Reviews (page 8 of 15)
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
Gear: Grado Hemp Mix: Brillantemente discreto y, sin embargo, con numerosos detalles. Musik: Simplemente un álbum perfecto para (casi) todas las situaciones. Wertung: ☕☕☕☕(☕)/5
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.
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
Good vibe
Hadn’t heard of these guys before until today and now I’m part of the fan Club! It was muy Buena!
Enjoyable
This was very enjoyable and something new for me
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
Classic album and sound
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
Bops. Fantastic car music
A fantastic and incredibly catchy, laid-back project that’s suitable for any mood really
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
Klassiker. Solide gut
Really enjoyed even though I couldn't understand lol
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
Throwback to high school! Great movie and soundtrack. The real life “Tap” of Cuban music!
Icon salsa vibes
Great slbum
Great
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
#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
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.
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.
Loved this when it first came out, I can still remember where I first heard it at a music loving friend's place.
Vibrant and energetic, yet pretty chill and contained. 4.4
This is such a cool album. I've never heard anything like it honestly.
Lovely sounds.
Great background music. Will be a repeat listen. The group is tight and the music is smooth.
Mellow and groovy
Helt ärligt fett mysigt. Bästa var chan chan
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.
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 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.
Escucha muy agradable. ¡Me veo volviendo a esto a menudo!
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.
Like it, eventhough it's not my kind of music.
Beautiful vocal melodies, excellent production; although some songs are repetitive, most of them are earcandy, very enjoyable to listen to and dance to.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
It's the easiest of easy is it not.
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.
A great cultural experience
So terrific. Definitely a plus to my day.
Very pleasant Cuban jazz album. Although I have known about the existence of this album because it got famous when it came out in the late 1990s, but I haven't listened to the full album before. It introduces me to a world that wasn't that well known to me and I really enjoyed it a lot. Great music.
It is timeless.
Compay ... etc
I enjoyed it; it was a very peaceful album and definitely something I wouldn't have listened to on my own accord. Just nice Latino music, a genre that I have not explored that much (sorry, Mom). I can totally see this played at a coffee shop in Cuba; god knows they have good coffee over there. 8.5/10
Fun Latin music. I don’t know why, but I have trouble remembering specific songs from other languages, but this was great nonetheless. I think I enjoyed the songs with the piano the most, like another reviewer I saw. Just good music. Listen to it.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Great for BGM while I was doing some work. will revisit for sure 4/5
A bit inconsistent but it has the best Latin songs I've ever heard.
Giving a 4 for appreciation
Smooth as! What a joy to listen to, very atmospheric. My top pick is 'Candela', pure vibes.
Much more chill than I was expecting. Evocative and relaxing. Top shelf!
4.0
Not bad at all
I've never seen the movie but this is an easily enjoyable and beautiful album.
Always brings you in good mood
Hullu vibe ja nää papat osaa soittaa vittu fav el cuarto de tula
Great world music
Great album. Wonderful Melodie’s and overall very feel good vibes. Definitely going to listen again whenever I’m laid back relaxing.
Snilldar stemming! Frábær plata!
- Never listened to this before - Surprised by how much I liked it - Another album which is exactly why I use this website, would've never decided to listen this on my own but it's actually great - Good music for a sunny day which helps - Fav songs: ¿Y Tú Qué Has Hecho?, Candela, El Cuarto de Tula
kveið nokkuð fyrir hlustun. reyndist þykja þetta hin fínasta músík sem var óvænt og mögulega örlítið vandræðalegt. fær fjarka.
Can see why this was a big hit, very easy listen. Some exceptional moments, some bland bits. Far better than the majority of rock albums on this list
interesting album, enjoyed the sound overall.
Neat
What's not to love here. Great percussion, blaring horns, intricate guitar work, and wonderful vocal harmonies. My only critique is that some of the songs went on a bit longer than they needed to. Overall a great album.
Reminds me of my childhood. My dad owned a cd of this album and I own the 25th anniversary LP of it. It’s an all timer for sure. 4/5
Chan Chan is my favorite song on this album. I bought the album when it first came out but don’t think I ever listened to the whole thing. When I saw that this was today’s album, I was excited and was predisposed to give it five stars, but, while I enjoyed it a lot, the fact that I had never listened to the whole album in the many years, since it came out, signaled to me that this might not be an actual five star album. It’s probably more like a 3.5 but I’m gonna give it a four. A few years ago, when Cuba was open to Americans, I planned a trip there and booked an evening at the BVSC. Also planned a tour in a vintage car. And then before the trip commenced, entry was again denied to Americans (thanks Donald). I ended up on a cattle class cruise that went to the Bahamas and Key West. Poor me.
OK... so I was teetering between 3-4 for this. This brand of Spanish-language music invariably gets me tapping my fingers and drumming along, but my complete lack of understanding the lyric is a detraction. I can't fully engage as I don't have a clue what the subject matter is. I enjoy it, but then find it starts blending into homogeny, partly because of the music/song arrangements and no doubt partly because of the language barrier. So, as the album played, my interest and attention waned, so it started slipping from a 4 to a 3. Then I read the AllMusic write up about the band and the album because I wanted to figure out how Ry Cooder was involved and learning more about this recording sealed it. So, while I try not to let additional info influence my review, in this case, I am embracing that. What a story behind this album. I'm going to seek out the movie and dig in deeper.
Yeah, this is great stuff. An album I can always put on in a social situation and everyone chimes in with, "Oh, yeah, I love this album." Been a while since I listened to it. Glad it showed up.
I wish I had the musical vocabulary to describe the sounds that I like so much on this. I forgot about this album but back in those great late 90s WXPN days, this was on heavy rotation.
A very suprising (by my tastes), well put together Cuban album, if in the mood for Hispanic music, this album is an easy choice. Could easily be a soundtrack to a movie.
Really liked it.It had a really fun energy to it with all the instruments being played really well.Only problem was that the later half dragged a little bit.
I’ve never really delved into music that isn’t in English apart from a small handful of songs so I was excited to give this one a go especially considering how popular this album is and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The 2 key things that really stood out to be were the cohesion of all the singers and the variety of instrumentation. It’s great to hear the front man sing but then when it effortlessly fades to the singers in the back you can tell all the members have some real chemistry. The instruments are just fantastic throughout, I particularly enjoy the trumpet on ‘De Camino a La Vereda’ which stands out really proudly, and the piano on ‘Pueblo Nuevo’ where I never thought I’d enjoy a 6 minute piano instrumental as much as I did until I heard that song. Other standouts include the opener ‘Chan Chan’ which has an almost sinister tone to it created by the Spanish guitar but is sung so smoothly. Also the song ‘Candela’ is a great example of the drums taking over which gives the track some energy especially in the latter half where all vocalists are involved, it’s a great track. In addition I just love the atmosphere this album gives off, it really makes me want to buy a new pair of headphones and just travel whilst having this on in the background. My only downfall of this album is the run time, it does run a bit long for me especially when we’re getting a lot of similar sounds so some of the songs on the back end don’t hit nearly as hard as the ones on the front end. Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed this album and appreciate the door this opened into exploring more non-English speaking music, will be returning to this.
Very good album, makes me feel like I'm on holiday!
Holiday vibes.
Classic fiesta vibes. The type of older Spanish music I like.
God I loved this. Fresh. And funky with just the right amount of latin flavor. Esta bien indeed. Listen to this on the best speaker possible. You’ll wanna catch all the little notes underneath.
Excellent. Couldn't get enough.
Love the overall cozy feel, and the guitars are neat.
This a beautiful collection of songs that really transports you to another time and place. The sound is languid, earthy, joyful, even surprisingly jazzy. The music isn't complicated, but it feels monumental. A real mood lifter. Fave Songs: Candela, El cuarto de Tula, El carretero, Veinte años, Amor de loca juventud, Buena Vista Social Club
Lovely music
A beautiful blend of various genres, from rancheros to some ridiculously played latin jazz. It can be relaxing, it can make you want to dance... just super fun overall. Favorite tracks: "Dos Gardenias", "Buena Vista Social Club", "La Bayamesa"
Track 3 bongos went feral.
Like
Lekker, alsof je in Latijn-Amerika aan het hangen bent
Wat een heerlijk album!! Kende alleen het eerste nummer maar dit is echt het perfecte album voor zo’n zonnige dag
Heerlijk in de zon!!
Classy Latino music. Brilliant and worth listening to.
Very fun album. Quite a range of tracks, but all definitively Cuban. Not every track is a winner, but still certainly worth a listen.
This is very acceptable background music. Performed by supremely talented musicians. It is not something I want to sit and listen to.
OK, pleasant but not really my thing
Nice low key music to have on in the background. I don't know enough about the genre to comment on the quality but I didnt mind listening and would go back.
what a gem
Do I speak Spanish? No. Does it matter? No. Do I wish summer would hurry up and get here so I can sit on the beach and drink a mojito? Absolutely.
Muy buen álbum de música de Cuba rescatada del olvido gracias a Ry Cooder, recomiendo la película que es muy emotiva.
I don't understand how you could embrace this project, then write a record off because the lyrics aren't in English? Can't you enjoy the melody of another language? I'd rather that than listen to boring banal lyrics I did understand. Anyway, with that off my chest, I like this record with its gentle, but complex harmonies and rhythms.
A fun Latin American album.