Alfredo Rodriguez - ¡Take Cover! (2026)
I get the appeal immediately, but it doesn’t really grow past that first impression. ¡Take Cover! is slick, clever, and undeniably well played — Alfredo Rodríguez has the technique and rhythmic instinct to flip almost anything into something listenable. Still, the album feels more like a showcase than a statement. Once I’ve clocked the idea — familiar pop themes reframed through Latin jazz — the sense of discovery drops off quickly. It’s enjoyable in the moment, but it doesn’t leave much residue afterward.
Pros
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High-level musicianship – Rodríguez’s piano work is agile, confident, and rhythmically sharp throughout.
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Immediate accessibility – The recognizable source material makes it easy to engage with on first listen.
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Concise runtime – The album doesn’t overstay its welcome; it delivers the concept and moves on.
Cons
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Covers-first limitation – The concept caps the depth; it never fully escapes the gravity of the originals.
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Low long-term pull – After a couple of listens, there’s little incentive to return unless it’s on casually.
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Feels more like a set than an album – Sequencing and cohesion don’t quite add up to a unified artistic arc.
Genre: Latin Jazz
Country: US
Final Verdict: 64% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 44th / 102
Highlight: Barbie Girl
Made me think of:
Buena Vista Social Club
Yuri Buenaventura
Chucho Valdés
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