What makes Metiendo Mano by Rubén Blades notable?

The album is significant for its innovative blend of traditional salsa with socially relevant themes, earning critical acclaim within Latin music circles. It also contributed to the rise of salsa as a form of cultural expression, influencing later generations of musicians and being pivotal in Blades' eventual recognition as a key figure in Latin music. Released in 1977, 'Metiendo Mano' marked Rubén Blades' second studio album and solidified his role as a prominent figure in salsa music. Following his successful debut, this album showcased his growth as a lyricist and composer amidst the burgeoning New York salsa scene.