Los Lobos - Good Morning AztlA¡n [Limited Edition]

After 25 years together as a band, you'd expect Los Lobos to be spent creatively. Not so, though this East L.A. institution has settled into a perhaps too-comfortable groove with its past couple of albums. No longer the studio experimentalists of Kiko (still the group's best album), nor the Mexican roots-music purists of La Pistola y El Corazon, the band now offers a reliable mix of styles on each album--a smooth concoction that is equal parts roots-rock, blues, R&B, and Latin dance music. Although paired with new producer John Leckie (Radiohead, XTC), the band doesn't venture into much new sonic territory with Good Morning Aztlán. The most distinctive tracks are the three Latin-spiked numbers--in particular "Malaqúe," which merges vera cruzano harp with what sounds like Brazilian carnival rhythms--and a pair of gorgeous, '70s-inflected soul songs, "Hearts of Stone" and "The Word." Overall, Good Morning Aztlán is a good album but not a great one, at least by the band's lofty standards. --Keith Moerer Amazon.com

Another triumph for that band from East L.A.

I really enjoy the mix this band provides. Straight ahead rock n roll, a lot of blues influences, and the traditional rythyms of Mexico.
David Hidalgo and Cesar Rojas both have distinctive and enjoyable vocal styles. My favorite tracks are "Hearts of Stone and the title track. Enjoy! March 9, 2007

It is their best since Kiko

David Hidalgo has to be placed up there when it comes to all-time great songwriters. This album is more diverse than some of their later albums and has arguably their greatest song ever in the title track "Good Morning Aztlan." I now own most of Los Lobos stuff and place this album probably as their third of fourth best and that is a compliment. If you are a fan, you will love this album. I must disagree with the person that wrote the official notes on top about this CD. I do not feel that the songs sung in Spanish are the best on this album, quite the opposite. The best songs are the ones penned and sung by Hidalgo. July 19, 2006

The first song is worth the price of the CD...

Put this CD in your stereo, press play, and CRANK it..."Done Gone Blue" rocks out unlike any other song they have ever done. A jamming start to a great album...highly recommended. May 8, 2006

Back on the Right Track

After two disappointing albums "Collossal Head" and "This Time" it seems that Los Lobos are back on the "right" track. Though not as consistent as their great albums ( Neighborhood, Kiko etc.) there are some very strong tracks here. "Tony y Maria" and "What in the World" are beautiful ballads. And the title track is a great rocker. Great guiltar playing all over, and I simply love the voice of David Hidalgo. August 31, 2005

VERY AVERAGE

This one is nothing more than mainstream rock, and while that
in it's self is not inherently bad, I've come to expect much
better from this band. I would recommend KIKO or BY THE LIGHT
OF THE MOON instead, especially if you are a new comer to LOS
LOBOS. THE NEIGHBORHOOD would also be an excellent choice. I
enjoy this band very much, but not this release. I hope their
next offering sees them returning to form.
Thanks,
Tom March 3, 2004

More reviews at Amazon.com ...