Chiquitita (released in Puerto Rico as Menudo) is Menudo's third Spanish album, released in 1979, this time featuring brothers[1] Carlos, Óscar and Ricky Meléndez (aged 14, 13, and 11 respectively),[2] Fernando Sallaberry (14),[3] and new member René Farrait (12). René replaced Nefty Sallaberry after Nefty reached the age limit set by Menudo management.[4]
In 1979, the quintet had already established itself as a successful act in its homeland, Puerto Rico.[5] Additionally, it managed to get some of its songs among the most played in countries like the Dominican Republic.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12]
Promotion
To promote the new album, the group traveled to Venezuela twelve times without receiving payment.[5] This led to substantial success: with the single "Chiquitita," a cover version of one of the best-known songs by the Swedish group ABBA, they achieved commercial success in the country.[13]
Critical reception
The specialized music critics also responded positively. In the column of the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, on October 10, 1979, the critic recommended the album Chiquitita, as a tribute to the country's Children's Month, noting that the quintet had significant qualities as performers.[14]
Commercial performance
In Puerto Rico, the album Menudo earned the quintet its first gold record for its impressive sales.[15]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Lead Vocals | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Ella-a-a" | H. Herrero, J. Seijas, L. G. Escobar | Group | |
| 2. | "Sólo Tu Amor" | Edgardo Diaz, Celi Bee | René Farrait | |
| 3. | "Doña Tecla" | Socorro Centeno | Óscar and Ricky Meléndez | |
| 4. | "Mi Mejor Amiga" | S. Centeno | Fernando Sallaberry | |
| 5. | "Voy A América" | J. Seijas, E. Guerín, C. Villa | René Farrait | |
| 6. | "Chiquitita" | Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson | Fernando Sallaberry, Carlos Meléndez | |
| 7. | "Sueños" | Pedro Herrero | Carlos Meléndez | |
| 8. | "De Tu Vuelo" | Alejandro Monroy, E. Diaz | Group | |
| 9. | "Soy Natural" | E. Diaz | Group | |
| 10. | "Voulez-Vous" | B. Ulvaeus, B. Andersson, E. Diaz | Group |
References
- ^ Molina, Dave (1995). "Menudo". Artist Spotlight.
- ^ LECHNER, ERNESTO (10 August 1998). "Revived Menudo Gets No Better With Age". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ CATLIN, ROGER (5 February 1998). "An Old Twist On 'Forever Young' Menudo". Hartford Courant.
- ^ Pradt, Mary A. (20 June 1983). "Puerto Rico's Clean Teens, Menudo, May Become the Hottest Latin Import Since Jalapeños". People Magazine. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015.
- ^ a b Ruiz 1999, p. 93
- ^ "Latin America Hit Parade" (PDF). Record World. August 12, 1978. p. 103. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "Latin America Hit Parade" (PDF). Record World. June 10, 1978. p. 97. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "Latin America Hit Parade" (PDF). Record World. March 4, 1978. p. 55. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "Latin America Hit Parade" (PDF). Record World. May 13, 1978. p. 60. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "Latin America Hit Parade" (PDF). Record World. March 25, 1978. p. 93. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "Latin America Hit Parade" (PDF). Record World. September 9, 1978. p. 73. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "Latin America Hit Parade" (PDF). Record World. December 16, 1978. pp. 24–25. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ Portela, Wilde (February 28, 1985). "In Recife, the group-company that is conquering the world". Diário de Pernambuco (in Spanish). Vol. 23, no. 809. Pernambuco. p. B-1. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "Disconotas". El Tiempo (in Spanish). Vol. 23, no. 809. October 10, 1979. p. 3-C. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
- ^ Ruiz 1999, p. 27
Bibliography
- Ruiz, Damarisse Martínez (1999). Menudo: el reencuentro con la verdad. Hato Rey: Publicaciones Puertorriqueñas. ISBN 1-881713-71-7.