Los Lobos – By The Light Of The Moon

Los Lobos – By The Light Of The Moon

Released in 1987, By The Light Of The Moon is a richly textured album from Los Lobos, the acclaimed East Los Angeles band whose distinctive musical identity brings together Mexican folk traditions, Tex-Mex, roots rock, blues, country and American R&B. Produced by T-Bone Burnett alongside the band, the album captures Los Lobos at a particularly creative point in their development, combining their cultural heritage with an adventurous approach to contemporary American rock.

Following the critical success of 1984's How Will The Wolf Survive?, Los Lobos continued to expand their musical horizons, creating a collection that moves effortlessly between electrifying rock arrangements, traditional Mexican influences, soulful ballads and atmospheric roots music. The band's ability to draw from different musical traditions without losing their own identity is what makes this such a compelling and enduring release.

The opening track, 'One Time One Night', is a beautifully atmospheric piece of storytelling, establishing the album's reflective character through evocative lyrics and a distinctive roots-rock arrangement. 'Shakin' Shakin' Shakes' brings a more infectious, rhythm-driven energy, while 'Is This All There Is?' explores the band's more introspective side, balancing expressive vocals with carefully layered instrumentation.

One of the album's most striking moments is 'Prenda Del Alma', a traditional Mexican song delivered with warmth and emotional depth, highlighting the importance of the band's Mexican-American heritage. Elsewhere, 'All I Wanted To Do Was Dance' offers an irresistible blend of roots rock and rhythmic Latin influences, while 'Set Me Free (Rosa Lee)' provides a powerful change of pace with its soulful character and memorable melody.

The second side continues the journey through a mixture of bluesy rock, heartfelt songwriting and atmospheric arrangements. 'My Baby's Gone' leans into a more traditional roadhouse sound, while 'River Of Fools' and 'The Mess We're In' demonstrate the band's gift for combining strong melodies with thoughtful lyrical themes. The album closes with 'Tears Of God', a moving and reflective finale that brings the collection to an emotionally resonant conclusion.

Los Lobos' strength lies in their remarkable musical versatility. With David Hidalgo's expressive vocals, guitar and accordion, Cesar Rosas's distinctive guitar work and vocals, and the contributions of Conrad Lozano, Louie Pérez and Steve Berlin, the band create a sound that is both deeply rooted in tradition and unmistakably contemporary. The production from T-Bone Burnett complements their musicianship, allowing the different influences to sit naturally alongside one another.

By The Light Of The Moon is an essential release for anyone interested in the rich intersection of American roots music and Mexican-American musical culture. Equally rewarding for fans of Tex-Mex, Americana, alternative rock, blues and sophisticated roots songwriting, it remains a fine example of Los Lobos' ability to make music that is culturally distinctive, emotionally engaging and stylistically adventurous.

Tracklist

Side A
A1. One Time One Night (4:48)
A2. Shakin' Shakin' Shakes (4:11)
A3. Is This All There Is? (4:00)
A4. Prenda Del Alma (3:25)
A5. All I Wanted To Do Was Dance (3:58)

Side B
B1. Set Me Free (Rosa Lee) (3:35)
B2. The Hardest Time (3:12)
B3. My Baby's Gone (3:38)
B4. River Of Fools (2:55)
B5. The Mess We're In (3:01)
B6. Tears Of God (3:47)