Reviews (page 11 of 14)
when i read ensemble of cuban musicians i already knew it was gonna be good and i did definitely enjoy it, i listened to it twice, the only complaint i have is that the music all through sounds very similar but you can look past that as it is good, but my bigger complaint is that towards the end it started lacking, so i can’t give a 4 xx to the person who gave a one star because “not in english” respectfully, what the actual fuck??
It's another one of those where I can picture myself somewhere else as a tourist. I can't understand the words, but I can enjoy it.
Quite delectable, but it doesn't stand out to me in any particular way. I enjoyed the more energetic tracks at the beginning, but I felt a bit lost towards the end. A solid 3/5 listen
Pleasant, nice background music.
a little long but pretty good!
I have no frame of reference for this music!
It was all in Spanish so I can't vouch for the lyrics but the music was ok.
Enjoyed the piano led tracks, love the album title + title song
If you don't have positive feelings towards this, I doubt the existence of your soul. It's so easy to listen to. Favourite tracks were Chan Chan and Candela, or any of the ones which were piano led. I was probably not in the right environment to fully enjoy the vibe, but vibe I still did. 3 Stars. Good Album cover as well.
fun listen, strongest at start
I feel like I'm sipping a cappuccino while eating a bran muffin in a coffee shop in the '90s
I like this album, definitely outside the realm of music I would normally listen to. Good for a relaxing summer day outside, or any kind of day where you're OK with time moving slowly. Although I liked this album, I can't see myself coming back to it a lot but glad I was exposed to what seems to be considered a quintessential work of Cuban music.
It's not for me, but it's crazy how much of this I recognize. Seems like this modernized production of traditional Cuban music and brought it to a larger audience. Mostly standards but in some ways the definitive versions.
Generally I am not a listener of Cuban music, I have very little knowledge about Cuban son. However, for a first step into these Central American rhythms, it was not bad at all. In fact, the jazz touches make it not at all distant to me and allow me to praise this album a little. I recognize that it is not the kind of album that I would listen to again or in a usual way since, as it happens to anyone, there are melodies or lyrics that call my attention or touch my soul without the need to think about it or analyze each song structurally. But, undoubtedly, there are high points that deserve to be named and have allowed me to see that fiery, or rather Caribbean, side of this Buena Vista Social Club presentation. Pros: Dos Gardenias, Pueblo Nuevo, El Cuarto de Tula, Candela and Amor de Loca Juventud
Perfect mood-setter on a Sunday!
I definitely enjoyed it but definitely wouldn't listen to the entire album in one go again.
I liked it, I'd probably listen again.
love Spanish songs and the first one is this. Nice vibe and jazz is good.
Relaxing, good music
this was a vibe and put me in a pretty good mood
3/5
Nice collabs, sets a nice mood
Decent Spanish album, a bit slower than I would have liked, but a solid listen. 3.25/5
Nice vibes
It's well-made and the history behind it is cool, but it's a style that doesn't seem to give me a whole lot of mileage. Fine in the background.
A nice album. Didn’t really pull me in but a good listen.
I deal with foreign language albums the same way I deal with foreign language movies. I’m not letting the fact I have no idea what they’re saying deride me from the experience. Though they haven’t found a way to give subtitles while you’re listening like in movies. Maybe someday… I like that there are albums that like to take me out of my comfort zone. The “world” albums I’ve gotten so far tend to do that. This one is perhaps the most accessible. Speaking as a white dude with no trace of Latin blood in me (my mother’s side of the family has a lot of origins. Can’t say Cuba was one of them), this album really does invoke the sense of relaxing on a beach or at a nice restaurant. It truly is a unique vibe that only an album like this can bring. The thing is though, that after a while, most of the tracks started to blend together. There is a good mix between love songs and traditional Cuban songs. And Pueblo Nuevo is a really good jazz song. But I can’t say it clicked with me. I enjoyed it, but I not dying to go back to any of it. That’s a personal preference problem with me, it seems. I still respect this, however, and I hope those who listen can look past not understanding a damn word being sung to find more enjoyment than I could. Favorite track: Pueblo Nuevo Other hits: Chan Chan, Candela, Buena Vista Social Club, El Carretero
Buenos dias mi hijos y mi hija. Estamos aquí para mi revisión des amigos de la band 'buena vista club social'! und scho bini usgschosse mit mim spanisch, obwohl ich mich bim lose vom album sehr fest wie en Kubaner gfühlt han, wieni i mim 60er jahr Chevy d Strasse vo Havana entlangfahr, mit de Zigarre im Muul under mim mächtige Magnum-Schnauz, eme verschmitzte lächle ih mim ledrige, bruun-brännte gsicht und ready für en wiitere arbeitslose Tag gfüllt mit Schach spiele im Park und am Strasserand ufeme Bänkli sitze. ich bin sehr happy das mal was anders chund als Ami-albe, finde d Pedros aber denn doch ehner durchschnittlich. Isch fun gsi zums eimal lose, aber het jetzt ned en song druf gha wo mi richtig catchito het (Ussert vlt de classico Chan Chan) Dadefür gern drü Mal e Jahresmitgliedschaft im Buena Vista Social Klöbb! (PS. für all Film-Interessierte: es git e Doku vom Wim Wenders über die Band und d Musig Szene in Kuba - sött no guet sii, het en el oscáritto gwunne) Dios mio y hasta luego!
I need to see this documentary one day. Music is solid but I think would be heightened by seeing the film.
Some nice latin music for the background. Nothing felt particularly special or catching to me.
Наверное, я никогда не слышал кубинской музыки вот так, альбомом, со всей серьезностью. Музыка хорошая. Лучшая песня - Chan Chan.
.
Love this band. Have seen them perform and they are great.
Was a big hit in the 90s, and I can see why that might be the case: this is very expertly played and produced, very relaxed Latin-Jazz. It's just that this kind of music if very far removed from my musical tastes, so that I did not enjoy (as in: even get through) this album at all. 2.5/5
Good, not great. Like scenes from a festive restaurant, house band the attraction and reason seats are filled. But after 5 minutes, with hustling waiters and bustling busboys buzzing around like ants at a picnic, your attention slips to your food and your company. What’s left is part of the background.
Did not expect to enjoy this one, pleasantly surprised
Amazing performances through and through. These are clearly legends. But they sound like it - a bit listless and tired. And this is music that should MOVE you start to finish. As played here, it is perfect elevator / background music.
This is enjoyable
Starts out as standard Mexican restaurant music, then some nice variety kicks in. Some jazzy stuff. One song sounded like Peanuts La Bamba. Good for a single listen.
Goeie werkmuziek
Nice. I imagine myself in the cuba, just finish surfing , pull out cigar from my vintage backpack , sitting in the wooden bar ordered pina collada and just vibing But reality is I’m in Riga it’s -1, some strong wind Alerts, and winter just started
I really like the brooding menace of Chan Chan - and have heard this track a lot over the years. The rest of the album is a bit more forgettable although a pleasant listen.
another Far Cry 6 soundtrack, fun tho.
It's pleasant background music. That's about all I could hope for from it for my musical taste. A good solid 3.
now that's a pretty solid vista
Meget chill og afslappende, tydeligvis ekstremt skilled!
I’ve always wanted to go to the forbidden island. So much culture and history. This album is just one small taste of it.
Makes me want to wiggle my hips with my hand on my stomach.
I like this. Very chill.
Hello and welcome to Jazz Club. Great. Really great. Tonight, we're giving it a 3. Nice.
5/10 Very soulful 11-25-2024
I know the group, but not really the music. I feel like I don't get anything out of it at home, maybe I would at a party or curated into a DJ's set, but like this, almost nothing. Few tracks did make me feel like I should learn to dance.
If you like jazz, this album is a 5. Unfortunately, I don't like jazz.
Songs i liked: a fair few These tracks sound great, love the style and it's an album I reckon I could go back to. It's an album that doesn't affend the ears and gets the hips moving, not sure how this compares against other albums in it's genre so let's see what koffi delivers. Low 3.
Enjoyed this and as per other reviews have suggested, wonderful holiday listening. Wouldnt go full on giving it the Buena Vista big one like the others, as doubt I’d be able to pick it out of line up of other similar Cuban music
very good Cuban music. I like that it can be played today and it doesn't sound like it was from a few years ago, much more than 30 or 40. very cool album
Not my style.
nice vibes, but more for passive listening
It was decent background music
Cuban music has a special place in my heart I hate it but I love it
Frunky
i've never really listened to spanish music before but this was fun
Really vibey and well made. Hard to click when it's in a different language, but I can still groove. This is a lyric blindness dream. Favorites were El Cuarto de Tula, Candela, and Buena Vista Social Club
fun album
Pretty good!
I’m sure it’s very culturally significant but it just didn’t really grab my attention for much of the fairly long runtime. The first song was great though.
P good, enjoyed the vibes
This was nice enough, but it didn't really do anything much for me.
I know this album is very popular and great background music. This is not the sort of music I ever think about listening to, but it was good.
Had good vibes, strong band, good tunes. I enjoyed it. 3 stars
I generally don’t actively engage with jazz, but it’s nice to have on in the background. This is quite nice background music.
soft, comfy, easy, gentle. ideal album to listen to on a weekend afternoon where you don't have responsibilities but you do have a porch beer
Good album. Just not necessarily my thing.
Good one this
I found it good but repetitive.
It is a good album, but something I need to dig into over time as it is quite extensive. Intellectually I find it very good, but it doesn't quite hit it for me personally.
Not bad, but not my bag
A party of an album! I like the holiday atmosphere this creates - makes me want to 💃 (I did actually - badly! Haha). Great guitar, and an uplifting listen throughout.
Constant grooves but not much more
This was cool! Listened to this with Jess on the drive to Liverpool and the word she used to describe it is ‘vibey’ which is pretty accurate. Talented group of players and good to listen to something I would never think to put on otherwise.
This takes me back to when I worked in a restaurant, this cd must've been one that was constantly on rotation. Won't have heard this for probably over 15 years but I feel it is etched into my memory. I can't deny that it's pretty good, but I feel this experience has somewhat tainted it!
Blind album and artist. Decent listen and kinda fun, but not for me.
gypsy kings vibes
Chan Chan 3.5 De camino a la vereda 3.6 El cuarto de Tula 3.4 Pueblo Nuevo 3 Dos gardenias 3.3 ¿Y tú qué has hecho? 3.1 Veinte años 3.2 El carretero 3.2 Candela 3.3 Amor de loca juventud 3.2 Orgullecida 3 Murmullo 3 Bueno Vista Social Club 3.1 La bayamesa 3.2 Score: 3.221428571
Nandos
3.5
6.8 ★★★ It's fine well recorded, great players, but the music didn't strike me a anything out of the ordinary. Kinda by the book.
Enjoyable music, but a bit long and could be more varied. 3.5 stars
Pretty cool Cuban jazz record with lots of nifty playing and some of the best Exotic Socialista Hotel singing on it. 3.75 Cuban Cigars out of 5.
Nice pleasant listen, seems like a mood album. When you are in the right mood it’s might be a fantastic album. That said I’m going 3.5 for this and 3 for the project.
I actually have this album, popular at the time. Very nice as background music and feeling the cuba salsa vibes or so.
Starts of very nice; later I lose attention although it is still ok in the background.
El inodoro está en el bano 🗣️🗣️🗣️
Very cool guitar work. We enjoyed it quite a bit.
I wouldn't normally seek this type of music out, but I enjoyed this style and the energetic sound behind it.
Lovely on the ears
Not my jam, but understand why it’s on this list. Found the different styles jarring and disjointed.
Fine.
I have never really listened to Cuban Music so this was an interesting start to this project. At first, I wasn't really into it but there were some songs, especially near the middle of this project that I found to be really interesting. There is a Wim Winders documentary about this album that I'm definitely going to watch. 6/10
Sit back and relax to the sounds of some authentic Cuban plucking.
I used to hate this album, when it was released I couldn't bare listening to it. I not a fan of latino rhythms, and hearing these old men singing was not really moving me. More than 20 years later, I thankfully grew up, and though I'm still not a huge fan of the genre, I can appreciate the music. It's laid back, well executed, and you can here the sun pouring through every note.
The main driver behind this album’s acclaim is its background. A celebration of music that is rarely, if ever heard outside of where it is performed. And it’s a beautiful result. Incredible chemistry between members, some of them out of retirement, of the Social Club is constantly proven throughout each track - it’s easy to feel the sense of skill in the recording studio. The main takeaway from this for me is not the music itself (although it is consistently impressive and a few tracks are absolutely excellent), it is instead the question that arises - how much worldwide music are we, the consumers of the West, missing?
Pleasant
embodiment of the immaculate vibes of drinking a giant margherita in a mexican restaurant.
not exactly my cup of tea but i enjoy the instrumentals so its a 7/10 for me
Loving the guitar. Something I’d definitely listen to again on a sunny day. Some of the songs were longer than they needed to be but overall good. Highlights: De Camino a La Vereda Dos Gardenias
Foreign to me
I can see why it was so popular, it’s just not a genre I get into.
sehr schön für laue Sommerabende
I find this one hard to describe, it's pleasent enough, but I'm unsure what it is. And I'm unsure if it's something I'll return to in the future Standouts 3/5
I felt like I was chilling on a secluded beach in Cuba. I don't know how often I'll come back to the album but I've saved it.
Good gentle background music. Nothing particularly noteworthy, but pleasant.
This was a fun listen, however for me there wasn’t much setting it apart from other mariachi music that I’ve heard. Musically, the style is always impressive so you can’t really go wrong. Notable Tracks: - Chan Chan - Pueblo Nuevo - Veinte Anos - Orgullecida
I bought this CD is 1997 when it was THE thing to own. It would celebrate your diverse musical tastes and rejection of modern pop culture. And I listened to to it expectantly...but Meh. Pleasant enough, and I appreciate the journey into Spanish Language folk music...but it ended up on the back of the cupboard. Listening to it in 2024.... still the same. Pleasant, but doesn't make me want to track down more. Maybe I'm the heathen.
why didn’t you say about this album, when it came out it was An instant classic, and it really defined the era. Listening to it now and hit just the same.
Nando’s toilet
A lovely album to have on in the background, I enjoyed 3/5
Som vanlig när det gäller denna typen av musik är det inget man går igång på. Men detta var iaf rätt piggt, och man förstår ändå att det lika gärna hade kunnat vara nåt man diggar. Man blir iaf lite glad!
Är väl kanske inte musik jag själv sätter på, men gillar ändå detta och den goa feelingen man får av att lyssna.
'Coffee table LPs...' sometimes do please.
Good
The first few songs were all the same and not really my vibe, so I got a bit nervous. The later parts of this album have a nice variety of sound. I’m glad I stuck it out.
Good world music album. Relaxing.
Pretty good. Guess it's a nice background album, gives a nice ambience. Don't think it's great for active listening (especially because I don't speak the language).
pretty good, wasn’t really in the mood for it
Pretty good, I liked it. 7/10
Sounds nice, though I fear To judge, I'm underequipped. That is what she said. I remember seeing this album on the shelves in '97 and hearing the buzz around it. Back then I wouldn't dream of taking a chance on it with so many other [hip hop & R&B] options available.
Listening to Cuban musicians is a great way to remind yourself you are not very good. Felt like this stated off cool, but got too mellow for me as it went. Rounding down to 3. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)
Thoughts before listening: Well this is quite fitting coming right after listening to Milton Nascimento's Clube de Esquina. I know this album was a big deal upon its release, but I do not believe I have listened to it. I also don't believe I have watched the accompanying documentary. I have been surprised by how much I enjoy the Central and South American artists on this list, so I look forward to listening to this as well. Review: Well this is quite different than yesterday's album. Where Milton Nascimento's music pulled from the traditional sounds of Central and South America but mixed with more modern styles, this album leans in heavy to the traditional music of Cuba. Its a really chill sound that is instantly recognizable as background music in restaurants or movies, but I have never dug in. This makes for a pleasant listen with excellent musicianship that sounds as if you wandered into a Havana jazz club and saw a bunch of old timers on stage performing. I'll give this 3-stars
Once again, this type of music is full of joy. Even if it's not entirely my thing, I can't help but enjoy it somewhat.
3.25. A classic which introduced a to me new sound
Me senti em Cuba
Eight of the nineteen songs featured in the film are on this album. And there are no duds in either format. Ry Cooder has never stopped collaborating - as a sideman with everyone from Beefheart to the Stones, as a band member with Taj Mahal, as a leading player in the 80’s & 90’s world music explosion & as a composer for at least twenty films, notably Paris Texas, for Wim Wenders, who also directed the film of Buena Vista Social Club. The album just flows - and, as you listen, eyes closed, it transports you to a nightclub in Havana (listen to the piano arrangement in Pueblo Nuevo).You can feel yourself being serenaded at your table. The opening track Chan Chan is perfect. A beautiful album.
Definitely not my usual type of dog walking music. Felt like I was in an episode of Narcos but enjoyed it all the same. Probably won't go back but you never know.
Yeah not bad. Interesting guitar work, but not really my style.
I've heard of this band. Never listened to this album. Maybe even saw them at a festival. Definitely was not expecting this style of music. Legit.
Reminds me of working the kitchen. I'm a software engineer now. I don't miss working in the kitchen. Good chill summer vibe background music, but not something I want to actively put on when in an active listening mood.
An enjoyable surprise.
❤❤❤❤❤ for "Chan Chan"! A pleasure to listen to although it´s not my prefered style of music. 3,5
My dad owns this on CD, it's in his car in fact. Due to this, I have listened to this multiple times since I first heard it back in ~2017 or so. Listened to it another 2 times for this review just to make sure. There's unfortunately a reason why I only remember Chan Chan, or why every time I search "Buena Vista Social Club" I only ever turn on Chan Chan. The album itself isn't bad, nor did I experience a single moment that I disliked, it's just that the rest of the album does nothing for me. Like a fat stripper or plain rice.
Even though I cannot understand what is being said, the album is pretty cool. It starts off with energetic songs, and then becomes rather soft with many songs featuring piano. This isn't really the type of music I'd normally listen to but I was able to enjoy it. The song "Candela" is a little too repetitive for me.
Had some really good tracks. 3.4.
I enjoyed this album ... the tracks featuring piano were especially good.
3 out of 5. First time listening to BVSC and while not usually into this style it was a fun listen.
Played the 25th anniversary edition. Chan Chan is good and I like the jazzy, piano driven tracks like Pueblo Nuevo, Murmullo, and the title track. Most of the rest sounds like generic Latin music to my ears. Still an easy *** for Chan Chan and the piano pieces.
Ok this entire album is in SPANISH? 😭 This album is so fun but I wish I knew what they were saying lol The beginning songs were very like party but then it got much slower for like majority of the album and I’m like what happened Fav was candela 3/5
I fw this quite a bit, but it’s not something I could see myself listening to on my own accord. GREAT vibe music tho. A sold 3.5.
fantastic start and considerably less fantastic mid-end :( the unclean and acoustic approach to recording the album makes it unidentifiable as a late 90s record in some regard, giving it super fun authenticity and some silliness that is often lost in works via overproduction 3/5
I think my Uncle Ian introduced me to this album many years ago, but I seem to have lost the tape and never got the chance to hear it until today. At first, Ry Cooder's name caught my attention, as I know him from the soundtrack to Crossroads, and something else cool he released at about the same time. Still, Cuban music isn't really in my wheelhouse, so I approach this with trepidation. Will it be, as I suspect, suitable as background music in cafes, Mexican restaurants, or other inconsequential locations? Is it going to be what those four entertaining owls played to Rango in the desert? The answers are: Yes and Yes. But it is also well played, dynamically recorded, and quite fun to listen to at home while doing the dishes or other boring chores. As an aside, some of the repetitive choruses seem to have a touchpoint in African tribal music. Not bad.
Buena Vista Social Club The Guardian told me I should buy this back in 1997, so I did, likely thinking it would make me appear cool and eclectic. I did enjoy it, but it didn’t have much longevity in my barely formed 18 year old brain, so I don’t think I listened to it between 1998 and now. Of all the music outside of the Western Europe/North America bubble, I do find myself drawn more to North and Northwest African desert blues and Indian stuff like Call of the Valley the other day, rather than things like this in the central american/caribbean/latin american genres. Maybe it’s the spanish guitars or the jazz adjacency but it never quite fires my imagination. However I did enjoy it today, maybe out of nostalgia and maybe because it was a nice sunny day, but also because it is genuinely good. The various lead vocals and lead vocalists are superb, I love that they are a bit older and have that great lived in, slightly frayed around the edges feel. And the harmonies are excellent throughout. The playing is also great, giving the whole thing such a languid, sunny feel, although often there is a detectable air of melancholy. I obviously don’t know what they are singing about, it could be about lost love and family or worker co-operatives and production quotas, but it doesn’t matter, it sounds great. However, unless you are really into this type of music, an hour is a lot. There’s no doubt it does start to feel quite samey after about ½ an hour, and although it doesn’t really drag, it’s one of those where you could accidentally restart the album at any point and you wouldn’t necessarily notice. Highlights for me are the first 3 tracks, particularly the first one Chan Chan. Ry Cooder’s slide on this is great, subtly adding to the track and giving it a very pleasant hint of bluesiness. I also really liked El Carretero and Orgullecida. The rest, while very nice and atmospheric, didn’t particularly register. Overall I’d say it’s right in the 3s. Very listenable and enjoyable, and I would listen again, but doesn’t quite resonate enough with me over the course of an hour to push it into the 4s, despite the obvious quality of musicianship 🇨🇺🇨🇺🇨🇺 Playlist submission: Between Chan Chan and Orgullecida, I’ll go Chan Chan
Agree it’s an album to listen to before you die. No way I’m listening to this again.
Music for holiday, not for prepping a radiator to be painted. Not sure why any better than other holiday music?
Funky.
Pleasant if I was in my 60s and was throwing a dinner party, but that's a while till that becomes me. Faster tracks were much more enjoyable, slower ones not so much. Nice to hear, can see why it's on this list, but generally not for me.
This is good. It's mellowed-out mariachi music which is much more enjoyable.
If they had taken off like four or five songs from this album it would have gotten a 4 from me. It was really enjoyable and loved the sound. It was fun, festive, and full of life. Again, I really didn’t mind not being able to understand pretty much anything they were saying. However, I really wish this hadn’t been as long of an album, it started to drag about halfway to three quarters of the way through.
I remember listening to this with it first came out and it was part of Peter Gabriel's REAL WORLD collection trying to get people exposed to new sounds. I bought all those releases thinking it made me cool. I liked this one, 3 stars
Easy listening but I didn’t connect with any songs in particular.
Very relaxing.
116/1001
apart from the one song everybody knows, not much to see...
Meh
Not super interesting but not bad Standout songs: El Cuarto De Tula Candela
As the weather gets warmer, and we are less than two weeks away from the start of summer, life calls for more music like this. Something that represents summer break, the heat, and relaxation. Based on the cover alone, I was ready for a vibe. And a vibe it was. This album feels so fitting for the summer, and paints pictures in my head of people driving around with the sun roof open, or on the beach, with this playing in the background. And I love how large of an ensemble this group is. You can feel the energy through the music, and I really get the feeling this was something created because of the love they all share for traditional Cuban music. I’m just a little disappointed though. When I listen to an album, it’s pretty clear to me whether I like it or not. I dislike the music I dislike, and I love the music I love. I don’t feel like I ever really have to justify that to anyone, or explain that why I don’t like a record is because I’m missing something. But I think today may be an exception. I wanted to like this more. Really badly. But something about it just didn’t seem to really click in my brain. But I also don’t feel qualified to speak on this. This is very far out from what I generally listen to, and this also isn’t my culture. But I do feel like I have a little bit of experience with this kind of music. I wish this blew me away like I was expecting it to. I still respect it for everything it is. Rating: 5/10
Feels like drinking cuba libre -- nice taste, well made, nothing too exciting.
The BVSC was an interesting mix-up from the recent picks. First thing that hit me was how well the recording quality was. I am going to relished to this when I have my good headphones available. Overall this isn’t my normal jam, but I enjoyed it. I picked up on the In the Heights Musical soundtrack nod in Candela. This reminded me of my brief stint in Belize many moons ago. Favorite track was the opener Chan Chan.
Music to eat a chicken butterfly or sell copious amounts of cocaine to
Really good vibes, had a good time listening
A solid entry into a genre I know very little about. I’m looking forward to giving this one another spin, as I feel like there are a lot of great nuggets in here.
I don’t think that I can give this a true rating- I listened to it while I was driving, and was unable to look up the translation for the lyrics. Overall, I enjoyed the instrumentals and the overall vibes of the album.
It’s like being on holiday, sounds good.
I liked this more than I expected to. I thought it was really pretty and the faster songs made me want to dance.
Got nervous when the first 2 tracks sounded very similar but there was more variety as the album went on. Generally fine with this music genre and this was decent.
I’ve listened to this before. As always, it’s fine.
jazzy, liked it
First track is amazing, an all time favourite. And then we're in a cuban restaurant waiting for a song you recognise. Nice enough - nothing wonderful
Fun album.
Very nice! Shame I never heard of them!
Good ol Spanish music. A good time
Nice island vibes.
Nice and pleasant. This would be some great beach music.
Super enjoyable listen - didn't leave a review after I listened because I wanted to listen again. But I realized that once I was done with it, I haven't thought about it since. Will maybe listen again some day but not one that stuck with me for the long haul.
Another that was fine but where I felt no compulsion to finish it.
Literally didn't understand a word of it, but honestly enjoyed quite a bit of it. Not sure why it's on this list, and it certainly felt like an album that belonged closer to 1957 to 1997, but overall a decent enough time. 3/5
Not bad
Maybe.
Fire! Not the kind of music I typically listen to but this was awesome.
It wasn’t my cup of tea but I enjoyed listening.
I think I'm on my 5th rewatched of Breaking Bad. I first saw it on TV back when cable was a thing. Then I bought the DVDs.... Then I upgraded to Blu Ray. Then it came on Netflix. Then the 4k version came out on Netflix and I am finally watching that version. I still think it is one of the best acting and writing in a television series. I'm on the fence if I like Better Call Saul more. BCS is a slower burn.it took longer for me to get into it. But when it hooked, it really pulled me in. The whole Chuck plotline was fantastic. Lalo might be one of the best antagonists ever written. And don't get me started on the jaw dropping Howard Hamlin scene... I don't know... Both shows are just perfect. This whole album reminds me of Breaking Bad. And specifically the Negro Y Azul: The Ballad of Heisenberg episode. Despite that, the album was only ok. It's hard to really get into an album that I don't know the language. It's got a really great vibe. The music is well written. But there is a disconnect for sure. It makes me feel like I'm in a dive bar drinking margaritas. Which isn't a bad thing. But as a musical piece it's only ok.
Not really my style of music and I didn't massively enjoy this tbh not particularly offensive but still a slog to get through
fun entry
Nice and vibey, might have scored higher if I could understand any of the Spanish. Simpsons: No
nice and good thumbs up emoji
Heel lekker, maar houdt de aandacht er niet bij
I sound like my dad but I couldn't understand the words
Yeah it was good I’d listen to it again definitely
This is out of my wheelhouse. I can’t say if it’s good or bad. I suppose if I have to host a party where it is Latin music themed I can have this playing on repeat. I wouldn’t know the difference unfortunately.
Viel een beetje tegen, best leuke muziek, maar ook niet echt boeiend
It was the first album of this project that I was completely unfamiliar with. However, I enjoyed the music; it was a fun listen during my morning run. The jazz and pop blend was driving enough to keep me motivated but not overly distracting from my workout. I don't think I'll return to this album after the project, but I was happy to have listened to it today!
Fun album. Really nice sound. I don't know if it'll go into my rotation of music that I actually listen to though
Enjoyed enough to add to my library
Not really playing on my home turf here but for a precious hour on a Friday afternoon, I'm more than happy to slip into the warm glow of a Cuban evening and enjoy this slice of the Caribbean. Impossible not to move your hips, admire the musicality and enjoy the vibes.
Not bad. 3/5
Perfect album to sit around and drink coffee in the morning. Nothing groundbreaking but just a nice album.
Emblematic of the "Cuba" sound. Transports you to a pre-revolution Havana. Favorite track: El Cuarto de Tula
It’s fun but not my favorite.
Soothing, pleasant and relaxing. I enjoyed this. It would be perfect at a dinner party.
3.5 Ultimate “chilling with the boys on the deck” vibes
very nice but repetitive after a while
I can dig it
Fun and different
Whatever. Give me more classic rock please.
A mixture of Scarface and narcos
Det er mere en stemning, end et album jeg har lyttet til her. En stemning som jeg ikke har noget imod, men det kan det samme som andet eksotisk musik for mig.
Det er SÅ langt fra hvad jeg normalt hører at der kabes meget få referencepunkter under min lytte-oplevelse. Det er ikke kedeligt, men det fanger mig heller ikke ind.
Loved listening to this on the drive out to Texas to see the eclipse. It made me want to get up and dance in my RV.
Cool vibes - enjoyed De Camino a la Vereda
This album is so pretty!!!! The voices and instrumentation are beautifully coordinated, makes me want to slow dance with mi amor in the moonlit spanish countryside!
This sounds like what would be playing in the background as the characters walk into a Mexican saloon in a yellow tinted movie
Perhaps I wasn’t in the right mood. Too relaxed for me when I listened.
A jazz I mostly enjoy, good for a bit of background music
Cool
Spanish but that's vale
I appreciate this album in the way of accepting that it's not exactly my music taste, but can see how it is really well-made for its genre.
Starts off rather spicy and interesting, good syncopation, and seems to taper off a bit through the runtime. Is the LP bad? No, absolutely not. Admittedly I was in a bit of a dour mood to listen to it, but it never grabbed onto my attention. It makes for excellent background ambience, but I wish it could have slapped me and said more. Still, cool summer vibes.
Buena Vista Social Club’s Buena Vista Social Club’s jazzy album is vibrant and enjoying in the first quarter, but quickly gets predictive, losing its spark. Songs like De Camino a la Vereda & EL Cuarto de Tula are easily danceable to, and feel so in-the-moment. However, starting with Veinte Años, songs do not sound unique, and I easily lost focused. TO clarify, the Spanish was NOT the problem. All in all, Buena Vista Social Club is an alright album. Best Song: De Camino a la Vereda Worst Song: Veinte Años
A very pleasant album that rarely excited me. Probably could have used some cutting and editing, but a nice one to throw on. Best song: De Camino a la Vereda
Don't see what all the fuss is about!
Awesome album. I couldn't quite remember what propelled this album into the zeitgeist in the late 90s, but I clearly remember it! Everyone seemed to have a copy of it. I was working in Operating Theatres at the time and remember it being on VERY high rotation! loved it
An oldie in every coffee shop from the 90s
Very easy listening and wouldn't go amiss listening to this at a bar on a sunny afternoon.
I had a good time with this! I have no frame of reference of how this compares to other Cuban music. Or even other Spanish artists. But I was never bored. Just a solid record that I’ll probably return to. And my score will probably climb. 3.5/5
This was a nice listen! Nothing incredibly stand-out but pretty solid listen right through. An hour long of this might be pushing it but overall I enjoyed this.
Very relaxed. Not something I would actively listen to normally, but would be very enjoyable in the background.
Var behagelig i starten, men var noe sykt likt gjennom hele greia. så ble litt lei
Enjoyable but hard to really appreciate without knowing the language
Not a bad album, just not my thing at all. I can appreciate parts of it the piece as a whole, but I didn't really enjoy this; it was just kind of there. I still think this gets a 3/5
Surprisingly better than I expected, very good musicianship by all concerned. I have listened to traditional flamenco being performed, which was quite rough and ready, but this is as smooth as butter. I can imagine sitting in a run down bar in South America or Cuba, enjoying a mohito while being eaten alive by mosquitoes. A rather off putting thought. However sitting in Bedfordshire, dreaming of being there seems more pleasant presently. Next time I eat Fajitas for dinner, I might play this just to piss off the wife. A mid 3.
-Objectively an incredibly strong Afro-cuban (?) album -I like this better than the last album that was added to the library of congress we listened to -it’s very pleasant having on in the background
Nice, not something I would listen to often but I definitey wouldnt turn it off when it comes on
This is a really fun album. A little simple maybe but great for kind of "play it in the background while you have an outdoor summer cocktail party" kind of vibe. It didn't blow me away by any means but it was fun to listen to. Solid 3.
A bit too Spanish
What an interesting choice and a fun change of pace. (I also love it that YouTube Music decided to play all of its (many many) ads in Spanish--I'm curious to see if this language preference sticks to the next listen, since I'm not logged in...) I'm not at all a connoisseur of Cuban music, so I can't comment on whether they've done a good job of reviving trova and filin, but I enjoyed listening to the album. I think my favorite song was "El Carretero". (I suspect it's just me (and a very gringo me), but "El Cuarto de Tuya" totally reminded me of Los Lobos' version of "I wanna be like you (Monkey Song)", although "El Cuarto" has *much* more adult lyrics (apparently).) My only quibble with this selection is that this is clearly a superband/all-star/semi-one-off band/album, which I thought were generally not included in the 1001 albums project? (Maybe it's only soundtracks and compilation albums, though?)
This just isn't my cup of tea, or cup of Cuban coffee. I remember it made a huge impact when it came out!
Cuban dance party!
The album transported me to a different time and place, one very different than my current place in the universe. I enjoyed the change. (2.8*s)
Not exactly my kind of music but still listenable. I'd probably appreciate it more if I could speak Spanish.
Cool little album, some songs were a distinct step-up from the basic mexican mariachi type music I hear at restaurants and the like. I was also eager for this album to end, so 3/5
Spanish language. Some songs ethereal acoustic. Some basa nova feel
God I need a tequila. Good album will definitely play this next time I'm repelling a half arsed yanky invasion in the bay of pigs. Viva la revaluation.
Hip moving music, there were a few songs on there that I didn't care for but most of them were good
Probably fire if you know Spanish
No English? No problem! What they said? I haven’t a clue. They could be cursing out my mother for all I know I’m jamming to this This was actually so good 3.5/5
If I understood music or what they were talking about this would be a 5/5.
A fun listen. Really raw instrumentals. I felt like I was right listening to them play while I sat and ate in a restaurant
Couldn’t understand a word they were saying. It was like they were speaking a whole different language
This was quite nice. I doubt I'll listen to them again, but this was really enjoyable. Nothing incredible, or excellent about it to me, just really solid and fun music.
Nice to listen to but probably won’t listen again. Enjoyed the calming vibes.
it's a pleasant album. the second half of pueblo nuevo probably encompasses what I like the most about it – fun and uplifting, I like how the instruments kind of dance with each other. stuff like dos gardenias on the other hand is way too ballad-y for my liking.
okej torej ta album te nardi z enim komadom depresivnega, med enim komadom se počutiš kot žena mafijca na kubi, med nekaterimi komadi pa lahko samo zreš v nebo in veš da bo vse v redu, saj se življenje ne ustavi ob vsaki najmanjši prepreki, med komadom murmullo pa si predstavljam kako bom na stara leta pekla piškote svojim vnukom in zadaj se bo vrtela ta glasba, hiša bo dišala po vaniliji in kamin bo ogrel celo dnevno sobo medtem ko bom jaz pila kozarec poceni vina
3.5
Album bom, vários elementos de jazz incorporados com músicas latinas, mas não brasileiras. É rápido, com um tempo bem animado, com uma música no meio que dá uma quebra Mt boa. Não faz meu gosto por eu não ser acostumado com músicas com essas raízes e cantadas em espanhol.
Best selling world music album and inducted into the library of congress. Sounded mostly like any other Spanish album but to the trained ear, likely much better
Muy bien
It was good. I liked it
shit makes me feel like i'm an old man hanging out in a pixar film set in cuba playing chess or some shit. maybe just chatting with buddies i knew from the revolution.
Good album but not really my thing
"Buena Vista Social Club" by the Buena Vista Social Club, released in 1997, is a captivating exploration of traditional Cuban music, bringing together a group of seasoned musicians in a celebration of their country's rich musical heritage. The album is a delightful journey into the sounds of son cubano, bolero, and other Cuban styles, featuring memorable tracks like "Chan Chan" and "Dos Gardenias." The musicians' expertise is evident, creating an authentic and nostalgic atmosphere. However, the uniformity in the musical style may lead to a sense of predictability for some listeners. While it brilliantly captures a specific cultural moment, the lack of variety prevents it from reaching a higher rating. Hence, "Buena Vista Social Club" earns a respectable 3/5 for its cultural significance and musical craftsmanship.
Good for sipping a cold drink with the ocean in view. Not my everyday jam though.
I kind of like Dos Gardenias, Veinte Anos, Amor de Loca Juventud, and Orgullecida
All in Spanish, nice cultural change up from what I've been listening to. I respect its contribution to the global music scene but it's not a re-listen for me. Lots of horns, that Latin percussion style, a recognizable cadence. I like the piano & slide guitar on "Murmullo."
Cubano!
It took me a few sittings to finish this album - not that it was a bad listen, at all! It's just not my primary genre of music. While the album overall was very impressive musically, this one doesn't stand out as a must-listen which has me dropping it from four stars to three. I did end up saving a few of these to my favorites in Spotify, though and appreciate what BVSC has done for the Cubano/bolero/jazz genre. Stand-outs: Chan Chan, De Camino a la Vereda, Veinte Anos
3.5, great ambience music imo.
Chan Chan is such a classic, the rest is great too but was a bit slow for my mood
Unexpected but fun. Great background music.
небесящая латинская музыка, хорошо)
Fun and different.
do you know how much i had to hear this living in florida? it is solid tho. could i write poetry to this? n
No songs downloaded.
Listened Before? No Starts out (unsurprisingly) with a Latin American flair. Hand percussion, acoustic guitar, and harmonized lyrics en espanol. Mixing has a live inflection to it in the way that the instruments are mic'ed and spaced. Moody jam. After listening to El Cuarto de Tula I have a craving for tacos. Just sounds to me like something I would hear at a divey taco joint. Pueblo Nuevo is a standout to me. Silky jazz instrumental with Latin flair. Unable to finish before the end of day yesterday.. Usually I would go back and finish the album for thoroughness, but I don't really see a need. More than halfway through, I found myself enjoying elements, but not sinking into the album as a whole. This isn't something I would go out of my way to listen to, and will not be back. That said, I think the sounds are fine and enjoyable for what they are. So middling 3 / 5. Added to Library? No
I liked this album a lot. It seems like something I would listen to on a weekend brunch in the background while hanging with friends. Classic Spanish acoustic guitar sounds. It is tough to listen to an entire album that is not in English because I like to use the lyrics as some context of what their message is with the album. Dos Gardenias stuck out the most for me in the album.
Nice relaxing tunes to work to. Another album that really benefits from headphones. The bass, drums, and soft guitar all sound great and it feels like the musicians are in cruise control working together. All in all, this did run together but it worked very well as background music. This is a pretty square 3.5 for me. Rounding down just because I probably won't replay this one ever again. Someone get me mojito and some sunshine!
Good relaxing music to listen to early in the morning. Can't really say much more
Sterk begin, maar voelde toch grotendeels als lift/achtergrondmuziek
I enjoyed this album, it starts out strong then sounds the same but I'd be lying if it doesn't make you really want to understand Spanish. BVSC is much better than most other bands in this genre. Very smooth, very playable as background music.
Easily the best Cuban mambo I've ever heard. That being said, that list is relatively short. That being said it's a pretty solid album. That being said there isn't much it does to differentiate it from any other Cuban (or similar genre) music I've heard. That being said you can tell this a group of very skilled musicians that clearly synergize and work really well together. It's definitely worth a listen. Best part was recognizing live that one of the lead players is Gorillaz collaborator Ibrahim Ferrer. 2.60 stars, gets the bump to 3 since I might throw it on in the background with the in-laws (also gorillaz collaborator) .
I will never return to this intentionally, but I’ll be damned if it’s not a solid listen and very well done. 3.5/5
3 estrellas arranca muy bien con jazz explosivo pero al pasar los temas el ritmo se va apagando y transformándose en balada cubana en mi opinión bajando la calidad del disco.
Nice background music.
Made me want to eat a delicious Cuban sandwich 6/10.
A classy album. Every song sounded different from the last which is alway a plus for me. Some songs like “Pueblo Nuevo” felt like an intermission song in between a play. The use of the piano 🎹 ❤️. Not exactly an album that I would seek out or feel I need to play again, but it did leave a smile on my face while listening. 6/10
Great vocals, great musicians, sounds like every other older Hispanic group I have ever heard. It’s pleasant to listen to but man does it get a bit repetitive. There are some very nice songs sprinkled in but for the most part it’s comes across pretty generic and unoriginal. 5/10
Felt like something I would listen to away on my holidays
It’s nice and laid back, maybe a bit too much for me. I would have liked some more heat, even when the trumpet is playing it feels almost distant, but perhaps that is a mixing thing. Overall very enjoyable.
Mediocre Son Cubano
Didn’t know much about the band, album was pretty nice background noise despite being something vastly different from my usual listening.
Bellino ma noiosetto
The Chan Chan song always puts a smile on my face thinking of the Spanish sunsets with friends and family. Feel good music and great to listen to.
I enjoyed listening to it! I felt like I was on vacation somewhere. I feel like I could listen to it occasionally. I wanted to fire up a cigar! 3.9 stars