Ruleta rusa
Joaquín Sabina · 1983
44 min · 10 tracks · folk music
A vibrant blend of folk, rock, and pop punctuated by sharp lyrics and lively melodies that capture the essence of early 80s Spain.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Ocupen su localidad Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy melody and incisive lyrics, introducing listeners to Sabina's distinctive narrative style.
-
→
Juana la Loca — This track showcases Sabina's ability to weave historical themes into personal narratives, blending storytelling with rich musicality.
-
→
Guerra mundial — With its powerful commentary on conflict and human experience, this song exemplifies Sabina's knack for poignant political observations wrapped in engaging melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and vibrant arrangements, marking a key moment in Sabina's career.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a lively track that sets a brisk tempo, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
- Several tracks feature intricate guitar work that complements the storytelling in the lyrics, creating a dynamic interplay between music and words.
- The use of varied instrumentation, including brass and strings, adds depth to the arrangements, enhancing the folk-rock sound throughout.
- 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
-
6/10
- 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
- steady mid-tempo storytelling experience
- urban life reflections and narratives
- engaging listen for road trips
- thoughtful lyrics for introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat dance tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Sabina's reputation and led to critical acclaim and commercial success.
- Career context
- Released in 1983, Ruleta rusa was Joaquín Sabina's third studio album, following his earlier works Malas compañías (1980) and Malas compañías II (1982). This album marked a significant step in his career as he began to gain broader recognition, showcasing his signature storytelling style and establishing his voice in the Spanish music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Silvio Rodríguez· Pablo Milanés· Leonard Cohen
Tracklist
- 1 Ocupen su localidad Start here 3:26
- 2 Telespañolito 5:46
- 3 Caballo de cartón 4:14
- 4 Guerra mundial 3:54
- 5 Negra noche 4:40
- 6 Eh, Sabina 3:39
- 7 Juana la Loca 5:39
- 8 Ring, ring, ring 4:07
- 9 Pisa el acelerador 3:38
- 10 Por el túnel 5:08
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.