Disconnected in New York City cover

Disconnected in New York City

Los Lobos · 2013

81 min · 17 tracks · rock music

A vibrant blend of rock, cumbia, and heartfelt Americana reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of Los Angeles.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Neighborhood Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Chuco's Cumbia — This track exemplifies the fusion of traditional cumbia rhythms with rock elements, showcasing the band’s cultural roots while appealing to modern sensibilities.
  • →
    Tears of God — A poignant reflection on loss and faith, this song highlights the band's lyrical depth and musical versatility through its haunting melodies.
  • →
    La Bamba / Good Lovin' (Medley) — This medley captures both nostalgia and celebration, blending two iconic songs into a fresh interpretation that showcases the band’s live energy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of styles but lacks a strong cohesive narrative throughout its length.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief instrumental intro that sets a reflective tone before transitioning into the upbeat 'The Neighborhood'.
  • Tracks like 'Chuco's Cumbia' incorporate traditional cumbia rhythms, while others blend rock and Americana elements seamlessly.
  • Several songs feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
  • The final track, 'Mas y mas', serves as a lively conclusion, contrasting with the more introspective pieces earlier in the album.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • dynamic journey with rhythmic grooves
  • heartfelt storytelling throughout tracks
  • for late-night drives
  • engaging medleys that invite participation
  • wave-like pacing with emotional peaks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone songs
  • seek immediate gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases the band's cultural blend, but not a standout in accessibility or recognition.
Themes
New York City disconnection· Chicano cultural roots· cumbia-infused nostalgia
Career context
Released in 2013, Disconnected in New York City marks Los Lobos' first studio album in five years since their 2008 release, Tin Can Trust. At this point in their career, the band continued to evolve while maintaining their roots, showcasing a mature sound that reflects their long-standing status in the American music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
The Mavericks· Los Lonely Boys· Calexico

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Tears of God

    The moment shifts from personal lament to broader themes of hope, weaving a narrative that connects individual sorrow with universal longing.

    This structural choice elevates the song from a personal reflection to a communal experience, inviting listeners to find solace within shared grief.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Intro 0:10
  • 2 The Neighborhood Start here 6:20
  • 3 Oh Yeah 4:53
  • 4 Chuco's Cumbia 5:25
  • 5 Tears of God 4:05
  • 6 La venganza de los pelados 5:03
  • 7 Tin Can Trust 5:20
  • 8 Gotta Let You Know 2:50
  • 9 Maria Christina 3:27
  • 10 Malaque 5:50
  • 11 Little Things 5:21
  • 12 Set Me Free (Rosa Lee) 3:48
  • 13 La Bamba / Good Lovin' (Medley) 6:33

Disc 2

  • 1 Hardest Time 3:40
  • 2 Bertha 6:27
  • 3 Don't Worry Baby 5:03
  • 4 Mas y mas 7:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata