It opens with the title track inspiring (Here's to Life), a lilting poem by Violeta Parra did movingly lists a series of things to be grateful for. Llego Con Tres Heridas (I Come with Three Wounds) Which follows is stirring and melancholy as Joan sings Miguel Hernández's lament on Life, Love and Death. The mournful mood Continues on the traditional song La Llorona tuneful (The Weeping Woman) afterwhich the Mariachi band takes over on the rhythmic El Preso Número Nueve (Prisoner Number Nine). Guantanamera is Especially buoyant with appealing textures and guitar on the wordless Dida, Joni Mitchell duets with Joan. The melodious Victor Jara song Te Recuerdo Amanda (I remember you Amanda) has a more complex structure than the traditional material and stays in the mind.
Cucurrucucú Paloma Receives a festive treatment by the brilliant Mariachi Uclatlan and Their swirling instrumental and vocal patterns, in sharp contrast to Joan's a cappella rendition of Paso Rio Which Introduces the downtempo Catalan folksong El Rossinyol (The Nightingale), another sombre excursion. The vibrant singing-along with its rousing melody De Colores precedes a tender and sad ballad Las Madres cansadas (Weary Mothers). The protest song No Nos Moveran (We Shall Not Be Moved) is Introduced by a monologue spoken by Rondalla Amerindia and the album Concludes With An uptempo ballad titled Ezquinazo del guerrilla. Gracias A La Vida is a most enjoyable listening experience with plenty of modal and stylistic variety.
