Al final de este viaje
Silvio Rodríguez · 1978
34 min · 10 tracks · nueva trova
A poetic exploration of love and identity, interwoven with social commentary and lush melodies characteristic of nueva trova.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ojalá — This track encapsulates Rodríguez's poignant lyricism, expressing yearning and hope against a backdrop of socio-political struggle. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics have made it a timeless classic.
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La era está pariendo un corazón — The song's metaphorical language highlights the transformative power of love amid societal challenges, showcasing Rodríguez's ability to blend personal emotion with broader themes.
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Canción del elegido Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album, reflecting on destiny and choice while employing rich imagery that resonates throughout Rodríguez's work.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and musicianship, with a unique sound that reflects its cultural context.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate guitar work that often alternates between fingerpicking and strumming, creating a dynamic texture.
- Many tracks incorporate shifts in tempo and mood, with sudden transitions that reflect the lyrical themes of love and social commentary.
- Rodríguez's vocal delivery varies from soft and contemplative to passionate and urgent, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 reflective listening experience
- poignant storytelling through song
- intimate moments of personal connection
- thought-provoking lyrical exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Rodríguez's reputation in nueva trova, influencing many artists.
- Themes
- Cuban cultural reformation· poetic social commentary· transformative love
- Career context
- Released in 1978, Al final de este viaje marked Silvio Rodríguez's fourth studio album and solidified his position as a leading voice in Cuba's nueva trova movement. Following the success of his earlier works, this album further developed his lyrical style and political engagement during a time of cultural reformation in Cuba.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pablo Milanés· Mercedes Sosa· Leonard Cohen
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Ojalá
The imagery shifts from personal longing to collective hope for change.
This transition broadens the emotional scope of the song, moving from individual experience to a shared vision for society.
Tracklist
- 1 Canción del elegido Start here 2:56
- 2 La familia, la propiedad privada y el amor 3:49
- 3 Ojalá 3:33
- 4 La era está pariendo un corazón 3:11
- 5 Resumen de noticias 3:44
- 6 Debo partirme en dos 4:54
- 7 Óleo de mujer con sombrero 2:26
- 8 Aunque no esté de moda 3:37
- 9 Qué se puede hacer con el amor 2:49
- 10 Al final de este viaje en la vida 3:46
What to play next
Rabo de nube
1979
Continues the poetic exploration with deeper social themes and rich melodies.
Mujeres
1978
Sets a foundation of lyrical depth and emotional resonance that leads into this journey.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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