| Chiquitita | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Menudo |
| Cover: | Menudo Chiquitita.jpg |
| Released: | July 1, 1979 |
| Studio: | Estudio Torres Sonido, Madrid, Spain |
| Genre: | Latin pop |
| Label: | Padosa, Inc. |
| Prev Title: | Laura |
| Prev Year: | 1978 |
| Next Title: | Felicidades! |
| Next Year: | 1979 |
Chiquitita (released in Puerto Rico as Menudo) is Menudo's third Spanish album, released in 1979, this time featuring brothers[1] Carlos, Óscar and Ricky Meléndez (aged 14, 13, and 11 respectively),[2] Fernando Sallaberry (14),[3] and new member René Farrait (12). René replaced Nefty Sallaberry after Nefty reached the age limit set by Menudo management.[4]
In 1979, the quintet had already established itself as a successful act in its homeland, Puerto Rico. Additionally, it managed to get some of its songs among the most played in countries like the Dominican Republic.[5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
To promote the new album, the group traveled to Venezuela twelve times without receiving payment. This led to substantial success: with the single "Chiquitita," a cover version of one of the best-known songs by the Swedish group ABBA, they achieved commercial success in the country.[12]
The specialized music critics also responded positively. In the column of the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, on October 10, 1979, the critic recommended the album Chiquitita, as a tribute to the country's Children's Month, noting that the quintet had significant qualities as performers.[13]
In Puerto Rico, the album Menudo earned the quintet its first gold record for its impressive sales.