La Llorona
Lhasa de Sela · 1997
44 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of folk and world music, woven with Lhasa's ethereal voice that evokes deep emotional landscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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De cara a la pared — Opening the album, this track sets a poignant tone with its reflective lyrics about longing and loss, showcasing Lhasa's powerful vocal delivery.
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El desierto — This song features a mesmerizing rhythm and vivid imagery that captures the stark beauty of the desert landscape, emphasizing themes of solitude.
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El árbol del olvido — Closing the album, this track encapsulates its emotional journey with an evocative melody and lyrics that speak to themes of memory and forgetting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's fusion of folk elements with Lhasa's distinctive voice creates a memorable listening experience.
What we noticed
- Lhasa's vocal delivery often shifts between soft whispers and powerful crescendos, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns, drawing from folk traditions and engaging the listener in a communal experience.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- haunting melodies for introspection
- evocative storytelling through voice
- gentle pacing for reflective moments
- emotional landscapes that linger
- immersive experience for quiet nights
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party vibes
- prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- La Llorona marked Lhasa de Sela's debut album, released in 1997 when she was just 23 years old. At this juncture, she was stepping into the spotlight after years of performing in various projects, including street performances and collaborations in Canada and Mexico. This album introduced her unique sound and lyrical depth to a broader audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lisa Hannigan· Natalie Merchant· Devendra Banhart
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 De cara a la pared 4:16
- 2 La celestina 4:47
- 3 El desierto 3:53
- 4 Por eso me quedo 3:51
- 5 El payande 3:32
- 6 Los peces 3:51
- 7 Floricanto 4:10
- 8 Desdeñosa 4:34
- 9 El pájaro 3:58
- 10 Mi vanidad 4:13
- 11 El árbol del olvido 3:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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