Album Review: Vol. 14 by Antonio Aguilar Barraza – A Norteño Fiesta That’ll Make You Dust Off Your Boots
If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to have a full-on Mexican fiesta in your brain, Antonio Aguilar Barraza’s Vol. 14 is here to deliver just that. Released under the Musart label and packed with genres like Folk, World, Country, and Latin goodness, this album is a whirlwind of Norteño, Polka, Mariachi, Corrido, and Ranchera vibes. It’s like someone threw a party in Texas, invited a mariachi band, and then let the polka accordionists crash it.
Let’s dive into two tracks that stuck with me harder than salsa on white sneakers.
First up, “La Del Morral.” Oh man, this one’s got swagger. It’s the kind of song where you can practically hear the tequila shots clinking in the background. The accordion work? Chef’s kiss. It’s so catchy, I almost started line-dancing in my kitchen (and trust me, nobody wants to see that). The lyrics feel like a story your abuelo would tell after his third cup of coffee—charming, heartfelt, and just dramatic enough to keep you hooked. By the time the trumpets kick in, you’re ready to grab a sombrero and ride off into the sunset on a donkey.
Then there’s “Te He De Amar Y Te He De Amar.” This track is basically a love letter set to music, but not the sappy rom-com kind. No, this is the raw, passionate “I will love you forever even if life tries to mess it up” anthem. The vocals hit you right in the feels, and the melody builds slowly, like it’s sneaking up on your soul. By the end, you’re either holding back tears or texting your ex (don’t do that).
The rest of the album keeps the energy high, from the toe-tapping fun of “El Pajaro Jilguero” to the reflective nostalgia of “Pueblo Querido.” Each song feels like a little slice of life, served with a side of grit and passion.
Here’s the thing about Vol. 14: It’s not perfect. Some transitions feel a tiny bit rough around the edges, and yeah, maybe one or two tracks could’ve been left on the cutting room floor. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. It’s real. It’s alive. It doesn’t try too hard to impress—it just lets the music speak for itself.
In a world full of overproduced beats and autotuned voices, Antonio Aguilar Barraza reminds us why traditional sounds still matter. Listening to this album feels like stepping back in time—like you’re sitting under a starry sky at a family gathering where everyone knows how to play an instrument better than you do.
Final thought: If aliens ever invade Earth and demand we hand over our greatest musical treasures, I’d slip them Vol. 14. They might not understand Spanish, but they’d definitely get the vibe—and who knows? Maybe they’d leave us alone out of respect for the artistry. Or because they’d be too busy learning how to polka dance. Either way, win-win.
