La Bala cover

La Bala

Ana Tijoux · 2011

45 min · 11 tracks · hip-hop

A blend of hip-hop beats and poignant lyrics that confront social issues through a distinctly Latin American lens.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    La bala — The title track serves as a powerful opening statement that lays bare the themes of violence and social injustice prevalent in society.
  • →
    Sacar la voz — This track embodies the spirit of resistance and empowerment, urging listeners to raise their voices against oppression and speak out.
  • →
    Las cosas por su nombre — In this song, Tijoux confronts uncomfortable truths with a directness that is both refreshing and necessary, making it a highlight of the album's core message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends hip-hop with Latin influences and strong lyrical themes, making it distinct yet cohesive.

What we noticed

  • The opening track features a slow build with layered vocals and a gradual introduction of percussion, setting a reflective tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate traditional Latin American instruments alongside hip-hop beats, creating a unique fusion that distinguishes the sound.
  • Lyrically, the album addresses social issues directly, with verses that often shift perspectives, enhancing the narrative depth.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • sharp lyrics with impactful messages
  • engaging rhythms for active listening
  • empowering anthems for social awareness
  • vibrant energy for group settings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking subtle background ambiance
  • preferring longer, immersive tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'La Bala' was released in 2011, Ana Tijoux had already established herself as a prominent figure in Latin American hip-hop, following her successful solo debut 'Kaos' in 2007. This album marked her third overall release and was crucial for solidifying her reputation as a voice for political and social justice in music.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 La bala 3:01
  • 2 Shock 3:30
  • 3 Desclasificado 3:26
  • 4 Sacar la voz 4:13
  • 5 El rey solo 4:27
  • 6 Quizás 4:53
  • 7 Si te preguntan 5:13
  • 8 Las cosas por su nombre 3:04
  • 9 Mi mitad 4:42
  • 10 Las horas 4:55
  • 11 Volver 3:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata