Kiko
Los Lobos · 1992
52 min · 16 tracks · rock music
A vibrant tapestry of genres, blending rock, Tex-Mex, and roots music with richly textured storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Angels With Dirty Faces — This track features haunting melodies combined with poignant lyrics that explore themes of love and loss, showcasing the band's lyrical depth.
-
→
Kiko and the Lavender Moon — The title track stands out with its dreamlike narrative and intricate instrumentation, highlighting Los Lobos' capacity for atmospheric storytelling.
-
→
Dream in Blue Start here — Opening the album, this song sets a reflective tone with its lush harmonies and rich imagery, encapsulating the essence of Kiko's thematic exploration.
-
→
When the Circus Comes — This track captures a sense of melancholy amidst vibrant instrumentation, illustrating the duality of joy and sorrow prevalent throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Kiko showcases strong songwriting and diverse instrumentation, making it a notable entry in roots rock.
What we noticed
- Tracks like 'Kiko and the Lavender Moon' employ layered harmonies and intricate arrangements that shift dynamically throughout their duration.
- Several songs incorporate narrative storytelling through lyrics, with vivid imagery that complements the diverse musical styles present.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- rich storytelling experiences
- vivid, immersive soundscapes
- steady, engaging listening flow
- reflective late-night vibes
- dynamic emotional contrasts
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases artistic evolution and received widespread critical acclaim.
- Themes
- dreamlike narratives· Tex-Mex landscapes
- Career context
- Released in 1992, Kiko was Los Lobos' fifth studio album, following the commercial success of their Grammy-winning breakthrough record, La Bamba soundtrack. This album showcased their artistic evolution as they embraced a more eclectic sound, moving beyond traditional Chicano rock and into deeper, more experimental territory.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Mavericks· Los Lonely Boys· Calexico
Tracklist
- 1 Dream in Blue Start here 3:34
- 2 Wake Up Dolores 2:55
- 3 Angels With Dirty Faces 4:02
- 4 That Train Don’t Stop Here 3:52
- 5 Kiko and the Lavender Moon 3:35
- 6 Saint Behind the Glass 3:17
- 7 Reva’s House 3:04
- 8 When the Circus Comes 3:16
- 9 Arizona Skies 2:45
- 10 Short Side of Nothing 2:57
- 11 Two Janes 3:53
- 12 Wicked Rain 3:04
- 13 Whiskey Trail 2:41
- 14 Just a Man 3:40
- 15 Peace 3:55
- 16 Rio de Tenampa 2:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.