Introduction
"El Que La Hace La Paga" is a Spanish-language music album by Panamanian singer-songwriter, Rubén Blades. Launched in 1983, it is a sublime and eclectic collection of tracks consisting of a range of styles and topics. It exhibits Blades' varied background and shows his great lyrical and social consciousness. The album embraces numerous contemporary themes such as love, politics, corruption, and social battles, making it a truly ingenious piece of work and a turning point in Latin American music history.
Background and Concept
"El Que La Hace La Paga" is a proverbial expression in Spanish, which loosely equates to "You reap what you sow" or "What walks around occurs". The album title refers to the idea that our actions have repercussions, setting the stage for much of the styles checked out in the songs. Rubén Blades is understood not just for his musical abilities, however also for his keen understanding of social and political concerns, for this reason providing a blend of narrative storytelling and commentary on the modern world.
With a mix of salsa, jazz, and Afro-Cuban rhythms, the album completely showcases Blades' distinct musical style. It includes his routine band, Seis del Solar, a group of gifted musicians who became an integral part of his sound throughout the 1980s.
Standout Tracks
1. "Tiburon" - The opening track works as an energetic and thought-provoking intro to the album. Actually translating to "Shark", the tune handles styles of political manipulation and the effective forces that take advantage of society's vulnerable, just like a shark taking advantage of smaller fish. With its memorable hook and chorus, "Tiburon" became one of Blades' most popular songs and a fan favorite.
2. "La Canción Del Final Del Mundo" - A lovely and haunting ballad, "La Canción Del Final Del Mundo" (The Song at the End of the World) revolves around the concept of humanity's approaching doom due to war and environmental degradation. Rubén Blades showcases his poetic and emotional songwriting abilities, painting a picture of a world on the edge of collapse.
3. "El Que La Hace La Paga" - The title track ties the whole album together, supplying a climax of social commentary and thought-provoking lyrics. With a strong bass line, percussion, and evocative violin areas, the song critiques social standards and explores the repercussions of one's actions in a powerful and cathartic way.
Impact and Legacy
"El Que La Hace La Paga" had a substantial impact not just on Rubén Blades' profession but likewise on the wider world of Latin American music. The album's mature styles, unique blend of genres, and blend of cultural and musical components made it a standout throughout the 1980s and beyond.
Not just was the album a business success, but it was likewise celebrated for its creative benefit and meaningful styles. Blades went on to end up being a prominent figure in Latin American music, ultimately receiving several Grammy Awards and accolades over his profession.
To this day, "El Que La Hace La Paga" is considered an important and influential work in the Latin American music scene. It stands as a testimony to Rubén Blades' impressive capability to combine appealing rhythms, poetic lyrics, and social commentary to develop ageless music that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Artist: Ruben Blades
Rubén Blades, influential Latin American musician, actor, activist, and politician. Discover his passion for music, social justice, and quotes.
More about Ruben Blades