La Revancha Del Tango

I didn't mind this as sort of interesting background music, but it does seem an odd choice for this list. I think you could die without having heard it.

It's like high quality phone hold music.

Linen suits, eyes crouched behind smoked glass, a cappuccino on the terrazzo. The evening wears on, out comes the cognac, the fine Bolivian, lithe Polish escorts with cat eyes and cruel mouths. A dance that happens every weekend, every night in this corner of the Old World. All played out to the deadly, sclerotic beat of a music that never knew it was ever alive.

Not a good sign when you’re two thirds of the way through an album and you have to check to see if the album had finished and started replaying from the beginning. Otherwise, a fine record.

This feels like the kind of music Weird Al Yankovic fucks to. Meaning it's not terrible, just not for me.

Tasteful wallpaper for sophisticated dinner parties. I don't mean that in a good way.

By listening to this, we have deprived an elevator somewhere of its music

Nice for a little, just (as my main complaint with most of the albums on here), it's pretty dang long. Nice ambient music. Cool concept, as well. Favorite tracks: "Queremos Paz", "Vuelvo Al Sur"

I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected to. The sounds are so smooth and calming. I'll keep this in my back pocket for studying/relaxing music.

DVD menu music. It's a no from me.

I have a weak spot for southamerican music, for trippy beats and for electronic. This fusion totally hooked me from the first minute. I *think* that CD was big in Switzerland, at least I remember that cover art, but never heard of. Thanks to 1001 albums I finally got around listening to it. Will definitively listen to it more, especially for coding / concentration work.

It's like 70% of the time there's an artist I've never heard of in this book, the album is pretty forgettable. 20% of the time, it's just bad. And 10% of the time it's a cool discovery like the TPAB of electrotango. This was cool. 3.5/5

I like how they blend electronic music with tango. This made my workday enjoyable.

1.5. This is the kind of music that plays in hotel pools and lobbies when they’re trying to duck song licensing fees and just loop royalty free music. Not a compelling listen whatsoever.

I knew nothing about this and went in completely blind. I really enjoyed this. It feels like a soundtrack to a bank heist movie.

Something different, always good to see. Fresh and different - jazzy but modern. Great vibes, love finding stuff I've never heard of before. Maybe it's background-y, but very enjoyable. 5*

A bit long, but quite enjoyable jazzy electronica.

La Revancha del Tango is the debut album by Gotan Project, originally released in 2001. I'm not well versed in electronic music, so I'll keep this review short and sweet. The music is unique enough. They've got a kinda trip-hop vibe going on. There are some cool Latin influences in the guitar playing and I dig the Spanish vocals. They keep it French tho, adding accordion over the songs. They mix the accordion with a delay pedal a lot which adds to a cool psychedelic effect. Overall there wasn't enough variety between the songs for me. A bit too dull.

I’m at a 4.5 that I will bump up to a 5, though not without some level of mild criticism. I suppose I should’ve realized “Gotan” is just “Tango” with its syllables reversed from the second the groove settled on “Queremos Paz”, but regardless, I found myself very pleasantly surprised here. I will say, I’m not sure this is “tango” in the groove & sense I know it as, but perhaps I’m conflating tango music with samba music. Either way, I think the sort of Italian trip-hop vibe this album portrays works really nicely. The accordion is the star of the show here, by far. The melodies it brings & how it perfectly combines with a lot of the instruments (especially the guitar) is a real treat, and having it as the anchor for all of these beats that a rapper could easily flow on provides a unique vibe. I had to check; outside of quoting the original book one time in a review, I’ve never typed the word “accordion” as part of any of the 618 albums we’ve gotten so far. Isn’t that crazy? It’s a solid 58 minutes, but realistically, that’s part of the reason why I’m nearly tempted to bump this down to a 4 – this could’ve easily been trimmed down just a bit. The tracks that need their runtime are obvious, and make the most of their entire time to keep constantly evolving & flow in a way that justifies going 6 or 7 minutes. “Triptico” is a perfect example of a track that earns its 8 minute runtime; possibly my favorite one on the album, or at least tied with “Last Tango in Paris”, which also earns its 6 minutes. A handful of these tracks could’ve been trimmed by at least a minute or two, or at least reworked in a way that keeps them interesting for their full runtimes. A track like “Epoca” is an example; it’s apparently rather famous commercial music, so going from that approach helps the imagination open up in a suave way, but without that context, it’s just a 4:30 loop that falls flat after the energy “Queremos Paz” brings. Some of these are just a bit long or a bit repetitive; “Santa Maria” is catchy, yes, but the percussion loop gives no sense of progression, so the track comes across a little stale unless you’re actively moving around to it. The same applies to the closing track, “Vuelvo al Sur”. “El Capitalismo Foraneo” could’ve been cut around the 4:30 mark, since it captures the sort of “Italian James Bond” mood effectively by that point, and the rest feels like padding. The same “flatness” that might be perceived from “Epoca” applies handily to “La del Ruso”, probably my least favorite track here, though not an outright bad one. Following the groove & the energy of “Last Tango in Paris”, it just feels like a bland 6 minutes. If it were my call, I would’ve closed out on “Last Tango”. Is all of that enough to bump it down to a 4? I’d say no. Since I never really felt THAT affected by this stuff while actually listening & getting into the groove, and since the majority of the tracks caught my ear in a way that hasn’t quite been captured over the past 618 albums, I think I’m fine with keeping this bumped up. The floor is definitely a 3 here; these are far too catchy to not at least get intrigued & entranced by a couple of these. I’m avoiding my video game references as much as possible here, but trust me; the comparisons ARE there. For 2001, even with trip-hop far less in vogue at the time, this manages to kind of reinvent its wheel by adding the tango elements, simultaneously giving both genres a fresh air that meshes far better than I would’ve expected. I like the album, and at worst, it’s great fucking background noise to read or study to. It’s an earned bump to a 5 for my tastes, and a welcome surprise from the list. Did I need to hear it before I die? Maybe not, but I’m glad I did.

2/10 Doesn't sound like it should be on this list.

all french music that is not daft punk annoys me. this too. i can hear the midi keyboard's accordion preset piercing my ear from the first note of the album and i loathed it. completely. just boring love making music for hipsters who think that the french new wave cinema is greater than the american new wave music scene when you literally have talking heads as a part of the latter. 1/5

Lo siento amigos. No puedo con esto. Esos beats downtempo son tan desesperantes, mejor hubieran incluido un disco de, no sé, TANGOOO. Esto es una mierda para vender el género a gringos genéricos.

One of the best albums of all time. Truly, truly, unbelievably good.

Fantastic mix of trip hop and tango elements. Excellent beats and atmosphere. Never heard about it before and am so glad I did now.

A very nice jazz album. Nice alto voice though much singing in the album. Rich arrangement and very diverse instruments. Fun chord progression. It has all elements that I often like. There’re some moment that I wish it could give me more than just a jazzy vibe. Plus this album lasts a bit too long. Man needs a climax to finish off. Still gratifying. I enjoyed it a lot.

intriguing

That was actually pretty cool. Some Tango music mixed with electronica? Yes please! I wouldn’t have thought this record to be this chilled but still refreshing at the same time.

Different, and not bad, but I think it's kind of odd.

I still have problems trying to say anything about this kind of music. It's fine. It's solid background music. It barely asks me to think about it, so I don't.

"Your call is important to us"

Why? When should this album be listened to? It makes no sense and sparks no joy.

I don't like this French/Spanish music :-/

Anything that is electro-jazz/swing/tango etc. is a huge miss for me 99% of the time. Only listened 3 tracks from this.

"La Revancha del Tango" has an okay start with "Queremos Paz". The rest of the tracks are just mind-numbingly boring. 50 minutes of repetitive torture I had to endure, I have no idea why "La Revancha del Tango" is on the list. Two real stinkers in a single week, ridiculous. 1 star for "La Revancha del Tango"

Wow their choices of electronica on this list are 99% the lamest and most boring imagineable. Dreadful wallpaper.

Black pudding is very black today mother. Aye, even the white bits are black.

I think I might just hate jazz in all its forms including ambient hold music

What absolute dribble. Its as if you asked AI to write music for a dimly lit smokey room in France and not to offend anyone with real music. Even the album cover is bland.

Standout songs: Chunga’s revenge Tango is not for me, only reason I have a standout song is because its a funny name

I found this to be droning. If you want to hear a good album in this genre try Lovage:Music to Make Love To Your Old Lady By

The first track felt like an intro to something potentially promising. Unfortunately, it wasn't. It's just very basic, boring electronica with some splashes of tango and french cabaret music. I was hoping the Zappa cover would be interesting (I do adore Frank Zappa). But again, it wasn't. I skipped the last three tracks.

# In-Depth Review: Gotan Project's *La Revancha del Tango* Released in 2001, *La Revancha del Tango* by the Franco-Argentine trio Gotan Project stands as a landmark album that reimagined traditional Argentine tango for the 21st century. Created by Eduardo Makaroff, Philippe Cohen Solal, and Christoph H. Müller, the album is more than a novelty fusion—it is a sophisticated conversation between the melancholic soul of the *bandoneón* and the rhythmic pulse of electronic music . ## Music and Production: A Cinematic Blend The core of the album's genius lies in its production, which treats tango's traditional instrumentation not as a relic, but as a living, malleable force. It masterfully juxtaposes the organic and the synthetic . A traditional ensemble—featuring the plaintive bandoneón of Nini Flores, the acoustic guitar of Makaroff, piano, violin, and double bass—is seamlessly overlaid with dub treatments, trip-hop beats, and "trancey" rhythms . The effect is an atmospheric, cinematic sound that evokes the shadowy, cobbled backstreets of Buenos Aires, but viewed through a modern, club-friendly lens . This approach allows the music to function on multiple levels: it is both rhythmically engaging enough for the dance floor and atmospheric enough for a late-night lounge . The album's consistent groove sustains a hypnotic, stylish mood from start to finish, creating a "dense mesh of interlocking elements" that never feels forced . ## Lyrics and Vocal Themes While the lyrics are not the primary focus, they contribute significantly to the album's sultry and melancholic ambiance. The vocals, provided by Cristina Vilallonga, are described as "smoky" and "essentially decorative," acting more as another layer of evocative texture than a vehicle for a specific narrative . The album closes with a cover of the legendary Astor Piazzolla's "Vuelvo al Sur," a song that speaks of returning to the south and the city of Buenos Aires . This choice is thematically perfect, as the album itself represents a sort of "return" or reclamation of tango's essence for a modern audience. The lyrics across the album trade in the genre's classic themes of melancholy, romance, and nostalgia, reinforcing the music's mood rather than directing a specific story . ## Themes and Influence: The "Revenge of the Tango" The album's title, which translates to "The Revenge of the Tango," is a mission statement. The project aimed to take tango "away from the ballroom, the floorshow and the heavy nostalgia" and reintroduce it to a new generation by placing it within the context of electronic music . The "revenge" is played out in a space that is not tango's own, geographically or stylistically, as it moves from the traditional dance halls to the global club scene . The influence of the album was immediate and significant. It sold in excess of a million copies worldwide, achieving a crossover appeal that most "world music" fusions rarely manage . It helped lay the groundwork for a new wave of electronic takes on traditional music, being cited in a lineage that connects to artists like Rosalía and her fusion of flamenco . It also played a role in the evolution of tango dance itself, becoming a favorite for dancers of *nuevo tango*, a style characterized by a more open embrace and a questioning of traditional gender roles . However, its impact was not without controversy. The album represents a notable moment of cultural crossover, where non-Argentine producers from Paris (Cohen Solal and Müller) recontextualized a deeply national art form. While their passion for the music is evident, the album was seen by some as an outsider's stylish but somewhat "non-committal" interpretation, more interested in tango's "suggestive qualities" than its deeper traditions . ## Pros and Cons ### **Pros:** * **Innovative Fusion:** Successfully marries traditional tango instrumentation with electronic music (dub, trip-hop) in a way that feels organic and natural, not gimmicky . * **Atmospheric & Cinematic:** Creates a distinct, sultry, and melancholic mood that is both evocative and engaging, perfect for attentive listening or as sophisticated background music . * **Cultural Gateway:** Serves as an accessible and stylish entry point for listeners unfamiliar with tango, sparking a global interest in the genre and its culture . ### **Cons:** * **Lack of Tango Depth:** For purists and tangueros, the album is considered "entry-level" tango that lacks the genre's core expressive depth and is "a bit too harmless and non-committal" . * **Decorative Vocals:** The vocals, while atmospheric, are considered "essentially decorative," adding to the mood but failing to deliver the powerful narrative punch of classic tango song . * **Potential for Monotony:** The consistent, level groove can sometimes "drift into a level, blasé series of variations," with some listeners finding the album soporific . The track "Last Tango in Paris" is noted as a weaker point where the album loses its way . * **Cultural Outsider View:** The project was created by two French producers and a Swiss-Argentine, leading to a perception that the album is an exploration of tango's aesthetic rather than an authentic contribution to its evolution . In conclusion, *La Revancha del Tango* is an achingly stylish and enduringly influential album. While it may not satisfy traditionalists seeking a continuation of Astor Piazzolla's legacy, it succeeded in its mission to revitalize tango for a new global audience . The album's true success lies in its ability to conjure a world—melancholic, romantic, and relentlessly cool—that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.

Neįtikėtina

the daft punk of tango

Great driving music that makes you feel like you’re up to something lightheartedly illegal.

Electrotango. Fun fusion/experimental

FINALLY SOME GOOD FUCKING FOOD!!

I have always adored this album!

I was real nervous about this one. I thought it was going to be the type of thing that came off as cheesy or dated or just culturally baffling to me. But it was cool. Loved the groove and appreciated its more Dorfmeister and Kruder attributes. "El Capitalismo Foraneo" in particular captured that vibe.

never heard of this album before, and it truly feels like a hidden gem. La Revancha del Tango blends tradition and innovation with such elegance that every track surprises me. It’s a masterpiece that redefines tango for a modern audience while keeping its soul intact

5 sterne

El mejor álbum nacional. Bien argento. Me transmiten tanto sus canciones.

famisima

LOVE!!! never heard of them before but wow i loved the whole album from start to finish

Kijk, dit is een album die ik hoopte te vinden met deze service!! Het is zelden dat een accordeon zo lekker klinkt! Natuurlijk is niet elk nummer net zo goed maar het is een prima album

At first I thought this was going to be kind of a lame sample act, but have a scroll through this live show: https://youtu.be/vTnBMsrsBI8?si=266sBntxMy-MO4D9 It's the real deal, and it's pretty awesome. Really toes the line of "do we really need this combination of music" and "I'm so glad they tried this".

dude i fuck w this, loved the latin edge to it

This whole thing slaps, mexican folk + house dance hall music?

I love the beat, The instrumentation is very well done, and it works well with headphones

Fun and sexy.

I loved it, such a fun album

It's like a soundtrack to latin James Bond Me gusta!

great groovy chill tracks . hardly rock

it seems they achieved what it was they set out to do

Found this to be very interesting.

Sehr schöne Musik die ich Kaufe, AKustik melodie etwas zum träumen

"The Gotan guys blend the sexy syncopations of tango with the dark, echoing textures of dub and the beats of house and nu jazz to create a sound that is at once timeless and extremely modern, familiar and completely original, and basically just so darn all-around hip that it’ll infuse your squalid little urban apartment with all the allure of a smoke-filled Parisian jazz club." Ditto!

Parisian trip hop

Oh what a joy to have something different than an average pop/rock album, which has nothing special about it. It doesn't really matter if you like this music or not. At least it is the reason why I follow this list, to learn and hear something new. That's a sufficient reason to give a 5!

loved the sound on this!

Super groovy, absolutely loved it and will listen again.

Loved this

I should listen to this album more, one of the reasons I love Tango, which itself is a musical style I need to listen to more. The addition of modern dance and dub productions makes this an infectious and sexy listen.

amazing

Amazing fusion of styles. Funky and Latin.

# Reactions - Oh wow, groovy - Sounds like loading screen music, in the best way imaginable - I haven't fucked with tango like this before

A fascinating album. It has the vibes and style of a Spanish album, but also with that distinctly French, early-2000’s quirkiness. A lovely, almost meditative, at times, collection.

This really hit the spot

i liked the fusion of French and Tango! pretty good relaxation album!

Relaxing, cinematic, dramatic. Sexy, romantic! A fun listen and pretty easy to listen to. Whoda thunk a couple French guys could make such great Latin music?

Love it. Very moody. Sultry.

Besst instrumental playlist so far.

This was excellent from start to finish

Excellent!

Best neotango album.

Man I've heard this album many many times. Very happy to see that it showed up here. This seriously is so nostalgic for me. Reminds me of a very specific time in my life. A time in my life where there were many changes going on. A time where I was trying to learn to be responsible. A time where I was still struggling with addiction. A time where I was trying to get my feet under me again but also a time where things felt like I was becoming a real adult. Anyways, besides all that. This album is fire. I LOVE the beats, the tango, the feel. Love it all. 5 stars.

This was really good music. Instrumental with a nice beat, excellent melodies, and lots of variety.

FOARTE BUN 9/10

I’ve been obsessed with the song Mi Confesion by Gotan Project (from the next album) and because I’m an idiot it never occurred to me to listen to any of their other songs/albums. Soooooo glad this project is here to tap me on the shoulder and point me in the right direction. But I’m surprised to learn this is a French band - I had assumed they were from Argentina.

mysterious

Surprised- Loved it! Discovered a new genre

Really cool album

What a fun album! I happen to be playing "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" which really makes the French bits slap a bit harder. Fun instrumentals and vocal work, in a very interesting fusion of music! I intend on diving into more of their works and giving this album another listen through. 'Una música brutal' was my favorite from this album, though a lot of these were just excellent!

Today it's easy for me to judge. La Revancha del Tango is one of my favorite albums. The Gotan Project opened up the world of Argentine tango to me. The combination with electronic elements is simply great. I don't even have to listen to the album anymore, I know it by heart. But here too, why not? Listening to great music is never a waste of time. 5/5

L agg mess

Funky

excuse me this is cool as shit

Respectful of the inspiration but innovative in the approach, so much fun to listen to this fusion album.

This was just a brilliant album from a band I had never heard. I think over the course of the weekend I probably played the full album 6 or 7 times.

Amazing album front to back