Reviews (page 7 of 14)
Feels like a snapshot of a time and a place. Even if songs feel a bit repetitive, I image the full experience of this is seeing it being played live. Incorporates a wide range of instruments, but is still relatively confined to a Latin/jazz kind of feel. No downsides at all, great nearly the whole way through. Favorite songs: De Camino a la Vereda, Amor de Loca Juventud, Orgullcida, Murmullo Overall around 8/10
9/10. OMG, YES!!!!! This is the 200th album that this generator gave me, and I'm really happy with its selection!!! It's one of the few albums from this generator that I have on CD. I know that my parents really like this album!!! :) Gosh, I love this type of Latin American music. It's criminally under-represented by the 1,001 album compilation.
historic
Me likey Fun n funky
Haven't heard this one in a while. My parents used to play it for me when I was a kid. Love it.
8/10. Was great! Wasn’t super consistent for me which is why the 8, but loved a lot of parts of this. Loved the creativity.
Great album. I love any music that can evoke a strong sense of a time or place - I’ve never been to Cuba, but listening to this album feels like Cuba.
This album has a very interesting backstory which I appreciate. Musically I won't pretend to be knowledgeable on the style but it's really fun to listen to and you can definitely hear the emotion behind it even without understanding the lyrics.
7,79
Very nice Cuban chill
Hvis den her var kommet i sommerhalvåret havde den været farlig tæt på en 5'er. Virkelig dejlig at lytte til, synes dog den bliver ved i lidt for lang tid og når at blive småmonoton. Jeg skal have set filmen
Not bad - 8/10. I like the style of music featured here, the instrumentation is very pleasant.
For this listener, this album is like a roadside attraction. The kind of roadside attraction that adds a fun yet significant detour to a much larger trip (the road to 1001).
Alright, this album is one of those enriching experiences of a culture different from my own. In this case, the Buena Vista Social Club was a Cuban musician ensemble organized by World Circuit executive Nick Gold, with their sole album produced by guitarist Ry Cooder and directed by bandleader Juan de Marcos González. Together, they recruited a dozen veteran musicians to record a collection of songs in the style of Son cubano, a popular dance genre with a call-and-response structure and a clave rhythm. In that regard, this music was well-executed as the Spanish guitars act as a superb driving force with the percussion following suit, while these gents sang fondly of romantic passions with vivid imagery. Also in the mix are two instrumentals "Pueblo Nuevo" and the title track which are dedicated to popular locations in Havana, adding to the experience. I wouldn't say this album lit my world on fire, as it feels like I'm seated in a Cuban restaurant while a band plays off in the distance. But the fact that they captured that essence is astounding. Buena Vista Social Club knew what they wanted to accomplish by bringing awareness of their culture to the larger world, and they did just that. I absolutely would recommend giving this a listen with an open mind and feel free to follow along to translated lyrics if you wish.
Do you ever feel like you want to listen to music but nothing fits the bill? This is the answer. A truly enjoyable palate cleanser. 9/10
I really liked to hear this album again... the beginning was good, but then I felt like it lost some of its power.
We saw Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club live once. It was fun to watch all the people dancing in the aisles. The quality of the album felt a little muted or something, but hard to deny the quality and impact of the music.
This one surprised me. Really enjoyed it...felt like I was on one of our trips to Mexico.
Fun
I listened to this album whilst driving to work. It was -2.5°C outside and foggy. This wasn’t the environment where I think would be best suited to listening. However, to my surprise it helped warm my mood this morning (aided by the car heaters), the album evokes memories of holidays in sunnier climbs, from of which coincidentally I have just returned (although not to Spain), so it puts you in that mindset. This was a nice tonic on my first journey in to work since my holiday. I really liked the music and will be returning to it again, to supplement my Spanish lessons.
If you want falsetto proto-metal
I feel like I'm sipping rum inside a small club in Havana, Cuba when I listen to this album. It's wonderfully delightful.
I have always enjoyed this album since its release. This listen has not swayed that opinion. Though the album gets slower and more melancholy as it goes, I still dig it.
I need to add this to my Duolingo studying. I love it!
кубинский мьюзик очень вайбово и классно
Really enjoyed this album! I would definitely listen to it again. I made sure to like a few songs so I don't forget about this band and album. Solid 4!
I loved this album when it came out-it inspired my interest in jazz guitar that wasn't hopelessly cheesy. All of the songs on this album are solid--nothing really stands out, though. I would give this 5 stars, but think I'm saving my "5 star" albums for things that I absolutely cannot live without (desert island discs).
Love this album. It’s loaded with excellent musicianship. I don’t know the language, and didn’t look into the lyrics, but it sounds great either way. Takes me away to a little Havana bar with a drink and a cigar. I think there’s something to be said for an album that can seemingly transport you to another place and/or time.
a real prime example of music from the caribbean, this album has a lot of dance tracks that's suited for fun gatherings and vacation destinations. it's simple, and straight to the point. while not too complex, nor rich with any deeper meaning, it's definitely an album you could turn on when you're down. i feel like songs get better as the record goes on.
Transported me to a Cuban bar. Blissful
Nice - good for cooking/eating dinner (good background music).
Impeccable vibes. This transported me to a warm place with a cold drink. I understand this is not a great representation of Cuban music, but it sure is fun. Favorite songs were Chan Chan, El Cuarto De Tula, Candela, and La Bayamesa.
Η μουσικη που φανταζεσαι οταν σκεφτεσαι Κουβα. Απιστευτη χαλαρωση, κιθαρες διαφορα οργανα και μια νοσταλγικη φωνη μεγαλης ηλικιας. Δευτερες φωνες που θυμιζουν δεκαετιες '50, '60. Rating: Α
Great, very calm. Good variety of tempo and sound. A bit long, and obviously my inability to speak Spanish doesn't help.
Always great to get some non-English music on the list. Favorite track: "Candela"
A-puoli on tosi hyvä, vallan tanssittaa. Mun guilty pleasure, mahtavaa rentoutumismusiikkia. Hymyn kuulee. Tosi itsetietoista kyllä, ja aika sievää. B-puolenkin voisi tanssia, mutta voisin myös jättää levyn kääntämättäkin. Siksi levy on melkein 3.
Jotain epäilyttävää tässä tuotteessa on: kuin kansainvälisen megayrityksen kuluttajatutkimusosastolla työskentelevä, tuntematon nero olisi keksinyt koko konseptin. LP itsessään on kiistämättömän tehokas: aloituskolmikko voittaa ihan kenet tahansa, siis kenet tahansa, puolelleen, eikä kokonaisuus lässähdä missään vaiheessa. OK, levylle palkatut muusikot soittavat myös standardi-iskelmää ja jazz-jammailevat useita minuutteja liian pitkään. Silti loppupuolelle on säästetty esim. Candela, Amor de Loca Juventud ja Orgullecida, joista kaikki hymyilyttävät, naurattavat ja tuottavat nautintoa. LP joka kaikkien pitäisi kuulla - ja jos käy kahviloissa missään läntisessä maailmassa, todennäköisesti on jo kuullut.
Sounds as delicious as a Cuban coffee and pastry
Favorite Track: Chan Chan
I was not expecting this to have such massive streaming numbers. I mean it is good, but I don't know if it 30-90 million (and one 230 million) good. Enjoyable album, but I think it overstays its welcome just a little bit. The guitars, percussion and grooves are great. Low 4.
Worthy inclusion. It's a very pleasant album to listen to, just not one I pick often. A great starting point for discovering more Latin and Cuban music. However, the genres they touch on here have more fleshed out albums to delve into. It's a good compilation but I'd rather listen to other albums in these genres.
One of Ry’s most tasteful moves was to let them play.
This is an interesting record and really a bit of a culmination of the mainstreaming of world music. I think of it as a much more authentic "Graceland" in that the fantastic musicians are playing their own music, not songs written by a white person.
I enjoyed this. There's something about music you can't understand that is very soothing and fun.
Very enjoyable
Klassiker, n paar sehr schöne Songs. Muy caliente!
Cool!
Vibes
They can certainly play and this is beautifully recorded. Listening in the car it feels like I'm in the room with them in Cuba! Glad we had this on Friday. On first play it was pleasant enough background music but with more listens I'm getting into the rhythms and the vibe. I really like it, relaxes and transports me away, and Monty too! I played it in 3 different rooms and each time he came in and curled up. I'll come back to this, it creates a warm calming mood, good for the soul. Favourite track: Chan Chan, but there are hidden depths throughout.
Can’t deny most songs are similar, but it is very good. Instant happy vibes to it. Doesnt feel miserable outside while this is on. Plus it reminds me of the greatest boss I ever had, who would drag me away from work to play poker with this on in the background. What a guy!
Got free tickets to see these at the Albert hall a good few years ago. Didn't know much about them but they were great, even though I think Buena vista are one of those bands where half of the members have left and set up their own similar bands. It's enjoyable Cuban music, Chan Chan is the best song but the rest of it is nice enough too. A band I would never really think to listen to but glad it came up, 3.5.
4/5
Great! 4 stars
Chad
Good album
It’s good, very relaxing. So relaxing that it put me to sleep.
This is such a cheerful album, primarily by artists in a later chapter in life. Lots of different song styles, but all approachable.
Entertaining and lively album
There's quite a few great songs on this album, but also some unremarkable ones. I can't help but wonder if there's not dozens of Latin musicians like this or even better who never made it to the west because they didn't have a western patron or didn't even have the means to record their music properly. Favorite song: Chan Chan
Very pretty but not my cup of tea :)
Fav: Amor De Loca Juventud Least Fav: Orgullecida No matter how good or bad it is, I’ll never get tired of world music on this list, it’s always a treat and a gateway to cultures outside of what I’m used to
Great gateway into Cuban music, fantastic documentary and some really beautiful music on this one!
More like this, please :)
really enjoyed this whole vibe. sometimes i forget to listen to the lyrics of anyways so it didn’t bother me
Have listened before - great Latin music. Very fresh and interesting
I don't usually enjoy records if I don't understand the lyrics but this is a beautiful record
The Good: something different for a change. The Bad: tunes tend to last a little too long for my taste. The Ugly: I felt like having a drink and a cigar... I purchased this album when it came out as a birthday gift to my best friend, and she just looked puzzled at me at the time. Due to this I never listened to this album, which I now regret as it is more than lovely. It is smooth, and raw, and exciting, and boring all at the same time. Thoroughly enjoyed the ride, and have already listened to it 3 times today. Solid 4*
Nice amount of complexity and chords are not bad.
This album felt like a great holiday, and has made me finally decide to work out what "Spongebob vibes" are. Favourite track: El Cuarto de Tula.
Cuban jazz and salsa music. Recorded to spread awareness of this music to people around the world. Pleasant listen, but I suspect (I’m no expert but have spent some time in Cuba) that it is pretty watered down for the masses. Still, very enjoyable and absolutely excellent musicianship.
Great stuff. The musicianship is top notch, the songs are catchy and it kept my attention. Enjoyed this one a lot.
3.5★. Now that's a club one would have liked to have visited. (Apparently Wim Wenders has a documentary on the group from around the same time, so some sort of visit is possible!)
The acceptable face of Cuba for the Americans, the acceptable face of World Music for the west. It's mad, isn't it, how this became so ubiquitous. I can't quite remember why, and I've decided not to bother looking it up, but I've a feeling that Thom Yorke was involved in some way. Anyway, it was lovely music to work to.
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.
About time I gave this a listen.
Great vibes all the way through
Muy bien!
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.
Enjoyed it but it got a bit too easy listening by the end.
Be prepared to dance
Funky
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.
Nice vibes. Aged well.
This is a 3.5 for me. I like it, but not sure why or how.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 !
Solid album, it is a great go-to for vibes.
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.
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
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)
7/10
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.
Even as a non Spanish speaker, this rules. The vibes are great. Good energy all around.
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.
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
I really enjoyed this album.
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.
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.
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
Fantastic. One of my favourite finds on this list so far. 9/10
3.5/5
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
- Chan Chan (erster Song ) 10/10
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.
Fantastic Cuban/World grooves and Spanish lyrics. A wonderful album for just chilling with a margarita.
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
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
This sort of unknown to me gem is why I'm here.
Just really enjoyable and well arranged.
Really enjoyed this.
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.
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.
Delicioso para uma segunda feira de trabalho
Classic cuban vibes
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.
First time listener who was blown away. A few songs don’t connect but is beautiful 😍
It’s very cool. I really need to watch the documentary.
This was a super fun listen! Perfect for the summer in my opinion
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.
Cheerful, chilled. Just as Shaft said, "makes me sway".
Honestly loved this album. Very relaxed feel, reminds me of a morning on a vacation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not normally something I’d listen to, but really enjoyable listen.
i loved it , old school feel
Wonderful album! Something great O had not discovered yet! Will be a repeat listen for sure.
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.
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.
Good mood
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
pretty incredible. 4
Different and so easy to listen to. Great vibe. 4 stars
Fun album love the sound
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 something I would normally listen to, but very enjoyable especially on a sunny day like today
Top background music. Will play more from these.
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.
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.
Beautiful, classic Cuban music.
A fun album, enjoyed the vocals
Fun music that's a joy to listen to. Lots of traditional latin beats and riffs.
Love this. Love Cuba. Fun and joyful
Canta y no llore!
Beautiful album. I imagine myself sitting in New Mexico enjoying a nice hot afternoon. Everything’s in Spanish, so I have to base it off of is vibes, which are amazing. Sounds a little bit like Toy Story too. Kinda funny that way. Standouts: El Cuarto De Tula, Tu Que Has Hacho?, Veinte Anos, El Carratero, Candela, and Murmullo.
This is music that makes the it feel like the musician's joy comes so easily.
World class. So vibrant all the way
Fun album. Piano bits nice. Sounds like old showtunes, RDR. Fav track: self titled song
Hadn't listened to this in ages. Used to like it more than I do now, but I appreciate it's a ground-breaking album in terms of bringing this music and the artists to the wider audience they deserve.
I DONT HAVE A CLUE WHAT THIS GUY IS SAYING But it's a relaxing listen.
Great hispanic album. Really fun and cozy. 4/5
This is some excellent music to put on while chatting with mom over a couple bottles of wine.
If the value in music is how deeply it burrows it's melody into your brain then this is priceless. I spent 3 months on Cuba and this music reminds me of sunshine, rum and people who seemed not to have a care in the world. It put a smile on my face and a spring in my step.
Really excellent. musicianship and lots of cool sounds happening here. Nothing really stuck out as a great single track to me, though I did have a hard-ish time fitting good listening sessions in today... Maybe more familiarity would make this click even better. Happy to have had a chance to discover this.
Wow. This is a great sounding album. This kind of music enjoy, but rarely would I put it on. However this has to be one of the best sounding recordings of this kind of music. The performances and great and soulful as well. It’s so nice to chill to. Solid 4+
Interesting album. Easy listening. Apparently they are Cuban from what I'm reading. Probably haven't listened to any Cuban music before. Has a good sound. Wish I understood the lyrics because I imagine that it might actually be more enjoyable if you actually understand what they are saying.
It was cool. Culturally important, but background music.
Nice, calm and thematic album. Very well sung and good composition. It really makes me want to go to Cuba!
Make no mistake, these octogenarians will steal your girl. 4 mojitos out of 5
Highlights: Chan Chan, De camino a la vereda, Pueblo Nuevo, Amor de loca juventud. In a nutshell: feel the rhythm, enjoy the ride. This is the kind of album where you play in the background while preparing dinner and you find yourself bopping along. I dig it. Overall: 7/10
oh this generator has had us eating GOOD with all this world music lately hm
I found that refreshing and enjoyable to listen to actually.
Heard the opening track many times on repeat in our house but not the whole album. A fine album
I think this is so atmospheric and fun that it wins a lot of votes. Of course that is all music needs to do if it wants to. This is not about angst or edgy or dark, it is hopeful and lively, even with some of the darker themes. I can't think of any reason this should not be on a list of must listen to albums actually.
My bueno, me gusta mucho
As they say in my Duolingo lessons, me encanta la música cubana.
A pleasant relaxing album if you are into it
This will be entering my “music to put on while I’m cooking” rotation STAT
Actually very good. Loved the Cuban inspired progressions. Classy guitar lines and good shift in tone
Great music, though not my preferred genre. Catchy. Would be great background music.
Блин, ну это было весело и супер чиллово для работы Алкоальбом: легкий коктейльчик кисленький для настроения. Типо мохито, но кислее
Рассчиловочная. Хочу в отпуск, сука... очень.
beautiful
I really like it
tres interessante.
Classic
An excellent album of Cuban music
There are two types of songs on this album. There is incredible Latin music that showcases the immense talent of the musicians in this group and there are vamp heavy songs that drone on that you'd hear in a small town Mexican restaurant played by the White to get everyone to forget who owns the place. I'm not even saying these are necessarily bad songs either, but they can clearly do better and it just makes it sound like they're phoning it in at times.
Great album, full of groove and great instrumentations!
Traditional Cuban music. I didn't see the movie and hadn't heard the album, though many of the songs had a familiar sound. Excellent musicianship, especially the piano and the horns, and a very comfortable vibe. My favorite songs (Chan-Chan and Candelas) made you want to get up and dance. I loved the record, though it fits a very definite type of mood, and I'll be listening to it again.
Groovy and fun Spanish flare. At the very least this was very fun to listen to!
Pleasant enough with good playing. An extremely cool thing to exist.
Love it.
Perfect music that just fades into the background and you can just enjoy it without too much effort.
Неплохо, но не разбираюсь в подобной музыке.
Maybe it just hit me at the right time and another day I might have reacted differently but I really enjoyed this.
Fun album, I couldn't understand a word but it was a good time basically the whole time.
Nice world music
Very nice, lovely music.
I really enjoyed this album, melodies and sounds were very good.
This is a tough album to review because, with all my Western-influenced music bias, I find it difficult to talk at length about what I enjoyed about this album. All I know is that I did really enjoy it. Bueno Vista Club's self-titled is a Son Cubano record which, to my understanding, originates from eastern Cuba and fuses elements of Latin dance music with African-inspired percussion. Aside from saying that I enjoyed this album from front to back, I can comment a bit on some of the songs I enjoyed the most. "Chan Chan" immediately caught my ear with its catchy refrain. The longer "El Curato de Tula" was another highlight. It has one of my favorite vocal hooks and a highly enjoyable trumpet-laced percussive groove. I also like "Armor de Loca Juventud" with probably my favorite glistening Spanish guitar break near the middle which feels like a scorching August afternoon. I like the piano solo on the latter part of the title track, shining a light on the album's jazzier elements. The instrumental palette across a vast majority of these songs is largely similar which works to the album's benefit. The whole thing comes off as one cohesive experience, almost like a single song. A very enjoyable experience.
Genuinely enjoyed it. Good rhythms. Great background music. Don't have a favourite song I just loved the album as a whole
Gently nostalgic
I kept waiting for this to get old, and it never did. Just an absolute joy. Better than anything Los Lobos or Los Lonely Boys ever put out. My intention is to spend time on something resembling a Buena Vista Social Club deep dive.
Will listen again!!
I really liked it
I think my pants fell off while listening to this.
Hella vibing, very tidy record. Definitely one that takes you to a different place unless you already are on a beach sipping some good shit. A bit too long, but it's a slow one, so it still doesn't get overwhelming.
Really loved the reggaeton latin playfulness. Favorite song: el carretero.
I would have said that this is one of a handful of truly ubiquitous albums, like Norah Jones, but after reading some of the reviews it seems it’s only ubiquitous for those of us who remember 1997. It’s a great album, but I wouldn’t play it myself and I’ve heard it too many times to really be objective. I’d give it a high 3, but I’m upping to a 4 because I do love the inclusion of non-English language music on this site.
Not much today other than this is a fantastic album.
Love the vibe and flow of this album, even though I have no idea what they are singing about or saying, as my Spanish is very limited.
I liked this!
1. 4.9 2. 4.8 3. 4.9 4. 4.7 5. 4.8 6. 4.4 7. 4.5 8. 4.8 9. 4.8 10. 4.4 11. 4.6 12. 4.7 13. 4.8 14. 4.2
Delightful. More non-English music please!
although i couldn’t understand a single word, i still enjoyed the songs in this album. chan chan being probably my favorite of the 14 songs
This shit rips
Cute sound. Feels like I'm at a beach in Latin America. Love the mix of salsa and jazz.
Still a lot of fun to listen to all these years later.
Listened to this at work and it was perfect for my day. Makes me want to listen to more Cuban music.
First time listening to Cuban music. Very talented and great sound.
it created an coastal, tropical atmosphere that felt like warm weather. much of it made me want to dance
unexpectedly good, nice vibe, cool songs
Phenomenal name.
Fire!
Such a fun different sound
Good music 👍🏼
This slaps
Great music. Proof that music transcends language. Enjoyable start to finish.
Groovy music. Very Cuban + very retro 90s
Love this album. It was also my introduction to Ry Cooder.
Heerlijk
Jazzy jazz. Not my cup of tea
I enjoyed this one a lot. Obviously i'm not gonna be able to comment on the lyrics that much but I enjoyed the vocals very much, it was a chill listen. The instrumentals were fun and talented, felt like a band who's very comfortable with each other just playing random parts. The album sounds pretty similar throughout but I think that's a strength here and in this genre. 7/10
En tienny et tykkäisin tästä
Wonderfully timeless. Some tracks hit it for me more than others.
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.
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.
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
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!).
Melodic, well crafted and jazzy. This album made me want to immediately book a flight to Cuba!
The atmosphere this album produces is fantastic.
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.
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.
Latin salsa/lounge. Catchy
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.
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
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.
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
- 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
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
Enjoyable even in winter.
Discovered this a couple years ago! really high quality 3.5/5
Latino music is easy I can fuck with anything (except Bad Bunny), but this album is perfect to be wandering around to
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
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
Very nice vibes
Love this, another classic.