquitous this CD was. I think every educated white liberal of the intelligentsia owned a copy— proof of which can now be found in thrift stores across America. It’s like a new generation’s version of Herb Alpert or Martin Denny, or maybe more appropriately Getz/Gilberto’s Girl from Ipanema. Ibrahim Ferrer even got to be on a Gorillaz’s album, for crying out loud. (On a darn good song, too, I might add.) I guess this phenomenon wasn’t solely focused on Buena Vista Social Club. There was quite a lot of interest in World Music genre in the late ‘90s. David Byrne, Ry Cooder, Paul Simon, Damon Albarn, Beck, and more were touring with/producing/releasing albums by/heavily influenced by/featuring world music artists. You can make of that what you will. I saw the documentary as a high schooler with my hero/quasi-mentor Walter, a middle-aged librarian and movie buff, at my favorite movie theater back in Jersey, a grimy, rundown place that somehow stayed in business charging only 3.99 for a ticket and free popcorn with unlimited refills. (One night a week you could also get unlimited pizza for only $1 more.) I enjoyed the film. Walter thought Wim Wenders did the musicians an injustice by cutting away during songs and not letting the audience hear any (or very few) songs in their entirety. I hadn’t picked up on this, which made me admire Walter even more. Don’t know whatever happened to Walter. He had profound low stakes influence on my life. He didn’t want to be a manager or library director. He just wanted to do his job and go home and watch movies. He would buy bags of used VHS from the rental places and lent me a ton of movies I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Thanks, Walter, wherever you are. My copy of the CD hasn’t made it to the thrift store. It sits on the shelf, though I can’t remember the last time I’d listened to it before today. It’s still very good. Ferrer is my favorite singer of the group. I have a solo album by him too, and it’s also really good.
Easy to listen to but probably just not my genre
This album is intriguing. Some songs are traditional Mexican canciones; some are very centered in Jazz. Most tracks are love songs, some have really vague lyrics, so I can't really tell you what it's about. Yes, I speak Spanish. Doesn't help. I like this album, but I don't see my self returning to it very often.
Good vibes, great ambience music to listen to while studying.
Amazinggggg
Escucha muy agradable. ¡Me veo volviendo a esto a menudo!
A genre I don't really like, but done well.
It felt kinda like a movie score. Unfortunately, I was only lying in my bed playing burrito bison, so it would be have been a really bad movie, but at least it would have had good music.
1. chan chan - 3 2. de camino a la vereda - 2.5 4. el cuarto de tula - 3 5. pueblo nuevo - 2.5 6. doz gardeniaz - 3 7. y tu que haz hecho - 2.5 8. veinte anoz - 3 9. el carretero - 3 10. candela - 3.5 11. amor de loca juventud - 2 12. orgullecida - 1.5 13. murmullo - 1.5 14. BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB - 2 15. la bayamesa - 2
Raggae, gute Vibes, nicht mein Ding
Not really my thing, but it’s not offensive
I saw the documentary years ago and really enjoyed it. It was nice to hear again. I could see myself listening to this outside on a nice night. Enjoyable cuban music
Klassiker, sehr gut
Like it, eventhough it's not my kind of music.
Great mood/background music
5.0. Beautiful from beginning to end.
Beautiful vocal melodies, excellent production; although some songs are repetitive, most of them are earcandy, very enjoyable to listen to and dance to.
Si t’as un album à apporter sur une île déserte, ya pas d’autre choix. C’est du caramel auditif, ça te met vraiment dans la meilleure vibe
Lo llevo escuchando las ultimas semanas. Masterpiece
This one was all over B&N when I worked there around 1999.
Who cares about the backstory and/or accusations of cultural appropriation when the music is this resonant and organic and pleasurable. It was very much the thing that year or two and everyone seemed to listen to it all the time. One is tempted to add "authentic" but of course one isn't qualified to judge its alignment to the tradition, other than on the basis that it speaks to one's soul which is authenticity enough for any art form.
nice latin rhythms. cool sounding upbeat music good listening. has some really good songs, and some song that are just nice, nothing bad really.
Good musicians
Their musicianship is undeniable. I don’t speak Spanish so I don’t know what they’re singing about but the music was pretty good.
I loved it. Never would have found this album but it took me to another place
Very much a pub vibe, Mexican or Spanish. I can't understand anything, so I can't delve into it, but the sound is certainly as iconic of the spanish speaking countries as the food. Good jams on this one.
Smooth feels like I’m in chef the movie
I’m not great at focusing on songs in languages besides the two I know so this album loses points for that although obviously it doesn’t weigh on the objective quality. Favourite song was Orgullecida.
This album makes me want to learn Spanish.
Sorry wansnt for me
Album 153 of 1001 Buena Vista Social Club - Buena Vista Social Club Rating : 3 / 5 Favorite Track : El Cuarto de Tula Cuban jazz. Another where I can't understand the language but the music more than makes up for it. A real calming listen. Kept going about my business as I was listening and found it quite enjoyable.
Loses a bit of steam as the album goes along, but a chill listen. Will put this on if I'm chilling outside with a drink. 3.5/5
Absolute classic album. Great chill music. Loved it.
Not my thing
Beautiful! 4/5
Nice
A very solid album. Not quite a 5 but a solid 4. Every song sounds different and has a unique feel to it.
This album slaps.
Charming and likable with a ton of variety.
We visited a new local joint this week. Food spot, + coffee shop, so the espresso was moderated in acidity and bitterness with unmistakable Bustelo notes. Buena Vista Social Club's space is much like that: Good eats, familiar aroma richly undertoned. It doesn't have an arc, preferring to play in the wide sandbox it sets up at the beginning, nourishing in whatever dose.
I didn't listen to this as closely as I should've - listened to it while working. I agree this is good music, but nothing jumped out to me that made it stand out from other music in this genre.
Like a nice seaside club
never been a huge fan of most Hispanic music, this is alr
Dude, that's one of my favourite albums everrrrrr. I absolutely love it!
Very good
MY 300th ALBUM! What a relaxing way to start the day. Love that latin groove. A great lesson in Cuban music. After an hours, it all kinda sounds the same, but it sounds good, so it's all right. Great harmonies, and rhythms. Excellent
Elevator music
Starts off like lift music, pretty sure I've heard at Nandos before. One where I can hear the effort and talent, but not really my vibe. Objectively, would like rate higher than I will based on my subjective enjoyment
Just not my thing
A cool hour of Cuban music. Enjoyable, but doubt I'll revisit. I do wonder whether this is exceptional compared to other Cuban records of the time or whether its international smash hit status is mostly a result of marketing? Unfortunately there is no way of knowing. Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Chan Chan Date listened: 15/08/23
Love some BVSC
¡Qué bien!
I always assumed (having never listened) this was a white indie rock band. I was pleasantly surprised. Needs to be 20 minutes shorter or my Spanish needs to be significantly better for a 3.
A classic. Goes really well with the heatwave that hit my city recently. Makes me want to make myself a Cuba libre and just chill. I really enjoy the Latino rhythms and drumming, especially some of the offbeat playing. Really makes my body move. Beautiful. Could grow to be a 5, for now just a 4 because I need to see the lyrics
Nope
It's the easiest of easy is it not.
Loved this album so much. Amazingly mixed and performed. Never a dull moment. Beautiful instrumentation and writing.
Spanish music, was weird listening to it. I don't think I'll listen again.
boom
Beautiful singing, and the piano work at the end was lovely. I don’t mind some easy listening Spanish music!
Son cubano. Un 4.
Compay ... etc
Enjoyable but I couldn't quite get to grips with it on a first listen, at times I felt board and other times I was really enjoying it.