Soy Quien Soy by Lourdes Robles: A Forgotten Gem or Just Meh?
Alright, let’s dive into this wild ride of Soy Quien Soy, the 1996 album from Lourdes Robles. Released under Sony Latin in the US, it’s a chaotic mix of genres and styles that somehow works—or doesn’t, depending on your vibe. Pop? Check. Latin? Double check. Europop vibes with a dash of Bolero and bubblegum sweetness? Oh yeah, baby. This thing is all over the place, but hey, isn’t that what makes it kinda fun?
First off, shoutout to “Bendita Nostalgia.” If you’re not hitting repeat on this track, are you even alive? The melody grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. It’s one of those songs where you think, “Damn, this could’ve been huge!” Like, imagine cruising down Miami streets in a convertible with this blasting outta your stereo. You feel me? The vocals are smooth as hell, yet there’s an edge to them—a rawness that pulls you in. Honestly, if this track doesn’t get stuck in your head for days, you might need to check your pulse.
Then there’s “Desconocida (Over And Over).” Yeah, they slap two titles on it like they couldn’t decide—typical ‘90s move. But damn, this tune hits different. It’s got that Europop shimmer mixed with some serious emotional weight. Lyrically, it’s about longing and heartbreak, but the beat keeps things bouncy enough so you don’t spiral into full-on depression mode. Every time I hear it, I picture myself at some retro club, neon lights flashing, surrounded by people who probably have no clue what "Western European Traditions" even means. Doesn’t matter though—it slaps.
The rest of the album? Solid, but not groundbreaking. Tracks like “Celos” and “Ni Tu Ni Nadie” bring the drama, while ballads like “Es Por Ti” tug at your heartstrings without being overly sappy. Still, nothing else sticks quite like “Bendita Nostalgia” or “Desconocida.” By the time you hit “Yo Te Quiero,” you’re either vibing hard or just ready to call it quits.
Here’s the kicker—this album came out in 1996. Nineteen. Freakin’. Ninety-six. That was before TikTok, Spotify playlists, and Instagram influencers telling us what to listen to. Back then, albums like Soy Quien Soy had to fight tooth and nail for attention. And honestly? It feels like Lourdes Robles got lost in the shuffle. Maybe she didn’t care. Or maybe she knew exactly what she was doing, throwing together a project that defied easy categorization. Either way, props to her for keeping it real.
So here’s my hot take: Soy Quien Soy ain’t perfect, but it’s got guts. In a world obsessed with polished perfection, this record reminds us that music can be messy, bold, and unapologetically itself—and maybe that’s something we need more of today. Now excuse me while I go blast “Bendita Nostalgia” again and pretend I’m starring in my own telenovela.
