Siembra

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

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.

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

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).

Thanks for this. What a magnificent album.

Reino Unido - ¡presente!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

IT'S SUMMER

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.

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.

Disco era salsa?! Yes, please!

This was awesome. Never heard of either Willie or Ruben but I thoroughly enjoyed this album. I kept expecting a Santana guitar solo to happen. Killer rhythms, killer horns, killer bass. Samba party.

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.

Really enjoyed this one. Right from the first track.

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.

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

Decent. *shuffles away playing maracas*

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.

Panamanian musica

Fantastic recommendation. I was wondering when Spanish albums would pop up.

amazing

Muy bien.

What a nice surprise. Great album with great musicians!

Capital eye Iconic

What can i say, 3 out of the 7 songs in this album are in my regular day to day playlists. I actually didn't realize they were all part of the same wonderful collection.

## In-Depth Review of *Siembra* by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades Released in 1978, *Siembra* is widely regarded as one of the greatest salsa albums of all time. This groundbreaking collaboration between Willie Colón and Rubén Blades revolutionized the genre, blending infectious rhythms with profound social commentary. Below is an in-depth analysis of the album, focusing on its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, as well as its strengths and weaknesses. --- ### **Lyrics** Rubén Blades' lyrics are the cornerstone of *Siembra*'s brilliance. The album is a masterclass in storytelling and social critique, addressing topics ranging from materialism to urban violence and Latin American identity: - **"Plástico"**: This track critiques superficiality and prejudice in society. It begins deceptively with a disco-inspired groove before transitioning into salsa, symbolizing the rejection of shallow values[1][3]. - **"Pedro Navaja"**: Inspired by Bertolt Brecht's *Threepenny Opera*, this seven-minute epic tells the tragic tale of a street gangster. Its vivid narrative incorporates street sounds like sirens and even references *West Side Story*. The song’s moral—*“La vida te da sorpresas”* (Life gives you surprises)—is both poignant and sardonic[1][4]. - **"Siembra"**: The title track calls for Latino unity and pride, referencing historical figures like Ramón Emeterio Betances. Its lyrics are a rallying cry for collective consciousness and social change[1][3]. Blades' ability to weave complex themes into accessible salsa songs elevated the genre beyond its traditional boundaries. --- ### **Music** Musically, *Siembra* is a vibrant fusion of salsa with elements of jazz, funk, disco, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms: - **Instrumentation**: Willie Colón’s trombone arrangements are rich and layered, providing a soulful backbone to the album. Tracks like "Buscando Guayaba" feature lively brass sections and rhythmic percussion that are quintessentially danceable[2][5]. - **Innovative Elements**: The album incorporates unconventional sounds like street noises in "Pedro Navaja" and a vocal "guitar solo" in "Buscando Guayaba," showcasing its experimental nature[3][5]. - **Variety**: Each track offers something unique—whether it's the disco-inspired intro of "Plástico," the folkloric chants in "María Lionza," or the epic crescendo of "Siembra." This diversity keeps the listener engaged throughout[3][5]. However, some critics have noted that certain arrangements feel overly complex or cluttered, particularly on tracks like "María Lionza" and "Siembra," where brass, strings, and choirs intertwine extensively[2]. --- ### **Production** The production on *Siembra*, led by Willie Colón, is polished yet daring: - **Sophistication**: The album was meticulously crafted to merge salsa's traditional sound with modern influences. Colón’s expertise in layering trombone riffs shines throughout[2][4]. - **Experimentation**: From disco grooves to theatrical storytelling elements in "Pedro Navaja," the production pushes boundaries without losing salsa’s essence[3]. - **Remastering**: In recent years, *Siembra* has been remastered from analog tapes for vinyl reissues, ensuring its timeless sound remains pristine[4]. While innovative, some critics argue that the slick production occasionally sacrifices raw energy for style[2]. --- ### **Themes** Thematically, *Siembra* is groundbreaking for its focus on sociopolitical issues—a rarity in salsa at the time: 1. **Social Critique**: Tracks like "Plástico" condemn materialism and racism, while "Pedro Navaja" explores urban violence with dark humor. 2. **Latin American Identity**: Songs such as "Siembra" celebrate Latino pride and call for unity across borders. 3. **Spirituality**: "María Lionza" pays homage to a Venezuelan goddess, blending mysticism with cultural pride. These themes resonate deeply with listeners across Latin America, making *Siembra* not just music but a cultural manifesto[1][3]. --- ### **Influence** The impact of *Siembra* on salsa and Latin music cannot be overstated: - **Commercial Success**: It became the best-selling salsa album in history and remained a record-breaking LP for decades[4][6]. - **Cultural Legacy**: By incorporating sociopolitical messages into dance music, *Siembra* expanded salsa’s artistic scope. It influenced future artists like Marc Anthony and reshaped perceptions of what Latin music could achieve[3][6]. - **Recognition**: The album was inducted into the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007, cementing its status as a timeless masterpiece[4]. --- ### **Pros** 1. **Innovative Lyrics**: Rubén Blades' storytelling elevates salsa to new intellectual heights. 2. **Musical Diversity**: The fusion of genres keeps the album fresh and engaging. 3. **Cultural Impact**: Its themes resonate deeply with Latin audiences worldwide. 4. **Production Quality**: Willie Colón’s arrangements are sophisticated and polished. 5. **Timeless Tracks**: Songs like "Pedro Navaja" remain iconic staples of Latin music. --- ### **Cons** 1. **Overproduction**: Some arrangements feel overly intricate or stylized, detracting from their raw energy. 2. **Language Barrier**: Non-Spanish speakers may miss out on the lyrical depth. 3. **Repetitive Patterns**: Despite its variety, some listeners may find the salsa formula predictable over 42 minutes. --- ### Conclusion *Siembra* by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades is more than an album—it’s a landmark in Latin music history. Its blend of infectious rhythms with profound social commentary set a new standard for salsa as both an art form and a vehicle for cultural expression. While it may occasionally lean toward overproduction or complexity, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. For fans of Latin music or anyone seeking an introduction to salsa's potential as an intellectual genre, *Siembra* is essential listening—a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire generations.

How to charm me? Have a horn section. That'll do it.

4.5

Brilliant, so much fun

This is so damn pleasant, I love Willie Colón. In reality, this is probably more of a 4.5 / 5, but lets round up to 5/5

Excellent, fun album. Great instrumentals and fitting vocal work. It does lean into samey territory, but not such that I didn't enjoy it. 'Ojos' was my fave.

Very nice

1978 Salsa

Great collection of fun dance songs here, love hearing new non-English albums! Amazing musicianship, great vocal performance, overall very fun listen!!

Loved it!

Calming to listen to

I think this is the first album on the list I danced to while listening to, that’s gotta warrant 5 stars

Absolute brilliance. Reminds me of my travels in Latinoamérica, and makes me want to book another trip there right away. Salsa can sometimes lose my interest after 20mins or so, but this was awesome, varied, fun, groovy, sexy. 10/10. Two legends of the game. Péru, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and the rest to come!

I'm gonna be honest. I'm a sucker for Sumba and similar music. It's my escape and fantasy music.

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

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