Balas y chocolate
Lila Downs · 2015
52 min · 13 tracks · folk music
A vibrant tapestry of folk rhythms and indigenous melodies interwoven with modern lyrical themes and storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Balas y chocolate — The title track serves as a powerful commentary on the violence and struggles faced in contemporary Mexico, blending traditional sounds with urgent social messaging.
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Una cruz de madera — This song draws on rich cultural narratives while addressing themes of loss, exemplifying Downs's ability to fuse personal stories with broader societal issues.
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La patria madrina — In this track, Downs combines a celebratory tone with reflective lyrics about heritage and identity, showcasing her skillful blend of joy and introspection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional and modern elements effectively, showcasing strong craftsmanship and thematic depth.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, emphasizing cultural storytelling and community engagement.
- The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a lively tempo while others slow down to reflect on deeper themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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 mid-tempo storytelling flow
- vibrant celebration of cultural roots
- poignant reflections on life themes
- engaging narrative arc throughout
- for relaxed gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy party tracks
- seek instant gratification songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Balas y chocolate' was released in 2015, Lila Downs had already established herself as a prominent figure in regional Mexican music, following her critically acclaimed album 'Pájaros de verano' in 2013. This release further solidified her unique blend of traditional sounds and contemporary issues, showcasing her growth as an artist who bridges cultural gaps.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Natalia Lafourcade· Silvio Rodríguez· Mercedes Sosa
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Cuando me tocas tú
The bridge shifts from nostalgic recollections to a direct plea for connection, underscoring emotional vulnerability.
This shift not only deepens the intimacy of the song but also marks a pivotal moment where personal longing is articulated against the backdrop of broader themes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Humito de copal 3:52
- 2 Mano negra 4:32
- 3 Balas y chocolate 3:30
- 4 Una cruz de madera 3:09
- 5 La farsante 4:17
- 6 La burra 3:18
- 7 Cuando me tocas tú 4:35
- 8 La patria madrina 4:18
- 9 Las casas de madera 4:09
- 10 La promesa 5:25
- 11 Son de difuntos 3:37
- 12 Dulce veneno 3:43
- 13 Viene la muerte echando rasero 4:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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