Chanchullo cover

Chanchullo

Rubén González · 2000

51 min · 11 tracks · son cubano

A vibrant fusion of traditional Cuban son and contemporary jazz, rich with intricate rhythms and soulful melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Chanchullo — The title track encapsulates the spirit of the album with its lively tempo and infectious rhythm, showcasing González's virtuosity on the piano.
  • →
    La lluvia — This track combines evocative lyrics with lush instrumentation, creating an atmosphere that highlights González's ability to blend narrative and musicality.
  • →
    El bodeguero — A classic Cuban song reinterpreted by González, it exemplifies the album's theme of cultural heritage while inviting listeners to celebrate its rhythmic charm.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

Chanchullo showcases vibrant son cubano with engaging rhythms and strong melodies, reflecting González's mastery as a pianist.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of traditional son rhythms, with the piano often leading melodic lines while brass and percussion provide intricate counterpoints.
  • Each track maintains a lively tempo, with several songs incorporating call-and-response vocals that engage the listener.
  • The arrangements frequently shift between solo piano sections and full ensemble passages, creating dynamic contrasts throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • De una manera espantosa

    The verse shifts perspectives, revealing personal reflections on love and loss through vivid imagery and emotional resonance.

    By altering the perspective midway through, the song creates an intimate connection that deepens the emotional impact of the story being told.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Chanchullo 5:12
  • 2 De una manera espantosa 4:18
  • 3 La lluvia 5:18
  • 4 Central Constancia 5:57
  • 5 Quizás, quizás 2:29
  • 6 Choco's Guajira 6:52
  • 7 Si te contará 1:28
  • 8 El bodeguero 5:12
  • 9 Isora Club 5:36
  • 10 Rico vacilón 4:12
  • 11 Pa' gozar 4:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata