...And a Time to Dance
Los Lobos · 1983
17 min · 7 tracks · rock music
A vibrant blend of Chicano rock and roots influences, merging traditional sounds with a contemporary twist.
Top tracks — play these first
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Let’s Say Goodnight Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Come On, Let’s Go — This track combines upbeat rhythms with bilingual lyrics, encapsulating the band's energetic style and cultural roots. Its lively tempo makes it a standout that showcases their ability to blend rock with traditional sounds.
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Ay Te Dejo En San Antonio — A heartfelt rendition that highlights Los Lobos' ability to convey emotion through both melody and language. The song's poignant storytelling resonates deeply with listeners familiar with its cultural references.
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Anselma — This track exemplifies the band's mastery of narrative songwriting within a short format, painting vivid scenes of love and longing through its tight composition. Its distinct sound reflects the group's diverse influences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This EP showcases a vibrant blend of styles, establishing Los Lobos' unique sound while maintaining a solid connection to their cultural roots.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and strong rhythmic elements, while the fourth track introduces a more melodic focus with layered guitar work.
- The album incorporates traditional Mexican instruments like the accordion and bajo sexto alongside electric guitars, creating a distinct sound.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, emphasizing the cultural roots of the music and engaging the listener.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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
- upbeat energy for gatherings
- quick bursts of joy
- sing-along friendly vibes
- short sessions of fun
Maybe skip if you
- long, drawn-out listening experiences
- slow-paced contemplative moods
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut EP that introduced their unique sound and established their reputation.
- Themes
- bilingual storytelling· Tex-Mex traditions· San Antonio nostalgia
- Career context
- Released in 1983, ...And a Time to Dance marked Los Lobos' debut album, introducing their unique fusion of rock, Tex-Mex, and folk traditions. This record set the stage for their subsequent rise, showcasing their ability to bridge diverse musical styles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Mavericks· Los Lonely Boys· Calexico
Tracklist
- 1 Let’s Say Goodnight Start here 2:30
- 2 Walking Song 2:45
- 3 Anselma 3:04
- 4 Come On, Let’s Go 2:08
- 5 How Much Can I Do? 2:34
- 6 Why Do You Do? 2:17
- 7 Ay Te Dejo En San Antonio 2:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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