Salvavidas de Hielo cover

Salvavidas de Hielo

Jorge Drexler · 2017

40 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

Intimate melodies intertwine with thought-provoking lyrics, creating a reflective soundscape that captures the essence of contemporary Latin folk.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Telefonía — This track melds intricate guitar work with poignant lyrics that explore the complexities of communication in modern relationships, making it a standout reflection of the album's themes.
  • →
    Despedir a los glaciares — The song powerfully addresses climate change through evocative imagery and metaphor, serving as both an emotional lament and a call to action against environmental degradation.
  • →
    Pongamos que hablo de Martínez — This track showcases Drexler's clever wordplay and narrative style, illustrating social commentary through personal storytelling that encapsulates the album's introspective nature.

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

Drexler's intimate melodies and thoughtful lyrics create a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature intricate guitar work that sets a reflective tone, while the fourth track introduces a more rhythmic structure.
  • The album closes with a title track that features a gradual build-up, culminating in a rich instrumental finish.
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

  • steady melodic journey throughout
  • heartfelt reflections on connection
  • thoughtful engagement with lyrics
  • intimate moments of quietude
  • for reflective afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2017, Salvavidas de Hielo is Jorge Drexler's ninth studio album, following the critically acclaimed release of Bailar en la Cueva in 2014. At this point in his career, Drexler had solidified his status as a prominent voice in Latin music, blending traditional influences with modern sensibilities and storytelling.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Abracadabras

    The moment shifts from discussing fleeting life events to contemplating deeper existential questions about reality and magic.

    This transition enhances the song's lyrical depth, inviting listeners to ponder the meaning behind everyday experiences while intertwining elements of wonder.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Movimiento 3:51
  • 2 Telefonía 3:04
  • 3 Silencio 3:28
  • 4 Pongamos que hablo de Martínez 3:02
  • 5 Estalactitas 4:21
  • 6 Asilo 3:03
  • 7 Abracadabras 3:38
  • 8 Mandato 4:52
  • 9 Despedir a los glaciares 3:37
  • 10 Quimera 3:38
  • 11 Salvavidas de hielo 3:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata