Internal Exile (Los Illegals album)

Internal Exile is the third and final studio album by the Chicano rock band Los Illegals, released in 1983. The album, released on A&M Records, marked a departure from the band's earlier, more overtly punk and rebellious sound towards a more polished and commercially-oriented new wave direction. This stylistic shift was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics, some feeling it diluted the band's original energy and social commentary. While still containing elements of their signature Chicano rock sound, the album incorporated synthesizers and more radio-friendly arrangements. Internal Exile was not as commercially successful as their previous albums, and Los Illegals disbanded shortly after its release. The album title itself may be interpreted as a reflection of the band's internal struggle with their artistic identity and the pressures of the music industry. It is considered by some to be a significant, though perhaps controversial, album in the history of Chicano rock music, highlighting the challenges faced by bands attempting to navigate mainstream success while maintaining their artistic integrity.