Mexican Moon cover

Released 33 years ago this October

Mexican Moon

Concrete Blonde · 1993

62 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

Gritty alternative rock textures intertwine with haunting melodies, exploring themes of love and loss through vivid storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Jenny I Read — This opening track combines introspective lyrics with an infectious melody, setting the tone for the rest of the album while reflecting on themes of longing and communication.
  • →
    Mexican Moon — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of cultural identity and emotional depth, featuring rich instrumentation that enhances its haunting narrative.
  • →
    Jesus Forgive Me (For the Things I'm About to Say) — This track stands out for its bold confessional lyrics and raw vocal delivery, pushing the boundaries of personal expression in alternative rock.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with a cohesive sound that evolves while maintaining emotional depth.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong lead track, 'Jenny I Read', which sets a mid-tempo pace that is maintained through the first half.
  • Several tracks feature layered guitar textures and dynamic shifts, particularly in 'Mexican Moon' and 'Jonestown', creating a gritty atmosphere.
  • The last three tracks slow down significantly, with 'End of the Line' featuring a stripped-down arrangement that contrasts with earlier songs.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • introspective lyrics for reflection
  • haunting melodies for late nights
  • dynamic journey through emotions
  • emotional catharsis in quiet moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike introspective listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Mexican Moon' was released in 1993, Concrete Blonde was already established with their previous hit album 'Bloodletting.' This record marked a shift towards a more mature sound, showcasing the band's willingness to delve into darker and more complex emotional landscapes while maintaining their signature style.
Stylistic neighbors
The Cranberries· Lush· Garbage

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Jenny I Read 5:21
  • 2 Mexican Moon 5:03
  • 3 Heal It Up 4:21
  • 4 Jonestown 6:09
  • 5 Rain 3:30
  • 6 I Call It Love 5:17
  • 7 Jesus Forgive Me (For the Things I'm About to Say) 5:17
  • 8 When You Smile 4:21
  • 9 Close to Home 3:32
  • 10 One of My Kind 3:59
  • 11 End of the Line 4:41
  • 12 (Love Is a) Blind Ambition 6:15
  • 13 Bajo la Lune Mexicana 5:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata