What makes Como los peces by Carlos Varela notable?

Como los peces received widespread acclaim for its lyrical depth and musical craftsmanship, marking a significant moment in Cuban music during a time of cultural renaissance. The album's themes resonated deeply in Cuba and abroad, influencing a generation of artists and contributing to the global awareness of nueva trova. Released in 1995, Como los peces is Carlos Varela's third studio album, following his acclaimed album, Javier (1994). At this stage, Varela was solidifying his role as a leading voice in the nueva trova movement, characterized by its fusion of folk and pop sensibilities with social commentary.

How many songs are on Como los peces?

Como los peces has 12 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Como los peces

Carlos Varela · 1995

57 min · 12 tracks · nueva trova

Melodic nueva trova blends poetic lyricism with rich acoustic arrangements, embodying the spirit of Cuban music in the mid-90s.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Como un ángel — This opening track features haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that set the emotional tone for the entire album, showcasing Varela's lyrical prowess.
→
La política no acabe en la azucarera — A poignant critique of political issues in Cuba, this song highlights Varela's commitment to social commentary through his music, making it a standout piece.
→
Graffiti de amor — This track exemplifies Varela's romantic side with its vivid imagery and melodic charm, capturing the essence of love intertwined with everyday life.

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

The album showcases strong songwriting and acoustic craftsmanship, reflecting its cultural significance in Cuban music.

What we noticed

The album features intricate acoustic guitar arrangements that serve as the backbone for most tracks, creating a rich texture.
Lyrical themes often revolve around personal and social issues, with storytelling elements that engage the listener's imagination.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal techniques, enhancing the communal feel typical of nueva trova.
The pacing varies throughout, with some songs maintaining a steady tempo while others shift to more reflective, slower moments.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

El leñador sin bosque

The narrative shifts from personal reflection to an allegorical critique of loss and disconnection from one's roots.

This transition deepens the thematic weight by linking personal identity to broader societal issues, enhancing the song's emotional impact.

Tracklist

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

1 Como un ángel 4:31
2 Pequeños sueños 5:54
3 Solo tú (Puedes traer el sol) 4:33
4 Graffiti de amor 4:27
5 Hombre de silicona 5:05
6 Foto de familia 5:29
7 Como los peces 5:08
8 Grettel 4:16
9 El niño, los sueños y el reloj de arena 5:38
10 La política no acabe en la azucarera 4:56
11 El leñador sin bosque 4:25
12 Habáname 3:18

What to play next

Listen next

Habáname - Concierto a guitarra limpia

1999

Go back to

Monedas al Aire

1994

Full Carlos Varela discography Artists like Carlos Varela

nueva trova

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata