El Tiempo cover

El Tiempo

Benny Ibarra · 1994

50 min · 12 tracks · Latin pop

A vibrant blend of romantic ballads and upbeat pop, filled with emotive melodies and lush arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sin ti — This track serves as the emotional centerpiece of the album, capturing themes of love and longing that define Ibarra's lyrical style.
  • →
    Cielo — With its uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song exemplifies Ibarra's ability to blend romantic sentiments with catchy pop hooks.
  • →
    Nuevo amanecer — The track stands out for its hopeful message and showcases Ibarra's vocal range, marking an optimistic turn in the narrative of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends romantic ballads and pop effectively but lacks standout compositions throughout.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half shifts to slower ballads, creating a noticeable contrast.
  • Several tracks incorporate lush string arrangements and layered harmonies, enhancing the emotive quality of the melodies.
  • The lyrics often focus on themes of love and longing, with a storytelling approach that connects with the listener's emotions.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • romantic ballads for heartfelt moments
  • upbeat tracks for lively gatherings
  • nostalgic vibes of early '90s
  • melodic sing-alongs with friends
  • uplifting energy for bright days

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic music
  • seek experimental or avant-garde sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
El Tiempo marked Benny Ibarra's debut solo album after his tenure with the successful group Timbiriche. Released in 1994, it positioned him as a significant figure in the burgeoning Latin pop scene of the 90s, showcasing his transition from group member to a solo artist with individual artistic vision.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Sin ti 5:35
  • 2 No me va tan mal 3:22
  • 3 Mía 3:27
  • 4 Me das miedo 2:59
  • 5 Cielo 3:35
  • 6 Nuevo amanecer 4:22
  • 7 Canción de luna 4:22
  • 8 Como un ángel 5:11
  • 9 Yo me enamoré de ti 3:10
  • 10 Tu rosa 5:15
  • 11 Estoy 3:52
  • 12 El tiempo 5:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata