Reviews (page 8 of 10)
Lin-Manuel Miranda, is that you? I loved the upbeat vibes of this album and would definitely re-listen.
I have never listened to salsa music and didn’t think I could sit through 40 minutes of it nonetheless but pass me some chips please cause I wanna dance
Not sure how you'd go about disliking this. Granted, I don't have the greatest knowledge of the genre, but I know enough to know that this is fun. I like the funk bass thrown in occasionally, and really like the strings on the last song. Favorite tracks: "Plastic", "Maria Lionza"
fire
This was really fun. I enjoyed the West Side Story shout out. High 4.
ehh this was fun but im not super into it
7/10 - It was a vibe to say the least.
Solid
2.4 1x catchup 10/8
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.
I don’t know anything about salsa and don’t understand much Spanish but the band is cooking
100% dispels all bad vibes in a 20-mile radius. Pure joy. Me hace feliz como whoa.
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.
Good but didn’t make it through. Intro on the top listened track was legendary.
3.3 stars rounded down.
Whenever I've heard salsa music in a film or tv I've enjoyed it for 30-40 seconds it's on but the thought of 40+ minutes of it did not get me excited. Boy was I wrong this album is excellent the musicianship, the beats, the rhythms it almost makes me want to dance but thankfully for those who listened with me I didnt, but god I felt happy after listening to this.
I felt like I was on vacation on some island paradise, drinking a cocktail and listening to the local band. Good vibes.
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.
I’m not going to pretend I know a lot about this type of music. It sounds really clean and well executed, but also at times sounds like very run of the mill 70s music with a latin flair.
Not a genre I was familiar with but I enjoyed this a lot.
thoroughly enjoyed
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
Couldn’t believe my Ojos when I saw this album come up.
Amazing musicianship, just a tad repetitive
Funky salsa? Kinda digging it.
Ez
Shocked at how much I enjoyed this. Ez 4.5
I liked tracks 2 onwards more than the opener with the disco. Overall pretty enjoyable - some excellent horn playing. But it also doesn't quite have enough variation to keep me engaged for the whole album.
Buena Vista Social Club was my very first album on this list, fitting to find something similar right near the end as well! I liked this album, it was cheery and fun. Upbeat and I didn't get tired of listening through the 40 minute runtime.
This album is a timeless masterpiece. Just as relevant today as it was during its release.
tons of fun, especially the first track. even brought the sun with it!!
It was interesting to hear that very popular single within the context of the rest of the album.
Not my music, but he use every vocal, rhythm an instruments to make an varied album… 5/10
Not bad.
Pretty good.
Solid latin tunes
Gets you in the mood with its first bars even though those ared deliberately irritating because they use disco sounds. The rest is salsa - really good one written with social thematic intent too. The only negative would be that on the length of an album the music is just a bit too similar.
Latin feel 感觉会在餐厅小酒馆之类的地方播放，悠闲惬意的感觉
I want to like this more than I do. That being said, it is a pretty solid album.
4.25
Very vibey
Slaps.
Si, si.
Thoughts before listening: I've heard of these performers, but I do not believe I've heard their music. I also do not recognize the album cover. Perhaps latin jazz of some sort? I definitely think this will be a first time hearing this. Review: Sounds like I'm at a Mexican restaurant. This is definitely a fun listen even if its not necessarily my cup of tea. I do remember going to Peru and this type of salsa music was everywhere so its bringing back very good memories. Even at dance clubs you'd hear Usher followed by a salsa song. I am glad to have been forced to listen to this today. 3-stars
Quite enjoyed this! Would like to dig into these guys’ catalogues a little more…
I’m not too familiar with this genre so I’m not sure how this stands out but I quite enjoyed it! Seemed like at least one of the songs had a satirical bend which I thought was cool even though I didn’t fully understand
Really, really great stuff - super vibrant and fun. Kinda shocked I had never listened to this before as I know Willie Colón to be kind of like the king of Salsa music!! Really happy to listen to this one!
Came out of the gates with a banger opening track. Never reached such highs again but was enjoyable throughout.
Not my jam, but perfectly enjoyable.
Nice enough, but quite boring and forgotten almost before it ended.
Como para 4'5 (hay tramos que no me molan tanto), pero subiendo parriba
The trombone player on this 🤌
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.
Discazo, toda la onda toda
I never think of Rubén Blades as a singer because I first saw him on the screen in Predator 2 (I know, I know). Anyway, I enjoyed the performances. The latino groove was enjoyable, the only song I did no care for as uch was (interestingly) the only song Rubén Blades did not write: "Ojos". The rest was really good salsa. Definitely something I will come back to.
I can't say this is my kind of music but I enjoyed listening to this album. Plastico started off a little like disco but quickly turned into more straight ahead salsa. Nice beats, solid vocals, great energy across the collection of songs. Maybe a little repetitive at times, or at least some songs went on a bit too long. Feels like a 3.5 overall but I'm going to round up for it being a major piece of salsa music history.
The bass lines are awesome thougj
I could totally sexy dance to this
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.
2.42
OK,ish
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.
Now I know where every Mexican restaurant I've ever been in gets their music from.
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
A nice change of pace for a hot summer day
Tangy tomatillo
Another surprise! I loved this album even though I hadn't heard it before. The percussion is unbelievable as are Colon's trombone solos.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. 4
Jovial and energetic flamenco and samba inspired album that borrows some elements from funk and african music as well. Really awesome stuff going on in here, plus Willie Colon the legend 👏
I could be misremembering but I think this is my first and likely only salsa album I’ve gotten on this list. It was fun enough to listen to alone but this really felt like it should only be played at a massive Hispanic social event like a quinceanera or something. Don’t get quite the same effect when listening to it on my couch as I play balatro at 1 in the morning.
Pretty good - I love it when they do a roll call of countries in latin music (see Plastico)
I can’t really comment as I’m not very familiar with salsa. It was fine. Rating: 3
Not for me
I like a lot of latin music but wasn't a fan of this. I didn't feel the energy to dance. I wanted to like it but it just didn't strike me. I might try listening to it again since I wasn't paying a ton of attention. My grounds manager at my appartment listens to a lot of what I assume is salsa when he dances in the parking lot. I was a little stressed yesterday for my tournament but I put this on while I was cleaning.
This is a fun album, not the kind of stuff I usually listen to, but I couldn't help but tap my feet along to it. The musicianship is stellar, not a single note off or misplaced but definitely full of feeling. The style of the album is fairly uniform but the songs are catchy enough to really keep it interesting. I had to look up the story of "Pedro Navaja" after hearing "Smith and Wesson" in the lyrics and it's pretty brutal! Not the story I expected from the music. This was a great listen. Perfect timing for a Sunday of housework and taking it easy.
I came close to turning this off until I heard Maria Lionza and needed to figure out who sampled it. I listened to it 4 times before figuring it out. https://youtu.be/n4ZIPIwGkGk?si=6Z-n-5pbCqHo9GrQ I didn't really care for the rest of the album.
Not my cuppa tea but interesting and I did enjoy most songs on the album
3,5
Disco Salsa from 1978... Very enjoyable. 3/5
I'm sure this is a great album but samba just is not not really for me.
it's fantastic
Elite
Not really a fan of this type of music but appreciated the talent here.
It made me want to seat-dance.
the best salsa album ever recorded by a cast member of Predator 2
The best selling Salsa Record of all time! Enjoyable and foundational it seems. Hard to fully understand, but certainly enjoyable.
Fínt að dilla sér við þetta.
I don't speak spanish and I'm not well versed in salsa music, but based off pure vibes this was fun.
Enjoyed it. The disco-esque intro really threw me off but it quickly resolved into what i was expecting.
Mario music
This was fun! Unfortunately (and this was definitely mostly to do with me being home from college), this album led to a week-long procrastination of album listening, so it loses a star for that. But I really did enjoy this! I would never listen to salsa music normally, so I appreciate getting the chance to hear this.
i got VERY excited about this when it began bc of the funk/disco strings that weren't really in the rest of the album. but it was fine!
💃💃💃💃
This is not an album to listen to in your car. The first song made me think something was clunking around in the back of my car, and then that other song had a siren in it. Not the kind of music I usually listen to but it was totally fine
Hard to keep my feet from moving - great dance music! That said. Definitely in the running for winner of "worst record cover" - looks like a diaper ad.
Absolutely perfect in the background hanging with friends. Great production, musicianship and energy.
Had a great time listening to this! Lots of great bass lines and rhythms to build out Colon’s trombone.
Fine. Likely due to my unfamiliarity with this genre of music, I find it challenging to observe the nuances in this album that place it above its peers and as being worthy of its place on this list. That lack of comprehension is a failing on my part.
Very good, though probably not something I would listen to again? A fun time, though I believe the lyrics are political, I don’t speak the language.
This was great.
Latino.. se hai voglia è un buon album
I think in small doses in the right environment this would be fab, but I had neither of these luxuries.
6/10 good vibes but forgettable
Buscando Guayaba Pedro Navaja María Lionza Although I didn’t know what they were saying I could feel the energy in their words. The instrumental section was good though, but the album itself did not stand my mind more than an hour after listening to it great to listen to and fun to dance too.
- Honestly a lit vibe I enjoyed this for what it was - I want a Corona
- good vibes
I don't know much about salsa music, so I don't have much to say about this one. I liked the horns and piano parts, but I wasn't too fond of the back up singers. I enjoyed this enough while listening to it, but I doubt I will seek it out again. 3.5
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.
Super fun. Latin beats and horns were super groovy, and fun to listen to. It was really creative and vibey. I had a great time with this one.
Ég skemmti mér lúmskt mikið við að hlusta á salsa tónlist en ég hvorki dansa salsa né hef sökkt mér eitthvað sérstaklega ofan í tónlistarstefnuna. Þannig að ég þekki ekkert mikið til en mikið hressilega fannst mér þetta skemmtileg plata. Hún fer alveg pottþétt aftur í spilun og þá líklegast oft því mig langar bara í meira salsa.
Not for me
Really rather liked this
Didn’t listen
I love this stuff but I‘m not sure I can tell the difference between a high quality salsa album and something less than. I enjoyed this, but I typically enjoy a lot of Latin sounds, so hard to feel good about my rating!
Hard to criticize this one. Total classic sound. If you like salsa, this might be the best example out there.
Much better than the other salsa album I got
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
I'm not really familiar enough with Latin music to be able to distinguish whether this album stands out as good or not comparatively. But I did enjoy it. I don't think it's anything I'd rave about to a friend. But it had good vibes.
I didnt think this was the best
It's fine. I'd never choose to listen to it, wouldn't know it to be different from other similar stuff
Too sad for this joy Too naive for this high art Too bad, it’s charming
The biggest trouble with this list is that music is very much about the context in which it is listened; I did enjoy this much more than I thought but I'm sure if I was sitting in a tropical setting with my wife, a pina colada and able to swing my hips I'd enjoy it a lot more than listening in an office in Devon while it is pissing down outside.
Neibb
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.
high 3
Pedro Navaja I gather is like a hispanic Mack The Knife…
i love hearing different genres! and there was a lot to love in siembra. it was fun, it was smooth, it was chill, it had so many trombones!! the flow throughout the album was well done. nothing sounded out of place, and every song coasted into the next. absolutely no complaints. i understand why it's the best selling salsa album!
What a fantastic salsa album! The production here is so well done for the 1970s; you can hear the musicians and the vocalists crisply and cleanly. Speaking of both the musicians and the vocalists, salsa music requires that both of these sets of people be electrifying in their performance, and this album has that quality in abundance, without question. This album sets a high bar for salsa music and it's no wonder that it became the best selling salsa album of all time.
Not sure where this fits in my rotation. Probably not. Well played not my bag.
Great classic tejano
Latin jazz
I can appreciate the rhythm and beats, but the album was too repetitive for me. I'm happy to have heard it.
Love the energy, ojos was my favorite (3.5/5)
Salsa ambience. Great listening in the background of daily chores.
Audição de salsa ou música caribenha agradável, ainda prefiro as bandas cubanas.
Not my thing. Unlistenable.
So this is salsa! Funky and delightful.
Definitely gonna put this in rotation, I liked the lyrics and I’m so surprised that it was recorded in the 70’s.
Very groovy, surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did.
Für mich keine Musik zum Anhören sondern zum Tanzen.
BANGER AFTER BANGER
Trombone heavy and worth a relisten
Some nice sounding Spanish music. The first song had me thinking it was going to be a Spanish disco album, but it was like all the other Spanish albums I've been given so far. Pretty good, not my thing.
Not sure why there are babies on the cover? Love the trombones! I'm pretty new to this project, and is the second album (30-ish in) that has sampled West Side Story. I wonder how many more there will be. And whether that cast recording will be in here, given it's clearly had influence over albums included.
Loved this album! A real showcase of what the trombone can do. Colón’s tone is aggressive, yet refined.
Pleasant but unremarkable 70s salsa, to my ears at least.
Well, you can't argue with "the best selling salsa album in the history of salsa music and Latin music", I guess! Not really my usual genre to listen to, so I can't say much about whether this deserves the title, but a fine album, I suppose. I did find "Buscando Güayaba" a weird and somewhat jarring song, and while I kind of liked the seamless transition between tracks (interrupted only by YouTube's annoying ads), it made it really hard to follow much of anything, in large part because my sung-Spanish comprehension is as abysmal as my sung-French comprehension. And while the reference completely went over my head, it's interesting to know that "Pedro Navaja" is an homage to Bertolt Brecht's "Threepenny Opera." "I like to live in America!" (3)
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!
This was a lot lot better than I expected, while salsa music won't become a heavy favorite of mine, it was nice to hear some diversity in the songs.
I enjoy salsa and enjoyed this record. I don’t know if it’s a good example of the style or not, my salsa knowledge and palate are not extensive or refined. But I’d put it on again.
This might be the best of this genre, I just couldn't connect with it.
I never wanted to turn it off, but I wouldn't say I enjoyed it. It's not something I'll ever go back to.
Makes me want to move my feet and shake my hips!!!
Now I can die with sabor.
No
Nunca habia sido fan de la salsa. Sin embargo, con el tiempo ya no le tengo aversion y he aprendido a identificar su valor en el espectro musical; a distinguir la calidad e influencia de algunos grandes del genero. Entre ellos, Willie Colon destaca. Esa imagen de mafioso y misterio que forjo durante los 70 es magica. Su trabajo con Lavoe y Blades es legendario. Mi recomendacion es revisitarlo con atencion y pasion. Finalmente, Siembra puede que sea uno de los albumes mas socialmente conscientes y criticos de la salsa. Ruben trae sus letras, Willie su swing. Ambos hicieron historia.
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.
5/10 Highlights: Maria Lionza Pedro Navaja
Not for me
upbeat salsa music. impossible to be in a bad mood after listening to this album. fun and lively.
Upbeat and fine. Not my normal cuppa but I didn’t dislike it.
10/10 based and joyful as fuck
The instrumental part is great but I can't stand listening to music when I don't know what they're saying. I don't speak spanish!
Fun world record. Reminds me of paddington
Well, this one is a bit boring. Restaurant music.
Aina on näillä tåmän maailaisilla(etelämerik..) ongelma oma maa kultainen nähdään niin täydellisenä... ensimmäinen biisi ensimmäinen esimerkki WONKY ASS BEAT SOI. Ollaan ylpeitä wonky ass... Toinen esimerkki. Tuttuja kyseisestä paikasta ja perkele kun hienoa musiikkia aina.. esittää.. ruoka kulttuuri.. ruokatasku... eli ruokaa asian sisällä... deep fried... empanadas... ruan nimi..JA NÄITÄ RUOKA"KULTTUUREJA" SUOSITAAN NYKYPÄIVÄNÄ, VAIKKA VOIT OSTAA KAUPASTA MITÄ TAHANSA, HYVÄ JEE SYÖT SEN KULTTUURIN MUKAAN, JEE HYVÄ ETTÄ ON MAUKASTA RUOKAA, RUUAN MAUKKAUSHAN SE TÄRKEIN ASIA PERKELE 6 KK SITTEN VIIMEKSI SÖIN RUOKAA NAUTINTO MIELESSÄ.. Kolmas juttu..Geoguesseria ku pelaa... Ulkosalla mainokset ja advertit paperia heh köyhiä kavereite ei näyttöjä heh.. ja NÄISSÄ MAINOKSISSA MAAN LIPUN VÄRIT.. kuluttajat kyseisissä maissa.. buy buy heti kun keltainen sininen punainen... meikä poika ostaa kun yritys velkaongelmissa ja vuosittain 3 milliard dollar loss.. buy the dip.. Noh vika kappale lähtee soimaan ja laatuahan se on kuitenkin ollut koko albumi..
Gets redundant. Skipped through most tracks.
Felt like I was on holiday, lovely
love the smell of his colón on me <3
Fine but don't like it
Technically brilliant I'm sure but I was well bored by the third song. Samba/Salsa heaven if you like that kinda thing. THREE!
I saw a salsa band (Groupo Fantasmo) live, once. It was great fun and this is fun music, too. But listening without dancing is rather monotonous - I guess my point is that this is LIVE music.
Great but not the vibe yesterday
As much as I love the Spanish language, I really don't listen to much salsa music. That being said, I have respect for Rubén Blades because how much I love his home country of Panamá. Additionally I didn't realize Willie Colón is a trombonist. Which is an instrument that I've enjoyed a lot recently. Especially after discovering the music of Rita Payés. This is a super pleasant listen and although I'm vaguely familiar with Blades and Colón's music... I feel that I should explore it a bit more.
2/7, 29%
Damn, this album is funky. While I did enjoy a lot of the musical elements, there are moments when it dragged quite a bit. I still enjoyed it want to check out more from these guys, but this one didn't do as much for me. 2/5
This is our first Spanish album. I'm ignorant so I would probably need a cultural trip sitter to tell me why this is an important album, but I enjoyed the upbeat vibe regardless.
It's great for what it is. Salsa with a hint of funk. I don't think I'd ever listen to it again, but I can't score it low because I dug it the entire time it was running.
The height of salsa that blends the perfect groove for the knowledgeable and rookie listener.
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 like the horns, and I lack the appreciation of Latin rhythms. It's odd, as I'm drawn to the rhythm of Hip Hop, Reggae, Ska, Afro, Rock... But most Salsa grates on me after a couple of songs.
Albums like this truly expose my biases. When I saw that it was salsa, i groaned. Its the same beat over and over. But that's the beauty of this project. It forces me to listen without assumptions. To dig deeper beyond the congo drums and listen to the nuances. The horns are my favorite part of every song! This album is great in a lot of ways. Especially when it crosses into jazz.
Very refreshing. I don't speak Spanish so the lyrics were a little lost on me, but I think I got the intended experience.
Salsa Album aus klassischen Bigband Arrangements die auch aus den 50ern stammen könnten. Passende Hintergrundmusik zu einer schwülen Latin-Nacht mit Cocktails und Standparty. Darüberhinaus gehende Begeisterung entsteht aber nicht.
Overall - Liked it, didn't love it. The musicians and the arrangements are great. It's kind of like actual salsa. It really works with everything it does, but you do have to switch it the condiments and you're not just going to eat a bowl of it. If the album were instrumental-only, and the arrangement was shortened by like 15 minutes, I would love this album. Maybe even add it to the library. Sadly not today, Plastico - Blew me away with the opening. Slappy bass, disco strings/horns, vibey vocals. Then it morphed into salsa. Buscando Guayaba - Basically exactly what you would expect from vocal jazz if it was salsa-based. It's almost a commercial for morphing into salsa. Pedro Navaja - Basically the salsa version of Mack the Knife. Opens with an a police siren, then it morphed into salsa. María Lionza - Opens with an awesome, dissonant, dark piano and chanting "oh!"... then it morphed into salsa. Ojos - It's just salsa. Dime - Super catchy piano and bass progression, the stabby horns give it a nice melody to play with. Even the singing doesn't bring out too much of the salsa. Then, about two and a half minutes in, it starts to morph into full salsa. Then, for the last minute or so, it has a nice vocal jazz break/outro where the vocals are way too loud. Siembra - Really nice outro and string arrangement! But, at this point, I am physically tired of listening to salsa.
Immediately fooled from the first few seconds thinking this would be disco. This is salsa: one of the most famous and acclaimed salsa records. It's chill, groovy, and just a fun time. The singers are clear and forward, almost punk-like, but probably more like the funk craziness of James Brown. The jazz touches are poppy and accessible, reminds me of Chicago. I don't think the last 3 tracks lived up to the first 4. "Ojos" had nothing of value to add. "Dime" was boring and dragged on, but I liked the ending. "Siembra" sounded like a 70s cop show with the overproduced strings, but it sounded cool.
Ik had nog nooit van Willie Dikke Dárm en Rubén Mesjes gehoord. Het album begint met pak 'm beet dertig seconden disco en sluit daardoor mooi aan bij de Sledezusjes waar ik net vanaf kom. Na die ongeveer dertig seconden volgt de switch naar salsa, een genre waar ik vrijwel niks mee heb. Dit is van die muziek waar horkerige, saaie Nederlandse wijven met zo'n platte mannenkont in hun C&A jurkje er zelf van vinden dat ze er heel goed op kunnen dansen omdat ze ooit 3 halve lessen hebben gevolgd bij señor Willem, die getrouwd is met de voor 1/16e deel Braziliaanse Manita. Van die wijven met kleurrijke, spuuglelijke bungelende oorbellen en niet-matchende maar wel even felle lippenstift op hun lippen, maar ook een beetje op hun lange voortanden, die dan op het typische feestje-in-een-zaal waar je bent opeens heel enthousiast worden omdat ze een conga horen die ze herinnert aan hun huwelijksreis op Cuba, waar de Bacardi echt veel beter smaakt dan hier in Nederland. Van die wijven die dan één wijntje drinken voor de gezelligheid, maar echt niet hoeven te zuipen om leuk mee te doen hoor. Die vervolgens wel naar je kijken alsof je een met parasieten bedekte straathond bent omdat jij nadat je een biertje hebt staan atten, in gezelschap een klein boertje laat. Het hoogtepunt is voor mij de Typhoon - Bumayé sample in het wild bij 'María Lionza', die internationaal dan weer bekend is van de Major Lazer versie. Eventjes word ik zo'n horkerige Nederlandse vrouw met platte mannenkont die wil laten merken dat ze dit kent van de huwelijksreis op Cuba. Leuk, leuk. Het is een prima album. Bijzonder goede productie, best aardige muziek, niet te lang gelukkig, de zanger niet té irritant (al snap ik nog steeds niet waarom die gasten altijd met een dichtgeknepen neus moeten zingen). Het is gewoon niet helemaal mijn genre, maar ik wil hier best eenmalig een 4 voor uitdelen. Zeker als we ook meteen afspreken dat dit het laatste salsa album is dat ik dit jaar hoef te luisteren.
First time I’d ever listened to salsa. Fun sounds, unlike anything I’ve heard in the English language. Really enjoyed it.
The first track “Plastico” is a banger. The rest was interesting, but didn’t hit like the first track for me
Willie Colón is the best of the best. Fun to have Rubén Blades with him on this.
I enjoyed this
Meh. Inte min kopp te. Händer inget i mig. Gimmickmusuk
Dinero, trabajo, mi corason, cha-cha-cha!
I’ve listened to this album about 5 times all told, and I still don’t know what to make of it. It’s fine, I guess, but it does all sort of blend into a mesh. I don’t speak Spanish, and so can only pick out a few words, there seems to be quite a lot about both women and flowers, but I don’t know how much knowing what the topics of the songs would help. Maybe I just need to listen to this while dancing, but I can’t do the samba either. A true five out of ten if ever there was
Funky stuff
Funky. Disco-y. Salsa-y. Tropical-y. Altogether a pretty fun album to listen to, even if I have no idea what they’re saying. I feel like I’ve been transported to Miami in the late 70s at the height of the cocaine drug trafficking era.
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!
Latin funk. Loved it
Àlbum de salsa contando historias de la vida, y haciendo reflexiones de la sociedad. Bailable y agradable de escuchar. Uno de los mejores discos que he escuchado de salsa.
this album made me wish I was latino and also not depressed
I just can’t get into latin music for an extended period of time. With that being said I’m still going to give it some good stars because the musicianship is obviously very good. I can see this being very good if you are into this type of music, but it’s just not for me.
The first track is really fun! Easy listening, but not knowing the language I didn't really connect with the rest of it.
It was fine. Nothing mind blowing. 6/10 Top 1: 1. Dime
A real mood lifter. Loved this.
If this were my airport, there would be more of this kind of thing. 4.5 🌟
Ok
"La vida te da sorpresas, sorpresas te da la vida, ay, Dios"
Without knowing the finer points of salsa music, I can only say so much. Having an appreciation for big band music from having played in a jazz band, I can say that this is a very tight band. There is technical skill, but also a passion for the music that comes through even 45+ years after its recording. I really enjoyed this album and would listen to more. Standout tracks: Plastico, Buscando Guayaba, Pedro Navaja, Ojos
I don’t like traditional vibes
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)
I don’t think I’ve ever intentionally listened to Salsa before, but I think I should do it more often. This album was such a vibe.
J'ai beaucoup de difficulté avec les artistes hispanophones, mais pour une fois, je suis surprise. C'est vraiment intéressant à écouter et j'ai apprécié mon expérience.
Song: Pedro Navaja The generator has been on a roll these past few days with giving me some really interesting, international songs. Yesterday it was Fela Kuti & Afrobeats, today salsa. I thoroughly enjoyed this despite barely understanding a word. It made me want to dance, had a great rhythm and great flow. I don't think I've ever listened to a salsa song, but this was great.
Super fun! Never heard these before. Made me want a dirty cocktail
Vraiment plus apprécié cet album que j'anticipais. Même si c'est un style que je n'écoute pas du tout, c'était très entrainant et très accrocheur sans devenir énervant ou redondant. Définitivement un album qui mérite d'être ici et certainement à revisiter. 8/10
Nah
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!!
Have not heard this before but I’m looking forward to checking it out. I would say not speaking the language affected my enjoyment. The music was decent but felt repetitive and I kept finding myself wondering what the lyrics were. Overall, I was enthusiastic for this but was underwhelmed.
Perfect for keeping the Puerto Rico life feel every day.
A fun album that you can't help but tap your feet to. A true classic.
Clasicos de la salsa que ya conocia casi todos pero nunca el album completo. Espectacular
BL: never heard of these artists or this album. So it’ll be a complete blind listen. AL: an amazing album to dance to? Undoubtedly. An amazing album to sit down and listen to? Maybe not quite as much. The real appeal here are the drum lines and the percussion. The Latin beats are very inspiring and make me want to get the drum set out and practice. However I do find the problem is with this genre is it does get a bit same-y. Maybe part of this is down to me not understanding the lyrical content, but then again there are bands like Rammstein where I understand very little of the lyrical content and I still enjoy it. Definitely worth the listen but not one of my favourite albums on the generator so far FT: “Ojos” 2/5
Cool for what it is, some very funky stuff. Not for me though.
Yllättävän hyvä salsaksi!
This shit slaps. I loved dancing to it. Didn't know salsa slapped this hard
Stunning gorgeous what a way to start 2024
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.
This album was kinda fun. It was a great background listener while working today. I've heard of Ruben Blades before and I know he's a force in the salsa/jazz scene, but the only sound I've heard from him is Pedro Navaja, and that was in The Mask.
Enjoyed the sound and rhythms!
Solid album. I don’t have a ton to compare it to within its own genre but I know I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I don’t know enough about the genre to pass any judgement, really. But, I listened to the whole thing and enjoyed it.
Not really my thing, I don’t feel it has aged all that great to my ears.
Loved it
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! 💃🏽
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.
I am definitely not much for salsa music... ...but I like this. So maybe I just don't even know myself. Good album for good vibes - like how can I be in a bad mood listening to this...great musicianship and sounds more modern than 1978 - and also is working as excellent study/work music. ...and if I keep giving 3s for albums that aren't necessarily up my alley am I really being honest with myself? Just because most days I'm not likely to put this on ahead of the genres i like better doesn't diminish the fact that this is catchy as hell. 7/10 4 stars
First impression of the album cover was: is this the Salsa version of Notorious B. I. G.'s Ready To Die? I only know very little, if anything about this genre... And nothing about this artist And that's about it. So this is as blind as listen gets. I had to brief myself on what's this is... Apparently these artists are one of the best selling Salsa artists. One of them is a trombonist. I note the trombonist because I really think his playing adds to this album. And his playing is tasteful and accompanies, but also stands out amongst the rest of the vast amount of instruments that are playing (almost at all times). Not a fan of this genre, and wouldn't seek out any of it. But it sounds fun. Reminds me of when I was in New Orleans. Between Salsa and jazz, every bar had one or the other playing live music. Lots of fun! I prefer the jazz over the former stuff.
FANTASTIC! What a breath of fresh air in the never-ending slog of old white man music. More like this, please.
Ruben Blades I knew, but not Willie Colon. A fab mix of Brazilian jazz plus disco.
I haven’t listen to a lot of salsa/latin jazz, but I loved this record. Couldn’t help but dance to it
Fantastic rhythms full of flavour, great storytelling too. Great album
Great salsa music!
Admittedly, I know next to nothing about salsa and I have no real grip to judge is one album is better than the other. They all kinda sound the same to me, but it's still a pleasant sound it's all good.
Listening to this during a snowstorm was pretty absurd, but still pretty good overall.
Very nice groovy and passionate salsa album. I honestly can't understand the political aspect of it, but that was a pleasant listen.
Fun ngl
Not my style.
I wasn't terribly excited to see that I got a salsa album today, but this shit is dope. Just solid grooves running throughout, with great production that makes it sound much more modern than I would have expected for 1978. There's greatly clarity for all of the minor percussion instruments that help establish the beat. The singing is great, though I have no early idea what they are saying 4/5
Not really to my taste but was nice to listen to something different, can definitely see why people like this sort of music
i know nothing about salsa but i quite enjoyed this! very pleasant. and i recognized that one song from oliver & company right away 😎
this was a cool album and i really enjoyed it. i like salsa as a genre well enough but i couldn't tell you a single song or artist name. it was cool to hear a lot of it all in one place and try to figure out the lyrics. cool west side story reference as well. the instrumentation and musicianship are just off the charts here. favorites: plastico, buscando guayaba, pedro navaja
What a warm, fun, delicious record. I haven't listened to really any salsa music, but this was lovely. The production sounds great (some amazing bass performances!), the vocals grab my attention even when I don't speak the language, and the album is cohesive without feeling repetitive. There are so many moments and flourishes throughout that would reward repeat listening. I particularly enjoyed the "America" (West Side Story) interpolation in "Pedro Navaja" and the backing vocals on "Ojos". And, as mentioned, the amazing bass work across this album.
This album was really cool! Nice blend of jazz, Latin-American music, funk, and disco. Just a party, overall
Great album. I love Latin music and this is really enjoyable and extremely well executed example. Interesting variety of moods. Too bad I don’t speak Spanish 🇲🇽😌
Didn’t enjoy
Great instrumentation and album did not feel repetitive despite strong cohesion between all tracks
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
Sexy
Got some good funk on it. It can get you moving. Salsa is fun but it's not my thing normally. After a couple of listens, I was definitely dancing without noticing.
Starts with a promising soul, then it mostly latin
Puntazo plástico!
Never listened to this before. . . Oh hell yes. Groovy, funk-infused latin beats from Blades. The best selling Salsa record of all time. I dig it. . . Not gonna make the regular playlist, but it is great music!
Not a fan of salsa
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!
Vibed with this alot, put me in a cracking mood and couldn't help but dance a little through the streets. Strong 3.5/5
This kinda music can often quite easily dip into the background for me but this one managed to break through. Quite enjoyed it. Fave track: Maria Lionza
Good fun - looking out the window at the sunshine falling on the trees in front of a blue sky seems fitting for this soundtrack to the morning. Three and a half. Fave track: Pedro Navaja
Fun, upbeat music! Great for reading and doing chores to.
Fun album! Really jazzy and funky, made for good background music today.
B+ Plástico 4 Buscando Guayaba 4 Pedro Navaja 4 María Lionza 4 Ojos 3 Dime 3 Siembra 4 If you've never eaten at Casa Corona in Swampscott, MA, it's pretty much just like this.
Def pulled me in with those trumpets and percussion <3 Great jam.
Every song sounds the same, but the trombone sounds nice.
This album made me realize....I'm just not that into salsa....
Great vibes and quiet catchy, but no idea what the lyrics are
I wish I could understand what they were saying
“this album was good” - said nobody ever “this album belongs on this list” - said nobody ever
Easy listening but slightly forgettable tropical music.
Baxter, in English please. You know I don’t speak Spanish. This was a pretty easy to listen to album. Upbeat fun enjoyable. 4.3/10
Salsa is an easy 5 for me. Sunny dancey vibes
Fun!
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
Interesting! Made me think about a hot summer night in a city. I had NO idea what they were saying but I really liked it
Salsa? Cool
Idk much about salsa, but this had some cool instrumental moments, just got a bit samey towards the end.
Vem fan lyssnar på salsa?
Great sound, all songs fed well and great variety of instruments in each song. Dancy dance for sure
Never heard of this album or artists before, but fun surprise to hear Latin music.