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.[5] Additionally, it managed to get some of its songs among the most played in countries like the Dominican Republic.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12]
To promote the new album, the group traveled to Venezuela twelve times without receiving payment.[5] 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.[13] In Puerto Rico, the album Menudo earned the quintet its first gold record for its impressive sales.[14]
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.[15]
