Chiquitita (released in Puerto Rico as Menudo) is Menudo's third Spanish album, released in 1979, this time featuring brothers Carlos, Óscar and Ricky Meléndez (aged 14, 13, and 11 respectively), Fernando Sallaberry (14), and new member René Farrait (12). René replaced Nefty Sallaberry after Nefty reached the age limit set by Menudo management. 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.

Promotion

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.

Critical reception

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.

Commercial performance

In Puerto Rico, the album Menudo earned the quintet its first gold record for its impressive sales.

Track listing