Mentiras piadosas
Joaquín Sabina · 1990
53 min · 12 tracks · folk music
A blend of poetic lyricism and melodic folk-rock, infused with a hint of Spanish pop sensibility.
Top tracks — play these first
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Eclipse de mar Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its vivid imagery and exploration of existential themes, showcasing Sabina's lyrical prowess.
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El muro de Berlín — This song cleverly intertwines personal reflection with historical commentary, offering listeners a poignant narrative that resonates beyond its context.
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Mentiras piadosas — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of half-truths and deception, blending catchy melodies with introspective lyrics that invite deeper contemplation.
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Con un par — This track stands out for its upbeat rhythm and playful lyrics, highlighting Sabina's ability to balance humor with serious undertones throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Sabina's blend of folk-rock and poetic lyricism creates a distinctive sound, though the album's pacing affects its overall cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar as the primary instrument, with layered melodies that complement the lyrical storytelling.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, blending narrative and song in a way that emphasizes Sabina's poetic style.
- The tempo varies significantly across the album, with some tracks maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to create moments of reflection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- poignant lyrics for introspective listeners
- mid-tempo flow for casual enjoyment
- rich storytelling through vivid imagery
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer quick, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Sabina's reputation and contributed to his rise in popularity.
- Career context
- Released in 1990, Mentiras piadosas was Joaquín Sabina's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Malas compañías. At this point in his career, Sabina had begun to establish himself as a significant voice in Spanish music, merging sharp observational lyrics with catchy melodies.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Silvio Rodríguez· Pablo Milanés· Leonard Cohen
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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El muro de Berlín
The shift from personal struggles to broader historical issues occurs unexpectedly in the chorus, bridging individual experience with collective memory.
By juxtaposing personal loss against the backdrop of a significant political event, the song deepens its emotional impact while expanding its narrative scope.
Tracklist
- 1 Eclipse de mar Start here 4:16
- 2 Pobre Cristina 4:30
- 3 Y si amanece por fin 4:37
- 4 El muro de Berlín 4:18
- 5 Mentiras piadosas 3:35
- 6 Con un par 5:14
- 7 Corre, dijo la tortuga 4:12
- 8 Con la frente marchita 5:01
- 9 Ataque de tos 4:03
- 10 Medias negras 4:49
- 11 Ponme un trago más 4:17
- 12 A ti que te lo haces 4:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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