The Good, the Bad, the Ugly cover

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

Willie Colón · 1975

33 min · 9 tracks · salsa

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and vibrant performances, with distinct salsa elements throughout.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that features a prominent brass section, setting a lively tone for the first half.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that engages listeners.
  • The final two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrast to the earlier songs and allowing for a reflective conclusion.
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
8/10

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

  • short bursts of vibrant energy
  • danceable rhythms that invite movement
  • playful melodies for social gatherings
  • quick, engaging listening moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • seek deep lyrical introspection

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Colón's reputation in the salsa genre and expanded his audience.
Stylistic neighbors
Héctor Lavoe· Rubén Blades· Tito Puente

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Toma 2:19
  • 2 Potpourri III 4:22
  • 3 Cua Cua Ra, Cua Cua 3:23
  • 4 Doña Toña 3:28
  • 5 MC2 (Theme Realidades) 3:42
  • 6 El cazangero 4:05
  • 7 Guaracha 5:08
  • 8 I Feel Campesino (Theme Realidades) 3:32
  • 9 Qué bien te ves 3:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata