Africa Brasil

“Africa Brasil” by Jorge Ben Jor (1976) Never heard this album nor this artist. But wow, welcome to my ignorance. The basic thrust of this album is the integration of western American and European) musical motifs into Brazilian urban samba. From the opening bars of "Ponta de Lança Africano (Umbabarauma)", the listener might expect an American country rock ballad with instrumentation and chord structure like Creedence Clearwater Revival. But eight bars in, Brazil steps up with lead and background vocals. Track two is funk Hermetica. Sounds like a Sly and the Family Stone take on 2nd century B.C. Egyptian mysticism. Apparently Jorge Ben Jor had earlier devoted an entire album on this theme (“A Tábua de Esmeralda” (1974)). Worth exploring if you’re into that sort of thing (as, obviously, I am). Listen to the first few bars of "O Filósofo" (1976) and the opening bars of “I’ll Take You There“ (1972) by The Staples Sisters and you’ll see what’s going on here. Personally, I think a little appropriation is cool. "Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro" is a celebration of his three children (“My Children, My Treasure”). Great sound and sweet lyric. "O Plebeu" gives us a happy tragedy of the collision between poverty and affection, as the penniless poet joyfully resigns himself to the fact that his love for a rich girl must remain unrequited. Interesting take on a classic theme. ‘Xica da Silva” tells real-life story of a wealthy 18th century Brazilian woman welcomed in the royal court, but excluded from her parish church because she was a black former slave. According to Wikipedia, “Xica was banished from the parish church, which was reserved for Caucasians only. To show the locals Xica’s power, [the white nobleman] João Fernandes built a luxurious church attended just by herself.” The song celebrates this act of trans-racial loyalty, and thus becomes a protest against racial exclusivity among social elites. Powerful. Compare the happy autobiographical reflections of a child who was ‘different’ in Jorge Ben Jon’s "A História de Jorge" (1976) with the tragic autobiographical reflections of a child who was ‘different’ in Juanes’ "La Historia de Juan" (2002). Fascinating. However, the most powerful track on the album is the title track, "África Brasil (Zumbi)". We’re treated to angry, driving rhythms and chord structure, with suitable vocal tone. According to Joel Sattler, “Zumbi was the last leader of the Quilombo dos Palmares runaway slave refugee colony in Alagoas, Brazil that also harbored fugitives and deserters. Born a free man in 1655, captured and sold into slavery at the age of six, baptized by his missionary owner, he learned Portuguese and Latin and the Bible. Escaping at 15, he returned home and became a military leader and renowned warrior. When the local governor offered freedom to the colony, Zumbi distrusted the Portuguese and refused to accept the offer while other Africans remained enslaved. He took over leadership of the quilombo and ruled for 15 years until the Portuguese military destroyed the central settlement of Cerca do Macaco with an artillery assault. The colony fell, Zumbi went to ground and led a rebellion for two years, evading capture until betrayed by one of his followers. He was beheaded by the Paulistas, and his head taken to Recife and displayed as a warning to all other slaves. The date of his execution, November 20 1695, has become the equivalent of our Martin Luther King Day.... https://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewpoetry.asp?id=279469 Brazilian rock. This album teaches and connects. Very nice. 4/5 Bonus connection for those familiar with Juanes: Joga bola, jogador Joga bola, corocondô Joga bola, jogador Joga bola, corocondô (from "Ponta de Lança Africano” by Jorge Ben Jor (1976)) Yo te doy todo mi amor Luna de mi corazón Yo te doy todo mi amor Si tú me lo cuentas todo (from “Luna” by Juanes (2002))

The 1001 Albums series often gets (warranted) flack for its lackluster selection of 'World Music' in it's catalog, but they certainly know to include the absolute essentials when push comes to shove. "África Brasil" is a masterclass in rhythm and performance, with secretive but long-lasting influence that can still be felt today. Even for any listeners wary of any language barrier with music, Jorge Ben Jor makes music that anybody can immediately understand and groove along with.

The cuíca is a type of friction drum where the pitch is changed by adjusting the tension on the head of the drum. It has a high pitched squeaky sound and is often compared to a laughing monkey. This instrument is ubiquitous in samba music and is featured heavily on this album. It's sound is unique and instantly recognizable, so keep an ear out for the cuíca player on here! Overall, a great assortment of songs, that instantly invoke the feeling of chilling out around Lapa, drowning in caipirinhas while having not a care in the world. 5 Taj Mahals out of 5 🕌🕌🕌🕌🕌

I loved this album. Had no idea what the lyrics said, but who cares?

Three albums ago I wondered whether we'd get any Jorge Ben Jor...and here we are! Not his best work in my estimation, but still five stars because it's Jorge Ben in his pomp. A lovely mix of tropicalia and funk, plus he has one of my favourite voices in popular music. Nothing here quite touches the greatness of 'Mas Que Nada', 'Take It Easy My Brother Charles' or 'Pais Tropical', but this is a remarkably cohesive collection with some spiky guitar work and insistent, rolling rhythms. So, so good. Oh, and Rod Stewart ripped off 'Taj Mahal' but made it far worse.

Overwhelmingly reminded me of music from the Sims. But I did quite enjoy it. Very fun

I was really surprised by how much I liked this album. I also noticed the song Taj Mahal was very close to Da ya think I'm sexy by Rod Stewart. As it turns out Rod Stewart lost a copyright infringement lawsuit over the similarities.

What a funky groove. These guitar riffs are great. The variety of each track is amazing, and the energy never dips.

Fantastic album! Amazing instrumentation, and amazing vocals. Can't give criticism to the lyricism because I dont speak portuguese but damn what an amazing album

A fun week of albums continues! This is the first non-English album I have received on this list and comes from a genre I know absolutely nothing about; however, I enjoyed this one a lot for what it is and more than I initially thought I would. The production and instrumentals are great with many unique sounds coming together in a catchy, cohesive manner. It feels like a mix between traditional Brazilian/South American music and Rolling Stones-like blues rock with its prevalent bass and electric guitars standing out in the mix. Although I cannot speak to the lyrics, I found Jorge's vocals to be strong and elevate the energy of the tracks throughout the record. The main reason I cannot rate this higher is that I have no idea how this compares to the rest of his work or the overall style of his music. If there were specific songs that stood out as being amazing, I would be very impressed given my lack of knowledge of the genre, but the songs blend together in a way that makes it difficult to differentiate between tracks at some points. With that being said, I enjoyed this one more than a lot of albums I have received so far and would throw it on as background music again. 3/5.

Aujourd'hui était un jour particulier, puisque nous fêtions l'anniversaire du générateur. En effet, vous n'êtes pas sans savoir qu'il y a de cela tout juste un an, je débutais cette aventure générateurienne avant d'être très vite rejoint par mon envieux camarade d'écoute, le désormais très célèbre robpaupière. A cette occasion, nous avons mis les petits plats dans les grands, en décidant de signer un pacte de non aggression, afin de pouvoir célébrer cet événement comme il se doit. Le projet était le suivant: nous devions débuter la soirée d'anniversaire par quelques biscuits et boissons, afin de nous ammener vers le vrai climax de la soirée. En effet, à 23h55, nous avions prévu de nous cacher derrière les meubles du salon, car à minuit pile, Robert devait faire irruption dans la maison pour nous dévoiler notre album du jour, l'album cadeau d'anniversaire. La soirée débutait sur de très bonnes bases, rob et moi-même choisissant chacun notre tour une chanson à jouer sur l'enceinte disposée au milieu de la pièce, afin de respecter notre quota musical respectif. Aucun débordement ne fût à déplorer, si ce n'est une petite prise de bec sur la place de la trip-hop dans l'histoire de la musique, sans conséquence fort heureusement. Mais au fond de nous, ce que nous attendions réellement, c'était les douze coups de minuit, pour découvrir cet album anniversaire concocté par Robert. Il se murmurait d'ailleurs que l'album devrait être l'un des albums de Nirvana présent dans le générateur, que nous n'avons pour l'instant pas eu la chance d'écouter. Soudain, c'était l'heure. Je courrais me cacher derrière la bibliothèque du salon, pendant que rob peinait à dissimuler son imposant corps grassouillet derrière le canapé. La porte s'entrouvit doucement, et les premières notes de musiques retentirent, précédent un Robert vêtu de ses plus beaux habits. Et la, ce fut la stupéfaction. Les premières notes très latino crachées par Robert laissèrent bientôt place à la voix de Jorge Ben Jor, qui se mit à baragouiner dans un brésilien incompréhensible. Ce n'était absolument pas Nirvana à qui nous avions affaire. Notre déception se lisait sur notre visage, et les explications de Robert sur l'impact de Jorge Ben Jor sur la samba rock ne suffirent jamais à rattraper cet anniversaire gâché. Rob ne réussit d'ailleurs pas à retenir ses larmes, et partit s'enfermer dans sa chambre.

This is what I started listening to the 1001 Albums list for. I would have never discovered this on my own, but it was enjoyable from start to finish.

He's my pookie he's my boo

I knew as soon as the phased guitar kicked in on the first track that this was going to be a great record…so, like, 4 seconds in and I was sold on this unbelievably funky record.

While I don't know what he talks about... I can FEEL it. Jorge Ben (or Jorge Ben Jor (since 1989)) has been a major figure in Samba and its poularity in the early to mid 1960's. And with the popularity of his debut album "Samba esquema novo" he had the name and ressources to let Samba evolve in the prime-time of his music: the 1970's. I think it is a bit short thought to make this the only inclusion he gets on this list as at least 2 more albums of the same decade have been as important to Samba and music in general as this album. But to be fair, this is the album in which he added Funk to his arsenal, which until now mainly consisted of Samba-Rock and MPB (popular brasilian music) as well as some influence from Psychedelic Soul. There are some things that are great all throughout the album especially the percussion with hand claps, bongo-type drums as well as a genrally diverse instrumentation with Jorge's guitar, trumpets, typical South American instruments and more that are all used to create a lush and warm sound. And of course Jorge Ben's vocals are another highlight. There are also some elements throughout that I at first thought were synthesizer but they happen to be the Cuíca, a typical brazilian instrument that creates a sound that the "northern" ear isn't used to. For me that sometimes works well in the background but can annoy a little bit. Of course I don't know what he actually talks about but I hope it is not something controversial because he sings it with so much soul and emotion that you don't need to understand the text, you simply "feel" it. But with music like this, the lyrics generally don't matter that much. It is all about the presentation and the groove it envokes. The albums opening track is arguably its greatest. 'Ponta de lança africano' is simply a bop. It is groovy musically, has a hook that can even be sung along by someone that isn't capable of understanding the portugese language (like me) and makes one simply happy. Following up that masterpiece we get some more groovy songs like 'Hermes Trismegisto escreveu' with it's energetic and funky bass line and 'O filósofo' which is I think is the weakest song on the album together with the later 'Camisa 10 da Gávea' on Side 2. This song uses the Cuíca (or Monkey Drum) and although it does add an interesting sound, it does annoy after a little while. After that short little slump we do get another perfect song in the form of 'Meus filhos, meu tesouro'. All good things said about the first track applies here as well. The guitar solo at the beginning and the drums make this a definitive highlight. 'O plebeu' and 'Taj Mahal' again work perfectly in the albums context but don't stick out as much as other songs. Former has a nice "La,La,La-La" chorus and the latter has a melody that has been stolen by Rod Stewart as well, which is why some might have "heard" that song before. Side 2 opens with two incredible songs back to back: 'Xica da Silva' and 'A história de Jorge'. Both incredibly catchy and funky and just incredible. The vocal performance on both is outstanding and another peak in Jorge Ben's songwriting. As already mentioned, the next song is a little dip down because he seems to focus this song on the lyrics what ultimatly removes from the musical enjoyment of the listener although I still prefer 'Camisa 10 da Gávea' over 'O filósofo'. It does get back on track with 'Cavaleiro do cavalo imaculado' with its super energetic and funky bass solo as well as the wild percussion. The album closes with the title track 'África Brasil (Zumbi)'. That song closes the album perfectly as it is a bit more on the "melancholic" side of songs in comparison to the rest although that has to be taken very, very, very lightly because you can still dance yourself to exhaustion with it. It's fun, very fun! favourites: Ponta de lança africano (Umbabarauma); Meus filhos, meu tesouro; Xica da Silva; A história de Jorge least favourites: O filósofo, Camisa 10 da Gávea Rating: decent to strong 9 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes

bom mas não o melhor do ben jor

This got me dancing in the kitchen.

So much funk here, a little bit of Sly, James Brown and Curtis Mayfield, but based around Samba? It works really well, with the interwoven percussion, guitar work, warm vocals and funky bass lines providing an extremely enjoyable record. I can hear a lot of influence on David Byrne here.

Great! But the problem with stuff you're not familiar with is you don't actually know if it's good or not! Is this the best Brasil record, or does it sound the same as the rest?!

Lovedddd new dinner party album

Too much Cuíca (monkey drum, honky wonky sound).

"Nós temos o funk!"

Starts and ends with absolute bangers, with some really sweet samba grooves in-between. It’s a real exhibition of multiple layered musicianship, and in a certain way kicks trad white boy 4/5 piece rock bands asses. Tipped in to a 5* today as I’m listening to this while on holiday in Spain with some nice chorizo and Rioja on the go, perfect accompaniment.

Finally, some good fucking food.

I FUCKING LOVE CUÍCA

Takanaka core

I decided to check this one out, it staying here over the weekend certainly boosted its chances and from the first song I was very glad of this. No galician this time but I'll write out my thoughts as the album goes. I love the mix of blues and bossa that this album brings right from the start. The riffy guitars and the choir and call and repeat vocals are just so great. The percussion and groove as well as some other stylistic choices really sit in a great place for me Oh yeah the portuguese vocals obviously are a big thing for the bossa/samba feel lol I can't listen to this with headphones at the moment because I feel like I'm dying of sickness which makes me sad because what little I can hear of the bass guitar is really driving these tunes along Also I think there's an organ buried in there. There's a lot of influence from african funk I think. The way that the horns are playing is quite remeniscent of this more than what is so typical for exclusively bossa nova stuff It's very nice being able to understand a little of what's being sung too. Normally lyrics fly past me anyway so really I would say the input is not a super significant way off of the typical song in english or slower spanish Again, I can't listen to this with headphones, but wft this production quality is insane for 1976 right!? There are albums by, like, the beatles or some really influential jazz artists that sound way worse than this, I mean overall the style also feels way ahead of the curve although I'm not as good at dating other music... So apparently this is this dude's first album on electric guitar!? Damn he plays it so well. For something like afrobrazillian music I think conceptually we should strongly consider the 2 different instruments and although there are obviously elements of both styles, he's certainly not just playing bossa nova on an electric guitar I have fallen in love with this album it turns out, I was growing dissapointed in the selection that this website was putting forth recently especially because I have been able to find so many great albums otherwise, but am so glad I didn't skip this! I also love the vocalisms on this album, at the end of the songs or sort of over the other singing, it's really a great mesh of genres. Cowboy of the immaculate horse is a great name for a song that I'll steal one day I'm sure, I'm glad that the album picked up with this song because I was just about to think that the album was slowing down in the 2nd half, and then BOOM this amazingness!

Amazing. One of the best discoveries from this list so far. Funky and danceable with African rhythms and melodies commingling with Latin rhythms and touches of soul. He’s a great, charismatic singer. His vocals on “Xica Da Silva” are awesome. Really catchy song. The music is crazy fun. It’s also complex at times. On “Cavaleiro Do Cavolo Imaculado,” there’s an interesting guitar part that comes in around 2:10. It feels detached from the melody and adds a cool layer of tension and contrast. Definitely an album where every track is strong but these ones particularly stood out to me: “Ponta De Lança Africano,” “Xica Da Silva,” “Cavaleiro Do Cavolo Imaculado,” “África Brasil (Zumbi)” (wow - this one really rocks)

I don't speak a lick of Portuguese. I didn't understand a single lyric. I don't know any of the themes touched on in these songs. And yet, this album fucking rocks. Music truly is a universal language. Every song is overflowing with contagious joy. The only suitable response is to just dance, baby. Also, I love that monkey howling sound that's common in Samba/bossa nova music but always thought it came from an oboe or some other woodwind. Ends up it comes from a drum called the cuica. The more you know.

Like the samba beat

If this doesn't get you moving, you have no pulse. Propulsive rhythm, catchy guitar, drummer is sick. First non-English album on this list after 32 days. Hope there's way more. Highlights: Meus Filhos, Meus Tesouro, Taj Mahal, Xica da Silva, Cavaleiro Do Cavalo Imaculado

Highlight Song/s: Hermes Trismegisto Escreveu and Africa Brasil (Zumbi) Samba has a nice sound to it, It sounds really hopeful, I also quite like the luscious backing vocals, and it has some cool guitar lines. I'm not too sure what just samba sounds like by itself without the fusion of other genres, as I'm quite new to the sound and was only introduced via the generator, but it's not too shabby. It has a nice jungle vibe to it, it's definitely the bongos that give me that impression! I believe some people are just way too quick to dismiss non-English music, just for the reason it isn't in English. As if that removes all emotion and tone to the voices.

First hearing this. Quite enjoyable, to be honest. It's not perfect, some of the tracks not quite that good. But there's enough that is quality to keep this in the 4 star realm.

Didn't understand a single word...but I get it

Album started as a 5/5 (first couple songs) but ended as a 4/5 because as great as they are a lot of the songs sound pretty much the same. Maybe because I'm not all that familiar with this kind of music (rock samba?) so keep that in mind.

Очень приятный альбом

Starts every song at full throttle, then makes them go harder, through a combination of surprise breaks, ecstatic vocals, the push-pull of formless scatting and ultra precise tightness, and introductions of new rhythms and melodies that are like intriguing subplots.

Loved the breezy 70s laid-back jazz funk and beautiful Brazilian melodies and female backing singers. 1st track is very cool, pity there wasn't anything else solar in a slightly more edgy rock style.

Insanely funky album. The arrangements, perhaps, are a bit samey. But the instrumentation is consistently interesting and I find Ben's voice magnetic. The energy oozes from every minute, though there are certainly peaks.

I would never of heard this if it wasn't on the list, so....thanks??? Anyway some enjoyable riffs. I definitely hear Rod Stewart's "If You Think I'm Sexy"'s bridge is Definitely taken from "Taj Mahal"

Fun, get up and dance music. I don’t understand any of the lyrics, of course. But I enjoyed bouncing and bopping along to the snazzy beat.

This is a great example of how to make complex music without being pretentious. Sometimes he layers multiple melodies, not to be experimental or different, but because they work for the song. Sometimes you'll see reviews where people will say, I had to listen to it 10 or 12 times before I got it, essentially brainwashing themselves into liking something. I prefer when something grabs me right away like this stuff. The background singers are great and I love how uses them sometimes like they're playing the rhythm behind his vocals.

I don't know - this one may have caught me on a bad day. I kinda liked the first few cuts, good music - and I almost always love that mid-70s creamy recorded sound - and it all fit. Then after ~track 3 or 4 it got boring or lazy or just not-interesting to me. A bit repetitive; sure it's a kind of dance music which that comes with the territory but gimme some variety. Feel like I should be fair and give this a 3 although I'm likely to forget it in an hour... so unfortunately downgrading. Just didn't connect with it. 5/10 2 stars.

Good but not my jam

yay, more Brazilian stuff. 2/5 this, we've had worse Brazilian music and this was a bit funkier and cooler than the previous. Still not of huge interest.

Wasn't for me I'm afraid

I wish this system had a half star rating option I think out of 10 rating is better this album whilst very very good and I did listen to it twice and really enjoyed the follow-on music that came up the incessant squeaking is a bit frustrating and giving it five stars anyway

Great

Jorge Ben Jor is a Brazilian popular musician who is well known for playing a style of samba that incorporates elements of soul, funk, and bossa nova. His broad appeal led to a successful career, affording him the leeway to further experiment with his sound. África Brasil was one of those experiments, ditching the acoustic guitar in favor of the electric guitar, while still offering a celebratory and historical tribute to Afro-Brazilian culture. I'll be honest, I was genuinely impressed by this record. The syncopated rhythms, the funky guitarwork, Ben's soulful delivery alongside the backing vocalists, all these elements come together with such a vibrant energy in these compositions. You know you got me hooked when these performances have me singing along, and I don't even speak Portuguese. Of course, it helps that the translated lyrics offer positive affirmations and solidarity between Africa and Brazil, to the point of highlighting historical figures, football, and tied ancestry. The only song that felt thematically different was the re-recording of "Taj Mahal" regarding the Indian structure, but even that was a genuine bop with the sped-up rhythm amidst the banging of the congas and timbales, with a vocal melody that Rod Stewart would end up using later. This is the kind of album that puts a smile on my face. África Brasil is the type of cultural celebration that transcends borders, and I'm glad to have enjoyed it.

Jorge Ben Joe is a legend. This LP feels and sounds great.

What a fun record! Full of life, vivacious. Lots of great horn section stuff , fun crowd vocals, infectious rhythms. Loved it!

Fantastic

I don't think I've ever connected to music with non-English lyrics like I have with this album. Just straight heat, so much funk and soul

So glad there’s some Jorge Ben on here. Honestly, too much Jorge Ben is never enough — he easily deserves half a dozen albums on this list. ‘África Brasil’ is one of his best and a totally worthy addition. I never have any idea what he’s singing about, and it doesn’t even matter. The music itself, combined with his impassioned singing, transcends language barriers and lyrics entirely. This one’s a stone-cold classic. Check out the rest of his catalogue — you won’t be disappointed.

A great listen, very groovy, eclectic and colourful. One of those records you could listen to over and over again.

Is this the perfect music for a chilly Thursday morning in the American midwest? Today it is. It only took 1/2 the album to decide that I wanted to live here forever. Maybe I'd find a reason to rate it lower if I understood the lyrics, but I'm not burdened with that problem today. I listened to it twice and then spent the rest of the morning in his discography. Brazilian music will always have a place in my heart, shut up and take my five stars.

Groovy!

One of the many reasons this generator is great - I’d have probably never have come across this on my own accord. Samba funk is so cool! Thoroughly enjoyable.

That’s right up there with my favorite non English album from the project. I can hear elements taken from this as recently as the White Lotus soundtrack. The groove is amazing, of course David Byrne would love this. Rating: 4.8

I cannot love this more. Love the energy, the vocals, the instruments. Will definitely listen to it many more times

It deserves. Too much information in a few tracks: the guitar, the beat, the lyrics. Some are outside of this world, but this is Jorge Ben's mark. Zumbi, Chica da Silva, two iconics figures related with black resistance, Brazilian history and his songs made then even more iconics. Too much beauty for just one album!

Excelente

Yeah I guess I like Brazilian music cause I swear this is like the third one I came across through this that has been solid to listen to. Very nice easy fun listening.

yes

Otima!

Top shelf stuff, this.

I'll start off by saying this album is super damn funky, mixing the best of samba and soul music to create what may be a masterpiece. It's an album that not just made me tap my feet to the beat, but actually made me get up and swing to the rhythm. Being an album in Portuguese, there's naturally a language barrier for those that don't know the language. Still, the instrumentation keeps you hooked the entire way through, and he has such a passionate vocal performance that perfectly compliments nearly every song, to the point where it just leaves you with a smile. Fortunately, there are quite a few English translations to this album you can find online (Special thanks to robert4289 and hakubin from lyricstranslate), which shows that this album is practically his love letter and celebration to Afro-Brazilian culture. When he does tackle themes such as racism in Brazil, he does so in such a positive light, instead focusing on the love for soccer, the children of Brazil, and the history, as if to encourage a sense of solidarity with both Africa and Brazil to show how much they've grown from those darker times. Overall, this is a really fun listen I can't recommend enough. It marks itself above its contemporary by simply being infectiously compassionate and having an incredible ensemble to support this kindness. "Salve, simpatia!" Greetings, Kindness!

Now we're talking

Banger after banger after banger after banger after banger. Loved this album as it was very unique and unlike anything I’ve heard before TWU

never heard of this guy. couldn't understand the lyrics. makes no difference with music this brilliant. 5 in every way.

How? How have I never heard this before? How have I never heard of this before?? This was awesome! Thank you album generator. You’ve done marvelous work today.

Is this a 5/5 album? Only time will tell I suppose, I never love love an album from first listen so I probably should be a bit more generous with my reviews. Usually I find that albums start out strong, and then get progressively less and less interesting - but that wasn't my experience with this one! For starters, I think Brazilian Portuguese is like one of the prettiest languages- so I suppose it already got a head start. But further, the albums starts out good and then becomes better. Such a fun and energetic listen! I screenshotted the following songs to mention as faves: Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro O Plebeu Xica de Silva But I likely liked others just as much. Not sure if I would put any of the songs in a playlist? But certainly will remember the album for the right occasion.

Muito swing

A good full tasty treat

The best of many worlds.

gozei

Probably the first Tropicalia record I heard that really grabbed me. This record is so catchy and fun, it’s hard not to love it. The call and response part of “Ponta De Lanca Africana” is amazing, because you can actually sing along with it even if you don’t speak Portuguese. Can’t recommend this enough.

Listens: 3 Standout tracks: Meus Filhos Meu Tesouro, Xica Da Silva This album is excellent. I seem to have a thing for "world" music, where I can't understand the lyrics because I don't speak the language. Perhaps it allows me to really focus on the music itself. The songs a varied, unique, exciting and catchy. Its crazy to me that this came out in 1976. It's so fresh!

Fell in love with this album as soon as the first song started, 'cause you're really just thrown right into the madness here. This is easily the best Samba record on this list so far. It's all so lively, so catchy, so groovy, and so infectious. And I really want to emphasize the "lively" part, because there is so much life, so many little planets and musical organisms existing within this record - it's like the musical Amazon. Be it the various bluesier elements, the funky and jazzy musical interludes, the addictive use of the cuica (a usually very hit-or-miss instrument for me), the way the backing vocals are just as essential as Jorge's lead vocals, or those infectious as-all-hell lead melodies. 'A Historia De Jorge' is perhaps one song that perfectly captures all I love about this album; it just goes in so many directions that it's honestly ridiculous - with so many instruments, yet it's never overwhelming. Something this album does really well is knowing exactly when to pull away the vocals to let those delicious conga-drum-based grooves ride out, if only for a little bit, before bringing everything back - it happens several times on this album, and it's always super effective. And don't get me started on 'Taj Mahal', maybe the best song I've heard recently, I'm in love with it (especially a live performance I found of it on YouTube). There isn't a dull moment on this album, just the best 40-minute party you could imagine - gotta get around to checking out more Jorge Ben ASAP.

Fantastic!

fantastic

Banger, especially the first song

Love the Brazilian, African, and Caribbean rhythms!

What an excellent find! I may not know the words, but the performances from everyone more than make up for it.

BEST SONGS: - Taj Mahal - Xica Da Silva

Good sound. Great beats. I like th music. The words sound good too though I don't understand it. Lol. I like it.

Great album

Just Jorge

Another nice discovery for me. I'd heard of Jorge Ben before - "Oba, Là Vem Ela" on an old Dancefloor Jazz compilation I have as well as "Mas que nada" - but this was new. I was a sceptical at first, as the ~World Music~ inclusions are often just the most easily digestible tokens but this is definitely an AYMHBYD and it seriously slaps! If I've ever heard something in here so far to use that word with, it's this one and I don't know if it makes sense but here it is: 𝘬𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘤. Special mention: that cuíca rhythm/lick starting to play in "Xica da Silva" - made me smile - and how the phased strings in "A Históira de Jorge" sent me onto a sidequest to find out what they remind me of. Great album.

Wow, niet verwacht Jorge Ben op deze lijst te zien. Vijf sterren uiteraard, zelfs als dit niet eens mijn favoriete plaat van hem is.

Good

<3

Yo solid world music, love this

Love it. Would buy.

Infectious energy and incredible vocals. Had never heard of or any music by Jorje Ben before, so this was a treat.

“Africa Brasil” by Jorge Ben Jor (1976) Never heard this album nor this artist. But i have to say, I loved it. I'm not sure what i was expecting but I loved the rhythms and the samba feel to the music. I'll be adding this to my saved albums

9,25/10

I dig this. Lots of good energy. Strong vibes. It's not hard to appreciate this, even without speaking the same language

It's the right kind of rhythmically interesting, energetic, fun type of music I love and can't get enough of, brazilian music was on another level huh.

Totally my jam