Album Review: HitsSuper Hits Con Los Relampagos del Norte by Los Relámpagos Del Norte
If you're a fan of Norteño music, HitsSuper Hits Con Los Relámpagos del Norte is one of those albums that feels like an old friend. Released in 1970 under the labels Bego and Alto Records, this gem from Los Relámpagos Del Norte brings all the twangy accordion goodness and heartfelt storytelling you'd expect from Latin music legends. It’s raw, it’s real, and honestly? It’s kinda timeless.
Now, I gotta say, this album isn’t perfect—there are some repeated tracks (like “Pobre De Ti” and “Sin Decirte Lo Que Siento”), which might make you scratch your head. But hey, maybe they just wanted to drive home how much they loved those songs. And honestly? Tracks like “Capullito De Rosa” and “Comal Y Metate” stuck with me so hard that I didn’t even care about the repeats.
Let’s talk about “Capullito De Rosa” for a sec. This track has this sweet, almost nostalgic vibe that hits different. The melody feels simple but oh-so-smooth, and when the vocals kick in, you can tell it’s straight from the heart. There’s something about the way they sing it—it’s tender without being sappy, if ya know what I mean. You could totally picture yourself hearing this at a family gathering or while cruising down a dusty road somewhere in Texas. It’s the kind of song that makes you go, “Wow, these guys really get life.”
Then there’s “Comal Y Metate.” Man, this one’s got grit. The accordion riff grabs you right away, and the beat just pulls you along like, “Come on, try not to tap your feet!” It’s upbeat but still carries that classic Norteño edge, where you feel like you’re listening to stories from another time. Plus, the title itself sounds like something outta a grandma’s kitchen, doesn’t it? Like, you can almost smell the tortillas cooking as you listen. That combo of food vibes and music magic? Chef’s kiss.
One thing I love about this album is how unapologetically authentic it feels. These dudes weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they were just doing their thing, and doing it well. Sure, the production quality might not match today’s standards, but who cares? Sometimes, imperfections give soul to art, y’know?
So yeah, wrapping up, HitsSuper Hits Con Los Relámpagos del Norte might not win any Grammys (mostly because Grammy categories back then were kinda limited), but it’s the kind of record that stays with you. Listening to it felt like stepping into a time machine—and let me tell ya, I wouldn’t mind hanging out in 1970 for a bit longer. Oh, and here’s a random thought: If aliens ever landed on Earth and asked for proof of human creativity, handing them this album wouldn’t be the worst idea. Just saying.
