1940 Carmen cover

Released 5 years ago this October

1940 Carmen

Mon Laferte · 2021

39 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant tapestry of Latin pop and emotional balladry, blending lush instrumentation with Laferte's powerful vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Placer Hollywood — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy melodies and upbeat rhythm, encapsulating the album's blend of pop and personal storytelling.
  • →
    Beautiful Sadness — The poignant lyrics delve into themes of melancholy and longing, highlighting Laferte's unique ability to intertwine joy and sorrow within her music.
  • →
    Zombie — 'Zombie' stands out with its innovative fusion of genres and compelling narrative, showcasing Laferte's versatility as an artist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but has some uneven pacing across its tracks.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, including strings and brass, which enhance the lush soundscape throughout the record.
  • Laferte's vocal delivery varies from powerful belting in the choruses to softer, more intimate moments in verses, creating dynamic contrasts.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo flow throughout
  • nostalgic themes with modern flair
  • for casual gatherings
  • melodic hooks for spontaneous sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening experiences
  • seek complex, sprawling narratives

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time '1940 Carmen' was released in 2021, Mon Laferte had established herself as a significant figure in Latin music, following her successful album 'Norma' from 2018. This album further showcases her artistic evolution, embracing a wider array of genres and themes compared to her earlier work.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Placer Hollywood 3:39
  • 2 Algo es mejor 4:00
  • 3 Good Boy 5:16
  • 4 Supermercado 3:34
  • 5 Niña 4:23
  • 6 Beautiful Sadness 3:21
  • 7 Química mayor 3:51
  • 8 A Crying Diamond 4:36
  • 9 No soy para ti 3:31
  • 10 Zombie 3:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata