Pateando piedras cover

Released 40 years ago

Pateando piedras

Los Prisioneros · 1986

44 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of new wave and punk rock, punctuated by sharp social commentary and infectious melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Muevan las Industrias Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    El Baile de los que Sobran — This track captures the essence of youthful frustration, combining catchy hooks with lyrics that critique societal inequities, making it an enduring protest anthem.
  • →
    ¿Por Qué No se Van? — With its driving rhythm and provocative lyrics, this song questions the status quo, reflecting the band's defiance against oppressive structures in society.
  • →
    Exijo se un Héroe — This track's bold demand for heroic figures speaks to the collective yearning for change and empowerment in a politically charged environment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic new wave with sharp lyrics, making it both engaging and reflective of its time.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a driving beat and layered synths, establishing a high-energy tone that persists through the first half.
  • Tracks often feature call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that engages listeners.
  • Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo changes, particularly in the choruses, which heighten their emotional impact.
  • The final track shifts to a slower pace, allowing for a reflective conclusion after the preceding intensity.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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 mid-tempo engagement
  • infectious melodies for sing-alongs
  • critiques societal norms playfully
  • for group gatherings
  • invigorating sound for road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer slow, introspective listening

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Debut album that established the band's reputation in Chilean rock.
Themes
Santiago's post-dictatorship· social inequities protest
Career context
Released in 1986, Pateando piedras was Los Prisioneros' debut album, which positioned them at the forefront of Chilean rock during a time of political strife. The band emerged from Santiago's post-dictatorship scene, using their music to address social issues and resonate with a generation eager for change.
Stylistic neighbors
La Ley· Soda Stereo· Fobia

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • ¿Por Qué No se Van?

    The verses challenge complacency by directly addressing those in power, presenting a stark call to action that resonates throughout the album.

    This direct confrontation marks a significant shift from passive criticism to active resistance, setting the tone for the band's rebellious spirit.

Tracklist

  • 1 Muevan las Industrias Start here 4:09
  • 2 ¿Por Qué No se Van? 3:01
  • 3 El Baile de los que Sobran 5:44
  • 4 Estar Solo 4:33
  • 5 Exijo se un Héroe 5:43
  • 6 Quieren Dinero 5:10
  • 7 Por Favor 3:32
  • 8 Por Qué los Ricos 4:56
  • 9 Una Mujer que no Llame la Atención 3:23
  • 10 Independencia Cultural 4:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata