What is the best Los Prisioneros album to start with?

The best album to start with is "La cultura de la basura" (1987). It's the most representative of what makes Los Prisioneros worth hearing.

What are the best Los Prisioneros albums?

The essential Los Prisioneros albums include "La voz de los '80" (1984), "Pateando piedras" (1986), "La cultura de la basura" (1987), "Grandes éxitos" (1991) and "Ni Por La Razón, Ni Por La Fuerza" (1996).

How many albums does Los Prisioneros have?

Los Prisioneros has 28 releases in their discography, including 13 albums.

Photo: Tommy.84.86.87 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Los Prisioneros

Q: Who is Los Prisioneros for?

If you're into new wave and pop rock, Los Prisioneros is worth your time. Driven by tight grooves and rhythmic insistence, their music pulses with a vibrant energy that compels bodies to move while provoking minds to think.

Driven by tight grooves and rhythmic insistence, their music pulses with a vibrant energy that compels bodies to move while provoking minds to think.

new wave · pop rock

Chile Est. 1979

Read about Los Prisioneros on Bookshop

Start here

The album

La cultura de la basura album by Los Prisioneros

La cultura de la basura (1987)

Presents a cohesive blend of new wave and punk rock, showcasing their rhythmic energy and thought-provoking lyrics that define their sound.

The song

“Tren al Sur”

An engaging track with a catchy hook that encapsulates their style, making it a strong introduction for new listeners.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"La voz de los ochenta" — from Grandes éxitos (1991)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Tren al sur" — from Corazones (2022)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Lo estamos pasando muy bien" — from Ni Por La Razón, Ni Por La Fuerza (1996)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"De la cultura de la basura" — from La cultura de la basura (1987)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"Ultra derecha" — from Los Prisioneros (2003)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Muevan las Industrias" — from Pateando piedras (1986)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Los Prisioneros

Los Prisioneros emerged as a potent force in Latin American music, carving out a space for political expression through their infectious melodies and sharp lyrics.

Their relevance extends beyond entertainment; they channeled the collective frustrations of a generation grappling with sociopolitical upheaval, making them an emblematic voice of resistance during tumultuous times. By harnessing the energy of the new wave movement, they transformed personal and societal struggles into anthems that resonated deeply across borders. Their approach combined rhythmic innovation with lyrical candor, creating a sound that was both danceable and thought-provoking. By fusing catchy pop-rock elements with a distinctly confrontational attitude, Los Prisioneros managed to engage listeners not just emotionally but also intellectually. They embraced a spirited punk ethos while employing sophisticated arrangements that invited audiences to reflect on the world around them, effectively melding enjoyment with critique. Common themes in their songwriting often explore social justice, personal alienation, and critiques of authority, delivered with a blend of irony and sincerity. Their storytelling weaves together narratives that evoke both personal struggles and broader societal issues, using a voice that balances urgency with introspection. This duality allows listeners to connect with the music on multiple levels, making each song feel like a call to action wrapped in an irresistible groove.

13 studio albums· 28 total releases· 3 decades· Chile