What makes Almendra by Almendra notable?

Almendra's self-titled album is considered a cornerstone of Argentine rock, influencing countless artists in Latin America. Its song 'Muchacha (ojos de papel)' became an anthem of love and longing, and the album was pivotal in bringing progressive rock to the forefront of the Argentine music scene. Released in 1969, Almendra's debut album marked the beginning of a groundbreaking career for the band, which included influential figures like Luis Alberto Spinetta. This album emerged during a time when Argentina was experiencing significant social and political change, setting the stage for future musical exploration and experimentation.

How many songs are on Almendra?

Almendra has 20 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

Almendra

Almendra · 1969

67 min · 20 tracks · progressive rock

A lush tapestry of melodic progressive rock interwoven with poetic lyrics that capture the essence of 1960s Argentine culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Muchacha (ojos de papel) — This track stands out as a poignant love ballad, combining intricate melodies with evocative lyrics that define the band's signature style. It has become emblematic of Argentine rock and resonates deeply within cultural memory.
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Color humano — Clocking in at over nine minutes, this track showcases the band's experimental edge, blending progressive rock with rich lyrical content that explores themes of humanity and existence.
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Plegaria para un niño dormido — This hauntingly beautiful piece features delicate instrumentation and profound lyrical imagery, reflecting the innocence and fragility of childhood while resonating with a broader social commentary.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Almendra's debut showcases intricate compositions and rich arrangements, marking it as a significant work in Argentine rock.

What we noticed

Lyrical themes often reflect Argentine culture and personal introspection, with poetic storytelling that unfolds gradually across the songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Tema de Pototo 2:36
2 El mundo entre las manos 2:18
3 Hoy todo el hielo en la ciudad 2:56
4 Campos verdes 2:39
5 Gabinetes espaciales 2:46
6 Final 2:24
7 Muchacha (ojos de papel) 3:06
8 Color humano 9:11
9 Figuración 3:31
10 Ana no duerme 2:43
11 Fermín 3:18
12 Plegaria para un niño dormido 4:03
13 A estos hombres tristes 5:59
14 Que el viento borró tus manos 2:36
15 Laura va 2:49
16 Hermano perro 4:32
17 Mestizo 2:27
18 Toma el tren hacia el sur 3:43
19 Jingle 1:27
20 Rutas argentinas 2:36

What to play next

Listen next

Almendra II

1970

Go back to

Laura va

Full Almendra discography Artists like Almendra

progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata