What makes Piel de Barrabás by Barrabás notable?

Piel de Barrabás is significant for its critical reception, featuring prominently in discussions about the globalization of Spanish rock music. The album's blending of genres helped to influence the burgeoning Latin rock movement and showcased the band's ability to address political themes through music, as evidenced by tracks like Please Mr. Reagan, Please Mr. Breznev. In 1981, Barrabás released Piel de Barrabás as their third studio album, following their previous work, Power (1975). At this stage in their career, they were establishing themselves in the international music scene after gaining popularity in Spain. This album marked a pivotal moment as they embraced a more eclectic sound that incorporated various musical influences.

How many songs are on Piel de Barrabás?

Piel de Barrabás has 8 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Piel de Barrabás

Barrabás · 1981

39 min · 8 tracks · rock music

A vibrant fusion of rock and Latin rhythms that captures the spirit of early 80s Spanish music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Please Mr. Reagan, Please Mr. Breznev — This track stands out for its bold political commentary, addressing Cold War tensions with a catchy melody that juxtaposes seriousness with accessibility.
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On the Road Again — The opening track encapsulates the album's adventurous spirit, merging pulsating rhythms with an infectious energy that invites listeners into the Barrabás experience.
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Hard Line for a Dreamer — This song features poignant lyrics reflecting on aspirations amidst challenges, showcasing the band's lyrical depth alongside their musical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album effectively fuses rock and Latin rhythms, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rock beat that persists through the first four tracks, creating an energetic atmosphere.
Tracks feature prominent brass instrumentation, blending traditional Latin sounds with rock elements.
Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Please Mr. Reagan, Please Mr. Breznev

The verse directly addresses global leaders while weaving personal narratives into broader political discourse.

By shifting from abstract criticism to direct address, the song creates an urgent call to action that contrasts with typical protest music.

Tracklist

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

1 On the Road Again 5:52
2 What's Happened 4:04
3 Hard Line for a Dreamer 4:45
4 Please Mr. Reagan, Please Mr. Breznev 5:53
5 Wild Cat 4:49
6 Jeronimo 5:20
7 Be the Way to Be 3:39
8 Laura 5:02

What to play next

Listen next

Bestial

1982

Go back to

Swinger

1976

Full Barrabás discography Artists like Barrabás

rock music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata