Siembra

I've never really listened to salsa before, but holy fuck. Throw me a bag of tortilla chips because this was delicious.

There are many excellent things about this album. The musicianship and production are clean and tight and the vocal delivery is energetic. I'm not terribly knowledgeable about salsa, but I was struck by the complexity of the harmonies and arrangement. Some of the bass work in particular was incredible. Overall, a great album that makes me want to learn about the various styles of Latin American music

9/10. I like salsa music, but not usually enough that I can sit through 42 minutes of listening to it fairly actively. This had a lot more variety of sound than I am used to hearing in salsa, which is no doubt biased by me listening more closely to this, but still a very enjoyable album.

I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would. Couldn't help but dance while listening. The songs flowed really nicely and the music itself was punchy yet not too in your face. Hasn't won my heart yet but definitely a good album

I was really surprised by liking this album as much as I did. I have never cared about Salsa in any sort of way, but this just sounded really good. It seems like it mus have been a blueprint for pretty much anything that was good about any Salsa album ever released after this one. It was a joy to listen to and sort of half-dance around in my chair while working (maybe this one is better for remote work than at the office though).

I love a good horn section, and the horns here are INCREDIBLE. The musicianship is off the charts all the way around, and the storytelling is rich and clever to boot. I enjoyed the sarcastic West Side Story reference. Best track: Pedro Navaja

Thanks for this. What a magnificent album.

Well.......This sucks. We should start a site "1001 Albums You Should Pass On Before You Die"

First non-english speaking album, and man what a jam. Saw some comments saying all the songs sound the same and I couldn't disagree more, every song was a totally different song, just under one genre, and it was enjoyable throughout. Some songs went on a little long, but that's okay! It almost feels like something you'd hear in a game like Katamari.

I don't want to be that guy but literally all salsa sounds the same.

Je ne vous cache pas que je ne m'attendais pas, en lançant cet album, à accorder la note maximale, vous connaissez ma réputation. Trêves de plaisanteries, aujourd'hui je vous propose un petit quizz. Pour jouer c'est très simple, il vous suffit de répondre à la question suivante. Où ai-je rencontré le père de robpellemèle? Reponse A: Il est venu chercher rob à l'école après notre cours de Krautrock pour l'ammener à son cours de salsa. Reponse B: Nous nous sommes rencontrés lors d'un concert de Jethro Tull, après avoir apprécie ensemble le solo d'Aqualung. Réponse C: Le père de rob était en fait notre professeur de rock psychédèlique en classe de 4ème world. Pour jouer rien de plus simple, je vous invite à poster votre réponse sous la review de l'album de votre choix.

sooo good, stellar musicianship and the brass section is fantastic. Some of the songs are really long but I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing given that it’s meant to be danced to. Lyrics were poetic and beautiful and even funny at times, and they’re sung with so much flair. 10/10, need to dance to this sometime

What a fun and wonderful album! I’m so glad to be back in the saddle and greeted with these sonic delights. This is my new go-to for when I get that itch to tap my feet.

Super fun! Never heard these before. Made me want a dirty cocktail

Clasicos de la salsa que ya conocia casi todos pero nunca el album completo. Espectacular

Me encanta.

I love Hector Lavoe so this was right up my alley. That's mainly why I like it, not necessarily because of specific songs (though the first one is a banger), but because of the overall sound. It's the kind my mom will let me play out loud in the house lol.

I felt like I was on vacation on some island paradise, drinking a cocktail and listening to the local band. Good vibes.

This shit slaps. I loved dancing to it. Didn't know salsa slapped this hard

It’s a samba party and everyone’s invited!

We've had a handful of Latin jazz-y albums by now, enough where it can be difficult to differentiate. But this one is probably my favorite so far. Very vibrant, very danceable. A good time start to finish. I guess that's to be expected from a salsa album; I can hear the difference, but I'm not very knowledgeable. Regardless, this was a great listen. Fantastic instrument work, especially the percussion. I can see why this was such a smash hit. Favorite tracks: Buscando Guayaba, Pedro Navaja, Siembra, Plastico. Album art: The flowery border is cool, but the baby pictures just feel out of place. Doesn't seem '70s at all, let alone salsa music. Seems more like an Anne Geddes throwaway. Confusing, but I don't hate it. 4.5/5

Reminds me of visiting my grandparents in the city of West New York, NJ in the 80’s. Chances are pretty good that I’ve heard some of this blaring from passing cars or in the communal park at their apartment building where residents would gather to chat or play dominos or chess on the concrete chess boards/tables that were installed in the park. The soundtrack to a hot summer day in the city.

In school, I teach kids about making connections. This was a weird connection. I've been recently watching Fear the Walking Dead in which Ruben Blades plays one of the main characters. I had no ideas he was also a world renowned singer and salsa performer. That being said, this was enjoyable enough. I have no way to really compare it to any other salsa albums, but I dig it for what it is. I'd give it a 3.5 if that were possible.

given that I have my Spanish final exam in less than three hours this was very helpful. It was my only studying tactic, so thank you very much Siembra I do like Spanish music. I’ve never have anything against it and I really think it’s a nice thing. However, it’s not my favourite just because I can’t really relate to the actual singing about it because I’m not fluent however, I did enjoy this album.

All I knew going into this album is that it’s a “salsa album” I had absolutely no idea that it was going to be this funky! This is the first record in a very long time that made me wish I knew how to dance to it. The rhythms throughout are totally and completely infectious. It’s smooth, cool, and very very fun to listen to. The horns on “Dime” really stand out to me. However they were recorded gives them a very cool feel, intangible delight. My only complaint about this one is that I wish it was longer. I can’t overstate how fun this record is.

funky as f***

This is the kind of music that just makes you want to move. This is definitely my style of Latin music and is a quality production overall. Don’t need to understand the lyrics when the music is that good.

Surprised how much I enjoyed this!!

the Far Cry 6 soundtrack slaps

4.5/5 Fantastically enjoyable album with instrumentals made for dancing, and smooth vocals on top. The brass sections in particular are great, and the closer Siembra ends the experience brilliantly. Perhaps the enjoyability of the album is not much more than the sum of its tracks however, with not a lot of variation. Plástico 4/5 (LEAST FAV) Buscando Guayaba 4.5/5 Pedro Navaja 5/5 María Lionza 5/5 Ojos 4.5/5 Dime 4.5/5 Siembra 5/5 (FAV)

Absolute bangers

swingy

Для учёбы нормально

Lin-Manuel Miranda, is that you? I loved the upbeat vibes of this album and would definitely re-listen.

Fantastic easy listen

I wouldn’t have previously considered salsa a genre I would go out of my way to listen to. But my god, if ‘Siembra’ doesn’t make me consider doing a deeper dive then I don’t know what will. This is a fantastic album in nearly all areas. It’s got funk, it’s got soul, it’s got jazz. Putting aside the language barrier (which I believe is easily broken down in the world of music), the music alone is worth listening to. Funky bass lines, phenomenal horn sections, salsa flavoured piano; and phenomenal vocals layered on top of it to create this absolute VIBRANT world through the 7 songs on offer. I’m pretty sure we’re all mostly familiar with the track ‘Plàstico’. But looking deeper into the tracklist, other standouts include ‘Buscando Guayaba’, with its infectious melody. The absolute banger ‘Pedro Navaja’. The mid-tempo, and best vocal showcase in the album, ‘Ojos’. And the fantastic, epic crescendo of the title track ‘Siembra’. It’s an absolute blast from start to finish. I don’t really hand out 5/5 ratings too often (at least so far during this list). But this one was easy to place in that exclusive club. And if my experience is anything to go by, it is a perfect place to start a potential journey into this genre.

This is when I wish I had kept up with my Spanish lessons back in high school and college. The rhythms! They just make you want to move your ass! There’s also a nostalgic element to this type of music for me, as it reminds me of a family (and life) that is just a distant but still very, very fond part of my past… 🤔🤔🤔 Another highlight of the benefits of doing this challenge, for sure. It’s how I found out about Jorge Ben; now I can happily add Willie and Rubén to the list of new discoveries to enjoy 💃🕺💃🕺

Granted, I don't speak Spanish so I have no idea what the songs are about. That said, fun music and enjoyable to listen to.

Outstanding album. This is a welcome departure from the other items on the list recently - I dont normally listen to salsa albums, but when I do they are Siembra. 5/5

This album is a timeless masterpiece. Just as relevant today as it was during its release.

Como para 4'5 (hay tramos que no me molan tanto), pero subiendo parriba

Found myself enjoying this way more than I expected. Salsa isn't a genre I have a particular affinity for, but this just hit the mood. I can see myself putting this on the next time the sun is shining, the BBQ is out, and the rum is flowing.

Espectacular. Este disco demuestra el potencial de la salsa y lo inmensamente creativa que puede llegar a ser. Tiene lo básico, ritmos bailables y una alegría caribeña muy propia del género. Pero "siembra" va más allá, tiene una musicalidad asombrosa, desde piano, a unas trompetas fantásticas, hasta un violín y un solo de "guitarra vocal". Rubén Blades es el unico liricista que puede hablar de una sociedad basada en falsas apariencias y materialismoen una canción, y en la siguiente hablar de guayabas. Las canciones con suerte bajan de los 6 minutos, pero no se sienten tan largas y cada tema tiene un sonido único. Siembra es una oda a la música latinoamericana, una de las mejores colaboraciones musicales de la historia y uno de los mas grandes discos de salsa de todos los tiempos.

Tong tong tong ting ting..... :-) It's getting sweaty on the dance floor! Theses guys are wonderful! Such wonderful grooves, singing, horns, percussion... Damn it's good! 5 stars

Another surprise! I loved this album even though I hadn't heard it before. The percussion is unbelievable as are Colon's trombone solos.

it's fantastic

Elite

Man what a fun salsa album. Tons of variety in terms of sound and lyrical content. I have a major soft spot for music like this since I lived in the Dominican Republic for 2 years. This was also such a breath of fresh air for this project.

Hard to criticize this one. Total classic sound. If you like salsa, this might be the best example out there.

Disco fundamental de Rubén Blades, uno de los tipos que más le dio otra poética a la salsa, más crítica y social, demostrando una vez más que cualquier ritmo que invita al baile, también puede hacer un llamado a la consciencia social por un mundo menos hostil. Excelente trabajo.

Ooh noice

Some records are so good, so effortless to listen to, so enjoyable, that 45 minutes feels like no time has passed at all. It’s like the musical equivalent of gliding on air. ‘Siembra’ is one of those records. It’s superb from start to finish.

BANGER AFTER BANGER

Loved this album! A real showcase of what the trombone can do. Colón’s tone is aggressive, yet refined.

What a privilege to hear this record. I don't know Spanish so quite a bit flew over my head but the music is fantastic and I love the little nods to different genres, e.g. the bit of disco in the first song, and later the West Side Story nod, as well as the big band bits. These guys are large and in charge!

Right from the beginning, it grabs you by the waist and you can't help but dance and sway to the beat. Salsa/World/Disco, blended and fused to masterful effect. I found myself singing along even though I had no idea what the lyrics were. The rhythm section is top notch and the bass in particular sweeps you away and fills you up. Siembra is insistent and overwhelming in the best of ways. An excellent record, start to finish.

10/10 based and joyful as fuck

Salsa mit Disco-Musik verbinden, das funktioniert? Und wie es funktioniert. Anspruchsvolle Tanzmusik mit hervorragenden Arrangements, das geht in die Beine. Dieses Album hat mich in jeder Hinsicht geflascht. Ein Meilenstein in der Musikgeschichte, keine Frage. Komisch, dass ich von diesem Album bislang noch nie was gehört habe. Danke, dass ich es jetzt erleben durfte.

I enjoyed this

I've found a new album I otherwise never would have thought to listen to on my own. Amazing, every song a hit, thoroughly enjoyed this one Plastico especially, I like that it starts with almost disco vibes and rolls into salsa, just great.

Outstanding. An album like this is what this list is all about. I never would have found this otherwise and I absolutely loved every second of it!

"La vida te da sorpresas, sorpresas te da la vida, ay, Dios"

The description says salsa but this starts funky as hell? I'm into it. This is ageless. I have heard these before, just not sure where (Buscando guayaba). A solid album, just good vibes. 5* Each track is unique and doesn't just have the same salsa rhythm, it's layered with so much more. Highlights: plastico, maria lionza (cool starts and groovy bass)

Very well done latin/Puerto Rican music! Both these artists are super accomplished musicians! I can definitely see why they've won so many awards! Loved listening to the beat and energy of a type of sound I have appreciated too little.love the trombone!!

Perfect for keeping the Puerto Rico life feel every day.

I loved this. Terrific salsa!

Is it just me or did this album make anyone else feel like dancing?

Enjoyable Latin sounds with a tinge of late 70s disco. Fun!

Salsa was just the thing I needed to reinvigorate me today, and this is some kick as salsa music! 💃🏽

FANTASTIC! What a breath of fresh air in the never-ending slog of old white man music. More like this, please.

This album was really cool! Nice blend of jazz, Latin-American music, funk, and disco. Just a party, overall

Really taken aback by how much I loved this. Had to give it a second listen to confirm, still rocked my socks off. I had some understanding of what Salsa music sounds like but this is so sweeping, epic, and FUN that I couldn’t stop smiling through it. Musicianship is on point, the songs are long and fully formed but never feel like they’re lugging along, and (once I looked at translations) it’s awesome lyrically considering the seemingly light and fun arrangements. This is a true masterpiece to me, and makes me wonder if this is a unicorn or if I’ve just fucked up not exploring Salsa my whole life. Top tracks: All of them. Not even being funny, I revisited every song, it’s all great. Maybe I’d skip around on Ojos a little bit? This shit rocked my world, just the right sound at the right time in my life.

Holy smokes, this is what the project is about. Great music I never would have listened to on my own. Not sure what anyone was saying but the fun Latin music with brass really hit right today

Puntazo plástico!

Mexico music hee hee haw

wow i loved this! never heard this album but every song pretty much is a banger. I could see how someone might feel every song has a similar sound, but they all hit to me, and the album is not long. amazing horns. standout song is Pedro Navaja. 5/5

Un Clásico

Delicious! Is this the first time I ever consciously listened to a salsa album? Yes! But it was unforgettable. So many fun surprises around every corner. It’s like jazz, man… sounds all the same, but then you go in deeper. And deeper. Except this is approachable and fun and you can put it on in all fun times! Very heavily colored by being in Costa Rica as I’m listening to this. The horn arrangements! I’m going 5/5. Rightfully should be in the canon!

Def pulled me in with those trumpets and percussion <3 Great jam.

Salsa is an easy 5 for me. Sunny dancey vibes

I don't care what anyone says, this is the best music ever.

Probably the best salsa album ever recorded

Fabulous. Totally new to me and incredible

I loved this. I listened to it now than once and I'll probably add it to my rotation. It's super bright and fun, the horns and strings sound amazing, and it's so outside my normal wheelhouse, I get excited knowing I have something this different to listen to.

Salsa is not really my genre but this seemed pretty much perfect to my unsophisticated regard.

Big fan of this album Had me doing a little dance while making dinner. Big fan willie and Cecilia too

Yes please.

I have no recollection of listening to this, but I also know it was great. I'm not entirely sure how I know this, but it is completely true.

Like that

It's very rare for me to dance instead of walk to work. This album gave me those vibes to let go, and dance all the way. Fantastic.

Really enjoyed this one. Right from the first track.

I've read the wikipedia article for tumbao. I've watched a dozen videos about clave rhythms. My limited musical experience means that I only barely understand the basic structure of salsa but the more I listen and study the more I appreciate it.

Cool découverte!

Wow this was a fun listen! I can't say I've really given salsa much of a listen before this, and I don't know Spanish but I really wish I did now. The horns and instrumentation are excellent, and the lyrics seem great, even if I don't exactly know what's being said. It's the kind of album that just makes me want to dance, and it makes me wish for a warmer day than this one. Favourite: Plástico

I missed this one, it was well before I got into Latin music. Clearly he nailed this long before Gloria Estefan. Great album, and I will be listening to it again.

I've heard some of these songs on compilations, but never had the pleasure of hearing them together as intended until today. This album is a high water mark for the salsa genre. It's also one of the great Latin music albums, not just of its era, but of all time. Spectacular, nuanced musicianship and rich, flawless vocals from Ruben Blades. Not to mention, this album is just deeply, deeply fun. No hyperbole, this is a pretty perfect album. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Pedro Navaja, Dime, Plástico, Buscando Guayaba, María Lionza, Ojos, Siembra

Yesssssssss this is exactly the kind of thing i signed up for.

During the first minutes I was thinking "yep, this will get three stars, usual spanish stuff, pleasant but nothing interesting". NO, that's beautiful, carefully crafted and addictive. Will definetely look up other stuff of this genre

Enjoyed this more than I might have thought.

Great atmospheric Latin jazz, upbeat but also easy listening