Gato negro, Dragón rojo cover

Gato negro, Dragón rojo

Amaral · 2008

68 min · 19 tracks · folk rock

A vibrant blend of folk rock infused with poetic lyrics and catchy melodies, evoking the spirit of contemporary Spanish music.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Kamikaze — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and anthemic chorus that showcases the band's signature sound.
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    Tarde de domingo rara — This song features whimsical storytelling paired with a laid-back melody, highlighting Amaral's lyrical prowess and ability to evoke vivid imagery.
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    El blues de la generación perdida — A poignant reflection on societal disconnection, this track stands out lyrically for its emotional depth and commentary on lost youth.
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    Dragón rojo — Clocking in at just over two minutes, this brief yet impactful song encapsulates themes of passion and conflict through its compelling narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic folk rock with introspective lyrics, creating a varied yet cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Kamikaze', and maintains a lively tempo for the first half before transitioning to more introspective pieces.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Las chicas de mi barrio' and 'Dragón rojo'.
  • The final track, 'Concorde', serves as a reflective conclusion, slowing the pace significantly compared to earlier tracks.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady flow with gradual peaks
  • evocative storytelling for reflection
  • for afternoon drives
  • engaging melodies for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone singles only

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2008, Gato negro, Dragón rojo marked Amaral's fifth studio album and came after their commercially successful record, Pájaros en la cabeza. The band was solidifying their place in the Spanish music scene, continuing to build on the success of their earlier hits while experimenting with new sounds and themes.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Kamikaze 3:43
  • 2 Tarde de domingo rara 3:20
  • 3 La barrera del sonido 3:17
  • 4 Las chicas de mi barrio 4:32
  • 5 Esta noche 3:42
  • 6 Las puertas del infierno 3:00
  • 7 Biarritz 4:17
  • 8 Gato negro 3:29
  • 9 Rock & roll 4:13

Disc 2

  • 1 Perdóname 3:29
  • 2 Alerta 3:57
  • 3 El blues de la generación perdida 3:34
  • 4 De carne y hueso 3:41
  • 5 Dragón rojo 2:05
  • 6 Es sólo una canción 3:48
  • 7 El artista del alambre 3:57
  • 8 Deprisa 3:13
  • 9 Doce palabras 3:09
  • 10 Concorde 3:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata