Juez y parte

Released in 1990 under the Ariola label, Juez y parte marked a pivotal transition in Joaquín Sabina's career. It was the second and final studio album recorded in collaboration with the backing band Viceversa, a partnership that helped define the gritty, urban sound of Spanish rock during the mid-to-late 1980s. The album emerged during a period of transition for Sabina, who was moving away from the more overtly political tone of his earlier work toward the character-driven, narrative-heavy songwriting that would define his later legendary status.

The album is noted for its lyrical maturity and the sharp, observational storytelling that became a hallmark of Sabina's identity. Produced to capture a raw and direct sound, the record features tracks that balance cynical wit with melancholy introspection. While it faced the challenges of maintaining the momentum built by previous successes like Hotel, dulce hotel, it was well-received by critics and fans alike as a sophisticated effort that showcased Sabina’s growing mastery of the Spanish language in rock-and-roll contexts.