Metiendo Mano
Rubén Blades · 1977
51 min · 9 tracks · rock music
A vibrant fusion of salsa rhythms and socially conscious lyrics, blending traditional Latin sounds with contemporary influences.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Pablo Pueblo — This track serves as a poignant commentary on social issues faced by the Latino community, encapsulating Blades' ability to merge storytelling with rhythm.
-
→
Según el color — The song explores themes of identity and discrimination through its clever lyrics and upbeat tempo, showcasing Blades' linguistic dexterity.
-
→
La maleta — Here, Blades takes a more personal approach, addressing themes of nostalgia and longing that resonate beyond its infectious melody.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends traditional salsa with contemporary themes, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with its audience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong salsa rhythm in 'Pablo Pueblo', establishing a lively tempo that persists through the first half.
- Tracks like 'Me recordarás' and 'La mora' incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel typical of salsa.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- socially conscious storytelling moments
- danceable rhythms for celebration
- vibrant energy for gatherings
- reflective pauses amidst movement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- dislike narrative-driven music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1977, Metiendo Mano was Rubén Blades' second studio album, following his debut, which had already established him as a prominent voice in salsa music. At this point in his career, Blades was transitioning from a successful songwriter to a solo artist recognized for his innovative approach to the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Willie Colón· Marc Anthony· Celia Cruz
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Pablo Pueblo 6:12
- 2 Según el color 6:02
- 3 La maleta 4:44
- 4 Me recordarás 3:51
- 5 Plantación adentro 5:08
- 6 La mora 6:39
- 7 Lluvia de tu cielo 5:44
- 8 Fue varón 5:37
- 9 Pueblo 7:08
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.