Siembra

Starts off with some discoey funk. Then goes into salsa pretty quickly. The music definitely makes you move but as a non spanish speaker I have no clue what the lyrics are saying. Although idk if that's even really the point of salsa!

3.5

Colon

Good solid sound, just not my general preferred genre.

Enjoyable, but i found that i didn't want to listen to it more than once

Salsa, 1978. Pretty interesting record, perfect for moments of happiness with absolutely funny and enjoyable songs, but not memorable. Anyway, this album is not bad at all.

Greatest selling salsa album of all time with the weirdest fucking album art I’ve seen to date. Didn’t understand a lick of lyrics so I have no idea if this cover maybe makes some kind of sense after all? It was cool though, went well with brunch this week.

Drôle de début d'album. J'imagine que c'était l'idée de tromper les gens. Après on est dans un album de salsa sympathique. Je ne sais pas si c'est toujours valide aujourd'hui, mais étant pendant longtemps l'album de salsa le plus vendu, je comprends sa présence sur cette liste. Je ne suis pas un super fan, mais ça s'écoute bien.

First time listen. Good. So seventies!

Some funky salsa. Not something I’d always listen to and I enjoyed it for sure.

The opening song in particular had no right to slap that hard quite frankly

Good vibes all round

Pedro navajas is a true Latin American classic, I’ve always respected a lot Ruben and of course Willie this is a good record which I had never heard in full before

Enjoyable enough, but I probably don't have the musical context to appreciate it properly, and the language barrier doesn't help either.

spicy

Not a usual kind of music I listen to, but it was pleasant enough. The songs were quite long and I was losing interest about 3/4 way through though.

Hey, look, this is some lively, lively stuff and great background music. Top notch background. The beginning grabs me and there's a lot of great work here, but it doesn't hold my attention. They can't all be Incubus.

Not what I habitually listen to, but there's something quite appealing about the rolling, shimmying sound of Siembra. It had a tendency to swag along in the background a little, but when I tuned in properly, I was digging it. My only real criticism is that a few tracks were wrapped in the plush gauze of period TV theme music. I'd rate this higher if there was a little more bite or grit, I think - but am I not missing the point somewhat?

I kind of feel like a schmuck giving this a rating, because you can tell there's some storytelling going on in these songs and I have absolutely no clue what they're saying. Except for the one song where the did the roll call of nations. Which I liked! That first track hits hard and then yeah - great background music, great dance music, great music to listen to while washing dishes after having taco night. It would have also been great cooking music, too, but I didn't put it on until after we ate. But now I know. Next Taco Thursday is gonna be lit! One nitpick: Colon & Blades would've been a fantastic name for this duo, or a list of instructions on how to torture someone, or a pretty good law firm. Feels like a missed opportunity, but they can't all be Sex Packets.

This was an uplifting start to the week. It also matched the summer mood. I' usually weary of foreign language albums. I wouldn't read a foreign language book, so why listen to an album I don't understand? I have very low cultural limitations. The language wasn't an issue here. The music carried it through.

Starts off with some nice bass guitar then went into salsa :( but I digress. Sounds pretty competent to me but not really into salsa music as a personal listening experience.

Cool, but not my thing

Ruben me up the right way 🕺🏻

Opaaaa putaaa

70s Salsa and funky. I find it really easy on the ears and good to have on and relax. Started to question it's credentials but the Wiki put me right. Very influential all over the Latin world.

Klasyczna salsa jest klasyczna

The first minute of the album really fakes you out, you think it's gonna be a funky disco thing It's still nice though, although it's hard to tell the songs apart, they all sound the same, so the album felt a little repetitive I enjoyed it because of its relative novelty. The motifs and themes of this album aren't present in many other genres. Classy musicianship throughout, too.

A personal commitment to this platform is maintaining an open-mind. That said, most non-English language music is going to have difficulty maintaining interest outside of the music and a bit of referencing to the why of this album becomes necessary. Key points: this album is the highest selling salsa album in history, the prerequisite of that being that it transcended its own sub-genre and called upon Latin music/people together. With this in mind, one can listen to this album knowing that while it is very much for Spanish-speaking nations, that it is indeed for nations, rather than its particular Spanish speaking country. Take this a little bit further, the 1978 release of this album seemingly coincides with the barrio experience within the United States, and in a way that makes the music relevant for this review too. Musically, the energy of salsa is distinctly of cultural significance that may escape a lot of listeners. However, for the adventurous or academic intentioned listener, the rhythm and horns demonstrate a certain professionalism that is easy to admire. Vocally, the singer is actually quite good and while the instruments certainly stand on their own, the lyrically melodic symbiotic relationship is a pleasure to pay attention to. While salsa is not the usual fare that would score high for this reviewer, the academic approach to understanding this album is a worthy time expenditure.

Wow, that first track opens up like a disco and before you know it has evolved into samba. A good fun album, Pedro Navaja, and Maria Lionza are highlights for me.

Something I have noticed in the process of this project is that I am less critical of world music than I am of English music. I am not a big fan of dance music in general salsa I do think is the best of it though. I don't understand the album but it is fun and upbeat and it being the best selling salsa album in the history of salsa music certainly gives it a deserving spot on the list. I liked it though it doesn't have the relisten value that some of the other foreign language album that I have heard on this list.

3/5 nice but salsa is not really music I listen.

Salsa

In all my ignorance, I've never heard of Willie Colon and Ruben Blade's collaborative album "Siembra". I'm only aware of Colon through his collaborations with David Byrne on the latter's "Rei Momo". But this is the real deal: a quick Google has told me "Siembra" is the biggest selling salsa album of all time, and it's jam-packed with ornate arrangements and feelgood vibes. It's a great party, but for me it became a little repetitive after a while. There are only seven tracks here, averaging over six minutes each: while each one didn't quite do enough to have me gripped, they certainly proved pleasant to enjoy in the background or to brighten up a long work day. The language barrier has stopped me getting the full lyrical impact, but there are some interesting concepts at play (particularly the narrative about the killer "Pedro Navaja"). Musically, it's consistently tight, accomplished and catchy. "Plastico" begins, somewhat unexpectedly, with a slapped bass funk-disco figure, before settling into a more familiar salsa rhythm about one minute in. From there it's syncopated piano, a vast roster of percussion including bongos, congas, cowbell, plenty of horn arrangements gliding over the top, and all the other characteristics of Latin music I can remember from GCSEs. Favourite parts included the chanting in "Maria Lionza", giving a great sense of momentum; the call-and-response vocals in "Ojos" and some of the percussion fills in between verses; any time horns appeared. I may not be actively seeking "Siembra" out in future, but whenever I hear it I'll burst into an uncontrollable salsa.

A pleasant listen. Highlights were "Plastico" and "Siembra" Interesting to hear "Maria Lionza" which was sampled by Major Lazer on "Watch Out For This"

New one on me, pretty good

Good lively background music

Pretty solid salsa music. I don't think it's my vibe though.

cover bi bio taman, sam da nema djece. vidim si ovo puštat u ljetne dane, definitivno. dosta ritmičan i zabavan album prije svega, no nekako mi se oduži, moram priznat, ali za pozadinu pustiti nek svira, paše.

Yeah okay, very sapnish

Never heard of this before. Really enjoyed it. Notice a few tracks have been used as samples too. Fantastic work.

Didnt finish it, but it was nice :)

i expect this to be played on repeat in tapas restaurants the world over

Apparently this is the GOAT of salsa albums and features rousing social commentary and an unconventional sound. I've never listened to salsa music before and I don't speak Spanish, so that goes over my head. However it has a fun energy and is an enjoyable listen. Also, the weird cover art deserves a mention. 3/5

Not my thing

Lots of fun but little variety 3 🌟

-I like the "doo doo bing bong ping ding bong" part in "Buscando Guayaba" -Holy crap Lois they referenced "Despacito" in "Pedro Navajo" -I like the big old bass that comes in in "Maria Lionza" -It would probably be a 4 if it was in my genre of music, it just isn't really my jam, but it is all quality

I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would. Would’ve been good if I could have danced to it ! Low 3*

Enjoyed it. Like being back in Cuba.

Really outstanding musicianship but I didn't find it a really compelling listen.

3 - It is refreshing and I liked it but wouldn't listen to it daily hahah

This was good for what it is, but not a style of music that really resonates with me

I was excited to wake up and find out I’d drawn a salsa album for today, but turns out a full album-length wore me down by the end. It didn’t make for very good workday music, but it’d be great for dancing or cooking. A lot of the song openings decide to get really funky and interesting, and I wish that was more of what the full songs were.

si, pero que si

I liked it, reminds me of Colombia <3

Very danceable. Love the horns (surprise, surprise) as well as the supple vocals. Makes you want to move your hips and do a little two step, even when you have two left feet like me. Perfect for that salsa night you’ve wanted to hit up as well as that living room dance party you’ve been wanting to have.

Great opening lick. Siembre opening lick also amazing. Wish the whole album sounded like those eight bars. Love the music, the slightly nasally/strained vocals not so much. The vocal style is common. Classic, but this is a wedding/party album only.

Ihan hauskaa rallatusta vaikka ei kyllä nyt sieluun asti iskenyt. Kolmonen yläkanttiin.

Cool latin vibes

Good, but not great. Good background music, but another where I don't speak the same language. I enjoyed it a lot, but will probably not come back to it

Latin hip swinging rhythm, calm horn section and some great congas.

It's good, not exactly my thing, but I enjoyed it overall. 3 stars.

Love the West Side Story reference in Pedro Navaja. The songs are long and get the hips moving. This album doesn't stand out to me, as an outsider to the salsa genre.

Ding ding ding

I’m not a salsa aficionado but it was a pretty good record. I have little context to understand the novelty or popularity of this one so I’m going with enjoyment level on this rating

Léttleikandi latin tónlist

Zuid Amerikaanse muziek met dito instrumenten. Ik wordt daar wel vrolijk van. Meestal gaat dit soort muziek mij irriteren, maar dat was bij dit album niet het geval. ***

Yeah I quite enjoyed how upbeat and fun this was - but did get a little samey after a while!

Pleasant enough, but not knock out for me

Very nice groove. Pretty much exactly what I expected from a salsa album. Enjoyable record.

dude I dont even salsa

ok

A festive and playful salsa album. I don't listen to salsa music and I wasn't disappointed with the album. It's easy listening and I unfortunately found myself skipping to the meat of songs near the end of the album. It might be because I don't speak Spanish or have no previous exposure to the genre, but I didn't have the patience for some tracks to play out all the way. Not a bad album though. I might return to it.

Ok salsa, not one for me

Don't mind listening to some salsa every now and again, and they've added some creative elements to it on this album, but overall it just did not grab me. It was just ok. Just.

Sinds ik heb geklaagd over een gebrek aan diversiteit in deze lijst, word ik op m'n wenken bediend. Leuk om eens te horen. Vrolijk.

6/10

The opening disco-funk beat which segued into salsa got me hooked, but I was a bit disappointed that there was no further crossover in this Latin set.

Interesting latin music with a funky edge.

First song is like they switched on the salsa machine and it got stuck. When is each line going to end? Later songs are much more listenable. Solid background music you could also dance to.

Guess it's OK background music? Giving it a bit of a credit on account it's not my usual music diet.

Fun 5/10

I appreciated the Latin music.

4.5

Not really by preferred genre at all but was a pleasant enough listen. I don't know much Spanish so the lyrics all lost on me.

Siembra is an example of the most mainstream salsa imaginable, which utterly dominated Latin music in the 70s. A casual search from the period would turn up literally hundreds of similar recordings. The good news is Siembra is a very competent example of the genre. The musicianship is impeccable. The arrangements are sophisticated and marginally more imaginative than the bog standard salsa of the period. One of the shortcoming of this album for me is that it emphasizes songs, dancing, and arrangements at the expense of virtuosity. Much of the fun of salsa, for me, is the instrumental breaks, usually played over an ostinato. As you might expect, Latin music of the period was overflowing with talented percussionists. There were also a number of great pianists. But it's a little unfair to criticize Siembra for what it's not. In addition, unfortunately for me, mainstream salsa is probably my least favorite type of Latin music. Still, competence is competence, even if it's in a genre I don't happen to like. Here's my real complaint. Once again, the makers of this list have made the least imaginative possible choice in international music to put on their list. There is nothing groundbreaking about this music. It's not even the best possible example of it. There is nothing especially innovative about it. What it is is achingly mainstream. I strongly suspect that the makers of this list don't really like Latin music or African music or Brazilian music or French music any other kind of non-Anglo music. They just put a token example of it on their list so that they don't look like the pig-ignorant parochial anglophiles they are. Here's an idea. If you want to put examples of international music on a list, why not learn something about the music culture of the countries that will be represented first? But the makers of this list are too smug and lazy for that.

the whole album sounds like it could have been made 5 years ago in terms of sound quality, altough im not into latin music it is alright

I have never heard of Willie Colón & Rubén Blades before, and all of the music from Siembra was new to me. The album was okay. There wasn't anything in particular that I really liked or disliked. I may not have enough exposure to latinoamerican music to appreciate what is on this album. "Pedro Navaja" was the track that I liked the most, but none of the tracks really caught my attention.

I liked that it was different!

Probably the best salsa music I’ve ever heard but I’m not really a fan of salsa

good if you like this type of thing

it was alright. not my thing

mwoah, veel van dezelfde sambadeuntjes

Tuneful but mostly meh

Not really my style Standouts - 2/5

Boooring

So yeah I have zero idea what is being said. My boy Zachary would definitely be dancing his ass off to this salsa. It’s cool, I guess I’m not very familiar with salsa, it sounds basic for the most part but there’s some cool shit thrown into the band that makes it different.

Oh, fuck off. Disco sucks so hard. And Spanish disco at that? Wait, now it sorta sounds like the salsa that was promised…which I also hate. Yeah, no thanks. 4/10

!Yo Quiro Taco Bell! i think i heard this album playing full blare while sleeping over at Grammy's. in all seriousness, it's, ok. maybe i would like it better if i was immersed into the music culture. just not for me.

Really not my type of music. Obviously my two years of HS Spanish wasn't enough. The music was what I expected. Hard to evaluate without understanding the lyrics. However the music was uptempo and not offensive.

1. plaztico - 2 2. guayaba - 1 3. navaja - 2 4. maria - 1 5. ojoz - 1 6. dime - 2 7. ziembra - 2

Good album. I didn't realize the Ruben Blades was also a musician.

All danceable, all summery and all giving the itch for daydrinking, but also all sound the same.

Music was fine but not for me

spanish and a bit old sounding not super interesting

Did not understand a word

3 stars

fave: Pedro Navaja🪇

Very much blended into the background for me. I didn't hate it but I won't be listening again.

Not my kind of thing

Meh to much Spanish if they added English to it 👍. No English 👎.

I mean ItS good for salsa and dancing but I wouldn't be listening on the daily

Mind if a white girl speak a little spanish

baila salsa quinceneria

Talented musicians but not my cup of tea. I found it fairly boring.

Somewhere there's a latino person saying all white people music sounds the same...

I nice change of pace and discovery of something new. It just wasn't really my thing and became repetitive and somewhat stale after a while.

This is as funky and tropical as jazz gets. Not basic and boring, but it isn't a daily listen.

Latin jazz....there's a lot of it on this list. This is not even close to as good as Buena Vista Social Club. It all reminds of the Chappelle Show sketch where Dave determines what kind of music makes various people dance. Could have done without this one.

Nice lil vibe.

This was tough to get through. Not because the music was particularly bad, but because sitting through a whole salsa album is just not something I was prepared to do.

귀아파 베스트: Dime

Album #95, Willie Colón and Rubén Blades, Siembra, ⭐⭐ From what I’ve reviewed so far on this list, albums like Buena Vista Social Club, Jorge Ben, and now this, I can safely say that Latin music just probably isn’t for me. If this is considered one of the best salsa albums ever made, then the genre is probably just wasted on me personally. No offence intended by that either, because this is obviously completely subjective. Technically, it’s a very good album. I like the 70s feel of it. I like the Shaft-style horn sections and the cinematic feel throughout. It’s complex, jazzy, energetic music. But once the vocals and verses kick in, it all just starts to blur together for me. Maybe context matters more with this kind of music. The tracks are long and, for me, they really overstay their welcome. But I can totally imagine this making much more sense in the right environment, like dancing somewhere or drinking in a packed bar late at night. Sitting in my sitting room while working though, it just did absolutely nothing for me. Maybe I’m the problem. I hate hot weather, I hate beaches, and I’m not even a big fan of the food salsa, so this album was probably doomed from the start.

I think this works if you are salsa aficionado. It's a bit like being the the film Chef or a Lalo episode from Better Call Saul or if you have to dance with Sofia Vergara. A nice bit of funky 70's bass, but pretty samey throughout.

Not really my taste in music! Nice enough, sleeve design is awful.

That’s a lot of salsa.

No my cup of Tea

First soul Album I've had. Can appreciate the record but afraid it's not for me

I did not fw this

The first three songs are amazing! One banger after the other. The rest weren’t quite as good in my opinion. Overall an incredibly funky and decent record.

Found this very tough to review since this style of music is something I would never listen to and I therefore have very little to benchmark this against. A 2 seems harsh, but I'd only be giving it higher based on other people's reviews. For me, it wasn't rubbish, it was entertaining, but due to my own ignorance of the genre, I can't rate it particularly highly. Also the cover art is weird.

I'm sure we've had a bit of a boogie at Jane's at the end of a party to something like this - probably needs some sunshine, vino and company to really appreciate it . Quentin Tarantino may have used bits in films - or even Breaking Bad. Background music . !

42 minutes of salsa. I'm sure it's good if you like salsa but it's 40 minutes too much for me.

Solid 2.5. ‘Plastic’ and ‘Buscando Guayaba’ were catchy but overall, not really my genre.

Not for me.

Not really my thing, I liked the disco opening track

"I guess I like my salsa like I like wasabi… just a touch." This comment sums up my feelings on this album, though admittedly I love salsa much more than wasabi. At best, I can only give it 2 stars as after about a minute I was thinking, no more please...and really the rest of the album had me staring out the window, dreaming of better listening days ahead. Yep, 2 "bored to tears" stars. (And don't get me started on the album cover...wtf?)

Couple tunes were a vibe - instrumentally really good but not something I’d come back to

this was really fun! Some songs were better than others (I didn’t love the middle one) but a nice vibe. I wouldn’t think of returning to it but I’m not mad at it.

A lot of salsa sounds the same to me and this was pretty good but didn’t strike me as next level.

Made me feel like I’m back in Punta Cana sitting at the swim up bar drinking a Presidente!

I’ve never heard of this, and the cover makes me think I’m going to hate it. … Okay, didn’t hate it, it was very summer-y or something. I lack the skills to understand why this particular example of the sound was chosen, but I trust there was a good reason. But seriously, I hate the album art. (ntm.)

somewhere between samba and funk. Spanish. not sure, feels like it should be playing in a tapas bar

Didn't care for this one

No Standouts

Nice.

Soul, Disco, Latin, 1978 -> 2

I like the sound overall but nothing did it for me in particular.

Listenable in moderation but I found a whole album too much.

Mediocre latino music. Seems like I've heard it all before and it never stirred me. 2/5

Latin ia gewoon niet helemaal mijn ding

..

Very lush album, great instrumentals, good vibes!

Stressful

Not really a fan of salsa. It's not terrible and they're talented, I'm just not into listening to an hour straight of it

Too similar sounding throughout.

I didn't really enjoy this, but the fault likely lies more with my tastes than the competency of the artists. I would have said the songs ran a little long, but honestly, they all sounded the same, so I guess where the cuts are is ultimately moot... and not understanding Spanish probably didn't help matters...

Jolly. But once you've heard one track, you've heard them all.

It was fine.

too much spansish babo

Good, not great. A couple good songs, the others not memorable. Closer to 2 1/2, but not close enough to call it a 3.

Well I would certainly have died without hearing this if it wasn’t for this list. Once is probably enough though. Mad samba.

Oh man that album made me anxious. The beat was just too fast and frenetic the whole time I guess? I need a break.

Not for me

A bit perplexing. Great horn section and good production, but 42 minutes of Salsa is a bit much for me.

Not really my thing, didn't excite me. I liked the rhythm.

I’m not a salsa fan ao an entire album was difficult to get through.

Latin music is oké maar niet perse een favoriet. Wel leuk om een sample terug te vinden van een iconisch nummer

I understand some of these words. Bumaye

A very average album where everything sounded the same to me. Good playing, but nothing stood out to me.

No so mucho

Latin is not really a genre I gel with, even if I can hear the skill and style in the playing.

It was okay

Due to being an incompetant Englishman I found this a struggle to engage with. I found one blended into another and could not detect any material change. I dont really like the genre either which doesnt help. I would say this is not designed for me especially as I cant follow the "story". I am sure its lovely...

Would have sounded better at a seafront bar in Spain with a Tequila Sunrise in hand rather than a cold January in Yorkshire with a Lemsip. 2/5 14/1/26

Had high expectations with the opening disco line but it didn’t come back to that or move anywhere past what it decided to do instead

Very energetic album with some strange sounds at points, no idea what they were singing about but it was catchy. Wouldn’t listen again.

i don’t know if i can get into salsa

Social commentary with a side order of Salsa.

It's fine. Pretty much what I expected from a Salsa album. It's not my type of music.

Siembra approved

Done

Nicht interessant...

I remember when Len Houmous missed a meeting to collaborate on this album. He thought Willie Colon was a fake name and a prank by Ken Chutney! 2.4 2/7 Buscando Guayaba

Not really my thing, nicely done though.

I mean so här: musiken var rätt nice. MEN det är clearly meningen att man ska dansa till den. Att bara LYSSNA på den gav inte så värst mycket förutom "kul att utforska nya genrer". Och jag avskyr att dansa

inget jag kommer lyssna på igen men det var inte dåligt direkt!

Sounds the same as everything my wife's mom listens to... probably not the right person to be rating this as I hear a lot of very similar music and its not really for me.

The opening few bars of the first track had me thinking I might've got this album wrong.... But no, it became exactly what I thought it would be soon after. It might be the best salsa album ever, but it's lost on me. It's nice enough, but not my thing and I'm never going to choose to listen to it Also.... Willie colon teehee 2

Mmmmm really not my thing. Maybe it wasn’t the right time of day or right time of the year for listening to this album. I’ll have to try it out again.

not really my type of music but it was interesting :))

It’s good but not my cup of tea

I don’t know. Just not for me. Felt like a totally different language.

It’s fine background music for a restaurant or hanging out at a fair or something but this definitely didn’t need to be on this list

*1978. Panama and Puerto Rico. *Sounded like cool samba music, but a little goes a long way for me. RATING - 4/10

Ikke min sjanger. Forglemmelig.

Salsa ain’t my jam. Now if this was queso that would be a different story.

Not really my thing, but it wasn't too bad. I liked the music.

Not my cup of Caipirinha.

I think I maybe on a nother day I'd have enjoyed this more. But for today it was background music at best

I'm just not into Cubano music. It's not offensive at all, and the instrumentation and vocals appear to be well done, but I just don't jive with the musical style. Unfortunately I don't speak Spanish, so I can't relate at all to the lyrics. And the musical style elicits dancing, which is not in my blood. To my ears, all the songs sound the same. I didn't make it far into the album before I had to give up. Will not finish and probably will not go back.

Couldn't understand the language but rhythm is fine

Pedro Navaja

I don’t enjoy this kind of music so I’ll just leave it there.

Quite consistent Latin dance music. Nothing too exciting

This is pleasant background music, I am definitely dancing in my chair a bit. I did lose it a bit, with the bing bing bing part of Buscando Guayaba, cracked me up.

I must have played GTA: Vice City for over 1000 hours. I was heading for that magical 100% stat – god, I remember it so clearly – when I decided to save the game. I hit “save” for no particularly good reason, and at the exact same moment my mum cut the power in the house (while preparing to replace a bulb, if I remember correctly). And that was that. Gone. Down from 96% to 32% like that. Returned to the lobby of the Ocean View Hotel, I could scarcely believe what I was seeing. Sure, I and everyone else who’d ever played a video game that utilised an external memory card had been warned countless times that power loss during saving could lead to “something” … but this? Playing in the lobby, Unaesta with “La Vida Es Una Lenteja” – a made up band with a made up song, one that will for my whole life be the soundtrack of a very strange emotion: an appreciation of loss, with no sense of having actually lost anything. (I’m not sure my mum actually even knows it happened; feankly, I wouldn’t expect her to care either way.) I enjoyed this album, it was fine company while rambling around the kitchen preparing a couple of dinners. But I’ll be damned if it didn’t pull me back into that moment 20 years ago over and over again. A strange seed to have sown, but I guess that’s how it goes.

couldn't do it.

Not for me

Salsa music isn't my thing.

meh

Appreciate the musical talent, it was an enjoyable listen, just not really my musical taste.

Not my type of music but not awful.

Cool listen. Personally I have to be in a certain headspace to listen to this type of stuff. Mad respect though

I hate salsa music so much. That Aldi advert made sure I did. The vocals are great, but the music leaves more to be desired. "Pedro Navaja" can be considered to be the best track on this album. What a bad start to the week. 2 stars for "Siembra".

Great salsa/latin music. To me, nothing that stands out from other albums in this genre.

wtf is this shit? Feels like a cross from a '70's B cop movie set in Miami, a porno, and Latin music on in the background at a chain Mexican restaurant. Well done, but definitely not something I would choose to listen to on my own.

Som med mat, ingen favoriträtt men variation är gott. Något lite extra fanns i de bluesiga inslagen.

Yeah, this was OK. Again, not my style, but sounds like a decent effort if you like salsa music.

I’m sure I’ve heard this in Mexico once….

I mean, it’s fine for what it is, but what it is is something I can’t imagine wanting to listen to ever again

Interesting, jazzy, Spanish, fun

Foi um disco agradável, mas pra mim, ele se tornou som ambiente logo na segunda faixa. Dali pra frente, o álbum falhou em capturar minha atenção novamente. De certo, é um gênero animado. Músicas para festas. Como eu havia dito, é agradável. Todos os seus elementos são bem feitos e produzidos. Não há nada aqui para reclamar. A não ser pelo fato que eu não senti absolutamente nada ouvindo essas canções. São dançáveis, não irei negar. Mas eu escolheria uma trilha sonora diferente para minhas festas. 2/5

Happy and energetic business. I can respect the musicianship, but it’s never a genre I’m going to choose to play.

A very different thing to what Im used to, so its difficult to score. The bass playing was great, but the drum patterns were obviously going to become repetative. The novelty wore off about half way through before it became a chore. If I could dance then I might have given it a 5. I can't, so as a less interactive listening experience its a 1. However, with one of the duo called 'Willie Colon', my imagination runs riot and have to snigger. Just for that its a 2.

What nervous music!

★★½

"Plastico!"

Probably the best a salsa album can be. The first 10 seconds gave the impression it was going to have a disco slant, but that goes out the window pretty quickly. I dont know what more I can really say. Its salsa music

Great background music, Latin beats very summery, nice.

Siembra has the pep of any salsa album but does pack a little extra spice. Colon brings swag and has some weird fun on "Buscando Guayaba"...not sure what's going on but I dig. Kinda just another set of salsa tunes though. Is the cover supposed to mean Big Willie is "planting" his seed and having tons of babies? Siembra is one that may grow on you as you keep listening but this go around I'm giving it 2 stars.

Wasn't excited about a salsa album but it wasn't as bad as I thought it could be. Nothing I will ever revisit but at least I got to enjoy some Spanish vocals for 45 minutes. Not sure what makes this something I need to listen to before I die but I guess this is the best selling salsa album of all time so I guess it's good I can now check that box. 2.07 stars

Salsa, more than a couple of songs is just too much for me. Like the love boat but in Spanish.

I know Ruben's name and his movies but I've never given his music a listen. I'm not into Latin music at all, nice in the background maybe but I don't enjoy the overall rhythms and not understanding the lyrics. This was no different, I couldn't tell you if this is good or cutting edge or influential. I was shocked by the # of listens on Spotify. People appreciate this album so I respect that. Over 168M listens for "Pedro Navaja", I didn't think that was the best track either. The whole thing sounded like part of a Latin music stars visit to Fantasy Island or that time on the Love Boat when they pull him up on stage. Background music at best. 2 stars, it did nothing for me but it may be a cornerstone album in Latin music.

How on earth did this get on the list? Here, hold my castanets 🕺💃

Kinda fun but not my thing. Good dinner party music which sounds dismissive but I don't mean it to be. Might be just because of my English speaking, western acculturated ears.2/5

I like salsa! I like the tropical vibes, the amazing percussion, the toe tapping rhythms. But I do not like this much salsa all at once. It's good, it's fine. But unless I'm down south on a beach or by the pool or exploring a lil Spanish town...I doubt I'd be throwing this on in its entirety again anytime soon. 2/5

Is salsa a condiment? What is a condiment? I'd say it's a food that is typically eaten on top of another food. Do people eat salsa by itself? No, they don't. On top of chips, burritos, tacos. Never alone. Is this a debate or am I making it up? I love a good salsa. As far as salsa music goes, I can take or leave it.

Listened Before? N Yep. Spanish language music with horns. Ok. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Pedro Navaja

Not surprising that it has great energy since it's salsa music, but the similar tempos and drum patterns made it sound repetitive. It also didn't wow me - there were some songs I wouldn't mind listening to again but others were boring, though I'll admit I may be too hard on the album because it's so far outside of my usual tastes.

This was a fun listen. Likely not something I would listen to regularly. 2/5

It was good for background music. Maybe if I spoke Spanish, this album would have more of an impact. All the compositions blended together where I could not distinguish one song from another.

The most entertaining thing about this album is that 'Willie Colon' sounds like a gay man's bum condition; and Ruben (pronounced rubbin') Blades sounds like a lesbian sexual position. Aside from that, the big highlight is that intro - the album opens like any Pharell Williams via Nile Rodgers production you care to mention. It's from 1978, and it sounds like something from 25 years later, with a disco beat and sumptuous strings. It's marvelous. Unfortunately, that soon gives way to samba stylings that I'd have difficulty picking apart from the backing track of a Mexican salsa class on a Tuesday night in the Midlands. It takes from the ready-made salsa toolkit of percussion-driven rhythms, brassy horn stabs and montuno piano - and to my untrained ear I hear nothing here to differentiate it from countless others. I'd much rather Beuna Vista, I didn't really get the great appeal of this. The music feels saccharine and the words, if that indeed is where the magic lies, are over my head. Some nice touches sprinkled throughout.

Not the album for me, it was just the same sounding song over and over, probably my least favorite album I've listened to yet!

Pleasant enough background music in a lively environment... Not something I'll put on for myself though

Heh, Willie Colon

not really my jam.

Duo didn’t prepare me well enough for this one. At first, I wanted to get up and dance, but I was driving down the freeway, so wasn’t going to do that. After a while, all of the songs started to sound the same, and I was ready for it to end. I think I need to plan my next vacation to Mexico.

I only made it halfway. Seems like they were having fun I guess but it was so boring

I had a little fun with this. Definitely not worse than other music I listened to in Argentina, but still definitely not my taste

Would be one star but I liked the bip bop boop Kanye part

Upbeat and lively. But also can’t understand a word they’re singing so no idea if the lyrics are crap or fantastic. 🤷‍♂️

This album art is something. Music is fine but not really my taste

This is #day254 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… I consider myself an open-minded person, especially after 254 days of this, but not quite enough to embrace Salsa. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad about the music, it's just way outside my wheelhouse. That said, I can now say I've heard something from Panama. Yay! This is a 2 out of 5. Looking forward to #day255.

Not for me

hmmmm

I'm not a big salsa fan, and this hasn't changed my mind. It just makes me think of background music for films.

Album 733 of 1001 Willie Colón & Rubén Blades - Siembra (1978) Rating : 2 / 5 I know nothing of Salsa music so can't really compare. It was an entertaining listen. Nice blend of brass and tropical vibes.

Salsa is not really my gig. I’m sure that many enjoy this type of music.

Good

It was kinda fun but sounded SUPER generic to me, also relatively short album

я может быть быдло невыкупившее, но чет скучно

Looking at the cover art and reading the description I did not have high hopes. When that bass started on the first track I thought whoa maybe this is going to be awesome. Then about 40 secs later that all just evaporated…..

Wanted to like this more than I did. Too urging for me and got the feeling that the music thought I was wrong for not being so into it.

Interesting sound I will say. If I want to listen to Salsa music, I will put on this album though I don't know when that will happen. 2.5

Solid musicianship, not really my style. Starts strong but I got tired of it quickly.

I prefer my salsa with chips

Didn't feel it

Not much of a trombone guy

This is what the sims NPCs are dancing to at the Shrieking Llama.

Classic

Probably would be higher if I spoke Spanish

Nice Samba, foe me not exceptional

Nichts besonderes.

Just not my thing

Instrumentally lovely

Interesting choice. I probably prefer Costa neustra and The Hustler only because I’m more familiar with those. Perhaps need a few more listens of this to compare but so far prefer those.

Весело, но не очень интересно. Лучшая песня - María Lionza.

I’m not the target audience here

Not my genre but pleasant background music

Fun global music but nothing that stands out to me

Was ok

äh inte så himla kul väl. helt okej. en stark tvåa

Unexpectedly boring.

Salsa. La vida te da sorpresa. Pero no me gusta la salsa.

2.4 1x catchup 10/8

Nice enough, but quite boring and forgotten almost before it ended.

The bass lines are awesome thougj

2.42

OK,ish

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!

I think in small doses in the right environment this would be fab, but I had neither of these luxuries.

It's fine. I'd never choose to listen to it, wouldn't know it to be different from other similar stuff

I can appreciate the rhythm and beats, but the album was too repetitive for me. I'm happy to have heard it.

Für mich keine Musik zum Anhören sondern zum Tanzen.

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.

5/10 Highlights: Maria Lionza Pedro Navaja

Not for me

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!

Gets redundant. Skipped through most tracks.