This Time cover

This Time

Los Lobos · 1999

38 min · 11 tracks · rock music

A vibrant blend of rock, Mexican folk, and Americana that captures the essence of Los Lobos' eclectic sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    This Time Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of longing and resilience, showcasing the band's signature blend of rock and Latin rhythms.
  • →
    Corazón — With its heartfelt lyrics and melodic structure, Corazón highlights the band's emotional depth while incorporating traditional Mexican instrumentation.
  • →
    Cumbia Raza — This track stands out for its infectious groove and cultural homage, reflecting Los Lobos’ deep connection to their Mexican heritage within a contemporary context.

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

This Time showcases Los Lobos' ability to blend genres while maintaining a cohesive sound across its tracks.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a steady rock rhythm, followed by a shift to more upbeat tempos in the next two songs.
  • Several tracks incorporate traditional Mexican instruments, such as the accordion and bajo sexto, blending them seamlessly with electric guitar.
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, engaging listening sessions
  • varied emotional expressions
  • upbeat and lively moments
  • reflective, nostalgic undertones

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in their catalog that showcases their unique sound but isn't a major highlight.
Themes
Mexican heritage· longing resilience· cultural fusion
Career context
Released in 1999, This Time was Los Lobos' follow-up to their critically acclaimed album Colossal Head. At this stage in their career, they were solidifying their unique fusion of rock and Latin influences while navigating mainstream recognition after their breakout success with La Bamba in the late ‘80s.
Stylistic neighbors
The Mavericks· Los Lonely Boys· Calexico

Tracklist

  • 1 This Time Start here 3:31
  • 2 Oh Yeah 3:44
  • 3 Viking 3:29
  • 4 High Places 4:21
  • 5 Cumbia Raza 2:46
  • 6 Run Away With You 3:05
  • 7 Corazón 4:07
  • 8 Some Say, Some Do 3:09
  • 9 Turn Around 3:45
  • 10 La Playa 3:11
  • 11 Why We Wish 2:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata