Reviews (page 5 of 13)
4/10/2025 I have no issues with it, its a good album and a good vibe. Spotify listeners: 3.4 million
I remember listening to this years ago and wasn't crazy about it. But listening to it through again, I really dug it! Great musicianship, fun album. Will be listening to more of his stuff. Highlights: "O Filosofo" and "O Plebeu"
Starsky & Hutch in Rio de Janeiro vibes
No idea what it is about, but awesome sounds. Want to learn more about A História De Jorge.
Do you need to hear África Brasil before you die? I’m not sure. Would you be better off for hearing it? Undoubtedly. There’s something that a lot of Brazilian music taps into that no other region seems to do nearly as well, that balance between the euphoric pop song and the more ballad-oriented slightly sadder number. You don’t need to know Portuguese to have a lot of fun with this, which is something a lot of people pass it over for immediately. What’s the point in listening to an album that Brazilians love for its lyrics if I can’t understand them? Well pal, you’re not Brazilian, get over it, and there’s probably plenty of albums you can understand the lyrics to that you can spin. But let’s not limit this review to a critique of those who don’t ‘get’ it. I’m sure I don’t fully ‘get’ it either, but I had a lot of fun with this on while washing the dishes. That’s all you need really, isn’t it?
This one caught me by surprise in the best way! Knew nothing about him, but really dug the samba meets soul + funk mash-up. Favorite tracks were the first: "Ponta de Lanca Africano" and "Taj Mahal". Sounds very bedouin to me, getting some mulatu atsaske vibes.
Funky
Great rhythm section and backing vocals 3 1/2
Awesome addition of the sound coming from Brasil.
Fun and funky as hell. Another one I'd have never discovered without this challenge so I'm prepared to round up what would probably be a 3.5 on the 'pleasantly surprised' factor.
Pu
I put this album on while I had some friends over for dinner. It really fit the 'dinner party' vibe that I wasn't necessarily going for. I actually quite enjoyed the album, my ears perked up for 'Taj Mahal' (though I quite enjoy that dreadful Rod Stewart song, so no comment from me!). But, I don't have a lot else to take away from it. Everything kind of went smoothly. It sits in the albums that I would put on in the morning on vinyl and then make a coffee. I'll keep an eye out for this one next time I'm raiding the record bins. Look out, NZ op shops! 4 Stars.
This album is like walking along a road on a Saturday afternoon, and stumbling across a group of friends kicking around a soccer ball. They are all very talented, but there is one guy that is head and shoulders above everyone else. When he gets the ball, he immediately showboats with flashy dribbling to get around defenders. But it's not like he is showing off. He is doing it out of pure love of the game. This isn't arrogance, it is art. The weirdest thing is, he's not even wearing shoes while he does it. Quite a few people have gathered to watch now, as this guy is putting on a show. He is obviously enjoying himself, but you can't tell if he is enjoying the crowd's admiration or if he is just enjoying doing what he loves. There is an attractive girl standing off to the side of the game, and whenever he doesn't have the ball he is playing up for her. Grabbing her and doing swift dance moves with her, laughing and joking around with her. Then the ball comes his way, and he is back rainbow flicking the ball over defenders. At one stage he stopped for a couple of keepy-ups, only to end with a bicycle kick at goal. The shot misses the goal, and he gets up and laughs it off as if it was nothing. You do notice the first person he looked at after getting up was that girl. Is she his girlfriend? You're not sure. But she is enjoying the attention. You know where this is going. Good for him.
I had no idea what was going on and enjoyed it.
Funky afro fun that simultaneously sounds like a police chase and a cocktail bar on the beach
Didn't expect to be listening to Brazilian music today. It's something different, which is always good. Pretty funky. I like it.
Very nice, this. Another glorious chance to test out my Portuguese in places, which I always like, if only to ensure I stay humble. Musically, it was a lovely blend of south American rhythms with quite western instrumentation. Strange that the best song is seemingly a homage to an Indian landmark, given all that, but we are all one world, and let's celebrate that.
It was enjoyed I suppose
Never heard of the artist before, can't understand a word sung. But I can feel the rythym and soul in it.
I've enjoyed that, some good tunes and beats, will return to this for sure
Macht richtig Spaß! Schönes Sommeralbum :)
great album
Made me want to mow people down on the interstate (in a good way)
Interesting album I’d never otherwise have listened to. Taj Mahal particularly catchy.
I really enjoyed the beats!!
It was a fun listen. I would listen to this again, especially with the portugese lyrics.
Love the guitar! Wish I knew what was being said but I can feel the vibes. Very funky and smooth blending of genres. Perfect for a morning bike ride on the coast.
Great vibes, but probably not something I'll come back to. Glad I listened to it, though!
A bit more world music. This was a vibe. No idea what the guys saying or if it’s an African language or Brazilian Portuguese but I liked it.
Just a really fun time. This goes straight into rotation.
Lowkey vibrant.
Funk y samba, una mezcla excelente. El bajo en su máxima expresión
Had fun time listening to that album, nice one!
Really fun and exciting to listen to. Some of the songs reminded me of Remain in Light I wonder if Talking Heads were influenced by this artist. I will try listening to more of his music
I loved this albummmmm
Starting off great. Recognized "Ponta De Lança Africano" from a mixtape given to me in the '90s. This bodes well. Apparently Rod Stewart yoinked the melody for "Do You Think I'm Sexy?" from "Taj Mahal". And no Rod, I don't. This record grooves hard! I also appreciate that most of the songs are in the 3-4 minute range. It's going on my cookout/picnic playlist for sure.
some dope Brazilian shit. I could dive a lot deeper into this genre.
Didn’t know what to expect going in but this surprised me. Really liked this album, especially the first track. Lively throughout
I heard a rumour Brazilians really love this guy
funkadelia baby
Bylo to fajn.
while not my favorite of his work, it's always a treat to see something non-Western on this list. and Taj Mahal is such a great song. Brazilian music is great deserves to be one of the 1001? Jorge Ben should have like, 3 albums on here
This one immediately grabbed my attention. There were also a few songs that shuffled on after the album that I enjoyed.
Immaculate vibes
Pretty good didn't understand the spanish tho
very interesting sounds. this album incorporated lots of unique tones into its beat. In addition the rough vocals were a very good complement to the specific sound of this album. It was also especially interesting to have some variety in language. I look forward to the next non-English album on this list!
58/1001 Jorge Ben Jor - Africa Brasil Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ✅ What can I say, I really enjoyed this on first listen. Combining samba with funk and some call and response, it's a constantly engaging listen. I could easily envisage sitting at a beach bar, this being played and having a few caiprinha's and having the time of my life.
Класна весела музика, мені ще сподобались тут футбольні референси, як, наприклад пісня присвячена Зіко.
a very funky and groovy album with its rhythms on point! i do wish some of the tracks on here were on spotify because i really liked the closing track.
I feel a profound happiness when I hear the monkey drum <3
This album is a vibe, and so different to the usual stuff this website has been throwing out. more of this please!
Fun
This album is a lovely mix of funk, soul, and latin that I would have never discovered if not for this project. Wonderful sampa rock record that's sound and influence is heard today!
Ça, j’aime! C’est définitivement le genre de son qu’il manque cruellement dans cette liste excessivement anglo-centriste. Je trouve juste qu’il manque un peu de juice dans la section groove, j’aurais mis plus de funk dans la bass de certaine track. Je mets à réécouter aussi
Best new to me album/artist in weeks.
Fun and lively!
Funky, cool, a 41-minute dance party. Has all my favorite qualities of 70s music.
Ponta De Lanca Africano // O Filosofo // Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro // O Plebeu // Taj Mahal // Cavaleiro Do Cavalo Imaculado // 4.5/5
absolutely delighted to discover more world music! i've listened to brazilian jazz music before but definitely not this SUPER GROOVY and fun to listen to! feels like summer
Honestly, I was really digging it for the first few songs and then the novelty wore off. I still think that the first few songs and maybe a few in the middle are great. The squeaky straw sound bites and the whistle trill trying were fun if a bit gimmicky.
Really cool but not my style at all
One of the most fun listening experiences this daily album challenge has provided me. The sheer musicality, rhythm, and funky energy just exploded. Sadly, the second quarter of the album lacks a bit of power; the other three quarters are perfect.
Funky, kinda like it despite not speaking Portuguese
This was such a fun album to listen to. The vocals fit the music wonderfully and not being familiar with the artist or the genre it kept me guessing and I really enjoyed that
This was a damn delight. Extremely lively, interesting, and complex throughout. Don't have enough experience to grade it relative to other exemplars of the genre, but I would definitely throw this on to hang outside, at a get-together, or just cuz.
this is so entertaining to listen to, even if I have no clue on what's being said
this and a spicy mango marg.
This is the second awesome Brazilian album the generator has been kind enough to bestow upon me. I can't understand the lyrics but I think I read my favourite song is about a football player. I'll choose to remain ignorant. Also there is no such thing as too much cuica.
> The Beatles
Passion! When I think of the music from Brazil I think of samba, I think of bossa nova, I think about the language and the percussion. This record is something else (although the percussion is absolutely delicious.) A very passionate and intricate display of local sounds, maintaining a modern feel after decades. It's hard to believe this banger is from the 70s, it could have easily been produced in the 90s-00s, so I feel it ahead of its time, or better yet, with an excellent air of timelessness. Excellent use of funk and afro-beat to compliment the local sounds. Critiques? Maybe a track or two could lean more on the memorable side, but this comes from someone who barely understands the language. Otherwise, as a project in its entirety, it's pretty solid.
Out of all the foreign language albums I’ve had so far, this was my favorite.
Loved this album, thought it was great. I do like some me some good world music and this fits the bill. I listened while stuck in traffic on the way home and I didn’t care it took ages to get to where I was going to!
This is pretty much why I’m here. Revisiting Boston is fine, but this was cool. I’m a fan of Brazilian music like Astrid Gilberto and Os Mutantes but don’t have a particularly deep well to draw from. Liked this record a lot and the samba soul sound. O Filosofo was a particularly great cut.
4/5 - I needed to hear this because I am unfamiliar with the genre and this was a fun, easy listen. I wouldn’t have guessed this was from the 70s. Taj Mahal and the song after it were standouts for me.
Jorge had me dancing, chilling, and imagining myself sambaing in the Brazilian sun. Never enjoyed a song about a footballer so much since "Oooh, Ahh, Paul McGrath". Great energy and joy - well recommended.
Surprisingly good. i dont usually enjoy international music, but this is really good. Very melodic and funky. 8/10 Favourite: Ponta de lança africano (Umbabarauma) Least Favourite: O filósofo
Fun beats with African/brazilian beats
So good!
Surprisingly good vibe
Really pleasant, even with the few moments that came off as a little weird.
Nice vibes
Really great listen. Incredibly skillful and really unique. For all I know he could be singing about skinning live basset hounds. Still a total vibe. I'm glad this list introduced me to Jorge Ben Jor! Fave songs: - Ponta De Lança Africano - Hermes Trismegisto Escreveu - Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro - Xica Da Silva - Cavaleiro Do Cavalo Imaculado - África Brasil (Zumbi)
I heard so much amazing music when I was in Portugal that I never managed to catch the name of, and this guy's the exact vibe. Really enjoyable listen.
Pretty fun, I liked the beaT(s)
Loved this album! I have not heard it before. I know Jorge Ben for his classic album called A Tabua de Esmeralda, but this surprised me. I will keep listening to him :)
I put this on for a morning run and had a great time. Great version of Taj Mahal on this (maybe thats the original recording? The one on my playlists is a lot longer...)
Not my usual taste in music, but in fact very good. Very Swaggy 7.5/10
Fun & funky, great vibes. Added to my library.
Very vibey I enjoyed the mood it set
great vibez. 4.5
Trop cool
A surprisingly enjoyable 1970s Brazilian romp. It's a delight discovering the origin of Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" - especially when that track isn't even the best part of the album.
Was groovy baby
Awesome album. Really cool groove
So fun and lively. Wished I'd checked it out sooner.
I feel like any music with a strong emphasis on percussion like African inspired or Brazilian inspired music is an automatic win for me and this album is heavily focused on Brazilian percussion with African style backing vocals and it works really well. It’s very energetic and catchy and though I can’t understand the lyrics it really doesn’t matter because it only really acts as an instrument itself. The electric guitar aswell as a western inspired funk addition really makes this album aswell, it’s carried by both this and the percussion, I read this is Jorge’s first time using an electric guitar for his albums as well which is clearly a good decision on his part, although it would be interesting to see hear his more acoustic ones in comparison. I noticed a Herbie Hancock watermelon man whistle noise on a lot of the songs aswell which was cool. Anyway, a very fun album, overall, 7.5/10.
These albums are the reason I wanted to do this. A little gem I'd have never found by myself.
This album is delightful. Jorge Ben’s music is unique and this album is just a great blend of his Brazilian style and African beats and singing. I think if any of his music is added to a soundtrack for any popular movie he would gain a bigger following in the States.
Never heard his before. Loved it.
Couldn't understand a thing (language barrier) but the music had me grooving throughout. It was a superb fusion of samba and funk (love the bass in songs like Xica da Silva and Historia de Jorge). I don't know if I'd come back to it per se, but the quality of the production and uniqueness of the music pushes this to a low 4 for me. This music is just good ass vibes.
Straight through, this album was a delightfully unexpected ripper. Ponta De Lanca Africano is straight jam to open things up. Hermes is a bit funkier in tone -- has a nice swagger about it. A lot of swag in here. Love the shiftiness of Meus Filhos. Didn't take note towards the backhalf of song names, but this was a hoot. Solid 4
This had some really fun noises going on in the background the whole time. Gotta love an album that just makes you bop around the whole time while listening to it. Especially Taj Mahal that song was catchy as heck. Just a great fun album that brought some samba variety which is always nice to mix into this list
The percussion on this album was incredible. SO much going on in pretty music every song to get down to. I also really like that hooting sound they have in the background for most songs. If anyone knows what instrument that is please tell me. Also thought I heard a didgeridoo at points but could be wrong. Obviously had no idea what he was saying the entire time but I was doing was I picture was samba in my office at certain points. The last song definitely felt different in an angry way but still finished strong. Surprising 4 for me here.
What a party beat! Fantastic album of great tracks to boogie with.
A nice blend of funk and afrobeat, perfect for driving on a cool morning of a summer day. There's funky guitar riffs with lush modulation, interesing use of percussion and jazzy melodies to keep it fresh. No need to skip anything, just vibe.
It was a beautiful day and this music worked perfectly for it.
I loved this it’s so vibey. Bonus points for being the first album so far with my name in a song.
Good and interesting
This is fun!
Curiously muddy. Lacking dynamics. Backing singer doesn't lift it. Loads of great rhythms and grooves. Didn't feel the samba so much. Even Taj Mahal isn't as good as that brilliant live version. Nevertheless, four-to-the-floor Brazilliance!
The music and vocals are good, I just don't understand the language. 4 stars or B-.
Good start. There will be a language barrier throughout the album but the beat and rhythm on Track One has hooked me in. As track 2 starts, I realize that this album was recorded in 1976. It doesn't sound dated as some music from the 70's does. Interesting. Nice use of horns on this one, as I'm sure will be a running theme. A bit slower pace on Track 3. Curious about the high-pitched instrument in the background. I'M AN IDIOT. The high pitched "instrument" i was curious about on the last track is featured on this track and it is clearly someone's voice. Duh! Track 4 is a nice mid-tempo number. Another mid-tempo track for number 5. So far I'm enjoying this album more than I thought I would, considering I don't understand the lyrics. Track 6 is the most played song from the album on Spotify and it did not disappoint. Although I still like Track 1 the best. Track 7 is another mid-tempo song. Not bad but not memorable. (edit. I spoke to soon. The 2nd half of the song took off. Not bad at all.) By George Track 8 is a standout. It's got everything. I enjoyed the psychedelic elements is the middle. Such an upbeat song (without knowing why they were singing about George) Track 9 slows us back down a bit. Funky drums keep this song moving. Pump up the jam. Track 10 is bouncy and jaunty in the best ways. In the conversation for my fav of the album. The title track to finish off the album. A very full sounding song, like they used all the instruments featured in the album and put them all together. Solid track for sure. Overall, I really enjoyed this album. Outside of my wheel-house, but there was a lot to like about it. Perhaps I'll learn Portuguese and get a deeper connection to this music. But for now, I don't think I would skip any of these if they came up on my shuffle. 3.6/5
I'm 129 albums into this, and this is the first hidden gem I've drawn. I haven't heard this (or even heard of Jorge Ben Jor) before, but this is the first truly worthy entry into the world music section. Funky, fun, soulful, and poppy, I'll definitely listen again and will probably add a copy to my collection. Nothing too deep, or life-changing here, of course, (particularly to an English-speaker, but it does pay tribute to Brazilian football legend Zico which is as good a reason for a song to exist as any in my book) and the playing and production is tight and soulful rather than revolutionary, but definitley the kind of album I would have hoped to encounter in this list. My only real complaint would be that there is way way way too much cuíca playing. No, seriously, put it down for the next track, please. And Rod Stewart deifintely ripped off Taj Mahal on Do Ya Think I'm Sexy? the cheeky beggar.
Very fun, summery album! I don’t know what genre this is, but I love it!
Today I learned a drum can make monkey noises.
I really dug this. Very cool sounds (I love a good guiro) and fun grooves and just a happy, cool-sounding record. I had no idea what he was singing the entire time, but I didn't care because it was just so much fun to listen without understanding. I listened to it twice -- four stars.
It's hot where I live. But take a cooler full of ice, a bottle of good rum, some limes, and plant yourself in an Adirondack chair while this album is blasting on the patio and, VOILA, instant good vibes, instant good mood. I could go on about the rhythms and beats, but the best thing I can say about this disc is I started out drinking alone, and three songs in three sets of neighbors were in my backyard with their coolers.
Completely new to me, perfect for a hot summer’s day
Solid album. Very vibrant sounding and each song sounded very enticing and compelling. I don’t usually listen to a lot of non-English albums so I’m glad I got exposed to this one.
Infectious energy and incredible vocals. Had never heard of or any music by Jorje Ben before, so this was a treat.
Doesn't matter what language he's singing in, the music is so joyous anyone could enjoy this. 4 stars.
Favorite Track: Meus filhos, meu tesouro
A really nice listen that's easy on the ears, something I can definitely see myself having on in the background. Sadly it didn't make me lose myself in the music as much as I lost focus after a while, but a positive experience overall.
Good
Funky fun!
Groovy and cool surpasses language barriers.
Favorite: Cavaleiro Do Cavalo Imaculado
I want to know the correlation between people who give this album a 1 or 2 and people who only have post punk 5's on their summary page. If you're not having an absolute banger of a time listening to an album from a genre that's on this list like two total times I really don't know what to tell you - maybe you're one of those soulless psychopaths that only likes 'deconstructed music' and can't appreciate when an album is just plain fun.
This one brings the sun into your living room
Nice. Never heard of him before. Favorite song: cavaleiro do cavalo imaculado
The opening bars of Ponta De Lanca Africano hit and....wait a second...I know this song. Hold up, Soulfly covered this guy? Soulfly covered this song, sure enough. I'm not sure I'll ever go back and listen to this again as it's just not my thing really, but it's quite good and I can recognize the talent.
Obrigado, this was excellent
Ricura. Cuica y descanso del rock genérico. Nada más que decir. Nota: 4.0
Even early on a Sunday morning, drinking coffee and trying to ease into the day, Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor got me tapping my foot, swaying and dancing in my chair. Well, not so much dancing but wiggling around a bit. The beats and rhythms are just too damn infectious. The language barrier makes no difference. I really like most of the album. There were a couple songs that were just okay. They were close to the end of the album. The standout track for me was Xica da Silva. This is a pretty easy 4 rating for me. 4/5
Me esperaba una bosa nova y me he llevado una sorpresa. El estilo mola muchisimo, es algo para escuchar en cualquier situación chill. Agradecido con este album
Very good album
A new experience for me music wise and despite not being able to understand the lyrics I actually really enjoyed myself.
Brilliant upbeat record with fantastic rhythms, hard to go wrong blending African and Brazilian music with a nice blend of funk.
super intresting, my first time hearing of him and this album. amazing beat, amazing groove, beautiful melodies.
Liked it a surprising amount, although i liked a lot of his other stuff More
Jolly good time, this one
I had to read up on this album to understand some of the sounds. The drum work is really cool and Taj Mahal is a great example of the unique sounds found on this album.
There is skill on display here and certainly some good pop sensibilities. Good album construction and production. It didn't hit for me on first listen, but it grew on me. In the right mood, probably an early morning coffee mood it would really click.
This album rocks and rolls. It’s groovy and funky and jammy. A very fun listen but not sure how often I’ll revisit.
A really solid album. I love the somba sound. It was really consistent throughout, and I would really enjoy listening to the whole thing again. Also, did Rod Stewart just straight up steal "Taj Mahal" for "Do You Think I'm Sexy"?
Enjoyed.
This had more highs than lows so I'll hang a but of an extra star on it
Favorite Track: Ponta de Lança Africano
Funky afrobeat rhythms and jazzy Brazilian melodies, it's a very natural combination for high energy psychedelic dance music that goes hard. Hands down my favorite of the Brazilian albums on the list so far (no coincidence as it's as much Lagos as Rio sounding). Even though this is as good as it gets I still don't like Portugese singing - something always feels off key and off kilter about the harmonies and phrasing. But this just has so much percussive force, infectious groove, soul delivery, and sheer charisma to the performance it's undeniable. A highwater mark of global funk.
I wore out a Sergio Mendes album that I “stole” from my stepdad. Loved that album. I wish I would have found this album sooner.
I love this sound.
A fun sound, that was probably a big influence on K’naan.
An enjoyably riotous and interesting piece with samba, funk, African rhythms and rock influence. A toe tapper throughout.
jeg elsker når der kommer et godt world album fra en kunstner, jeg aldrig har hørt om!
From the first bars I knew this was going to be right on my wheelhouse. Funtime tunes for sunny days. I had no idea about Taj Mahal. What a treat!
Samba-rock is a thing, I guess. Gotta love the humanity’s propensity to look at any genre and go, “How can we make rock out of this?” Not complaining. Wasn't expecting to like this album, but it pleasantly surprised me. It's chill yet incredibly fun, lush, and energetic music with an engaging atmosphere. I don't understand a word he's saying, but the vocal delivery is very passionate and endearing. There's nothing groundbreaking here, but I enjoyed it a lot.
Chill
loved the rythm
Ewok celebration the album
This damn album right here goes hard as damn hell yep
Wow this really blew me away
i like this guy and his music is nice as hell!
An artist I was not at all familiar with prior to this book. A world music fusion of funk, samba, and rock. Terrific songwriting and orchestration. Maybe a little less cuica on some tunes? If you want to know what created David Byrne, this is it.
Great rhythms and vibes.
Shit's tight. Love some syncretism, and just attention to craft while doing something new.
Fun!
Free-flowing sound, groovy and lighthearted. A joy to listen through!
I hoped this was going to be bossa nova and was slightly disappointed when I discovered it wasn't, but had a great time with it anyway. I never would've heard this without the generator I have no idea what the sound or instrument or whatever that sounds sort of like a monkey that's on tracks like Taj Mahal is called but I love it, reminds me of old games like Super Mario Sunshine (upon further reading I think it's a cuica). Such a unique instrument that is never used in western music For anyone automatically giving this a 1 for not being English (or any album, for that matter), grow up Highlights: Ponta De Lança Africano
Kom skemmtilega á óvart. Mjög góð vinnutónlist.
Jorge kom skemmtilega á óvart. Mjög hress og skemmtileg plata.
Great voice, enticing instrumentation, varied songs with great energy throughout.
África Jorge and Brasil Ben, an unstoppable duo
Do not understand a word of Portuguese but this album has a vibe that goes seriously hard. Wowza.
Pretty fun and mostly vibes,since I do not get a single word of Portugese? Good 3.5/5
Absolute bop, samba is where it's at. Weird how I had never heard of Jorje before this.
First song sounds like a fifa song . I do quite like the drums . I don’t quite understand this language but still bopping . Some of the songs I am wondering why he thought it was a good idea to make .the bit at the start of Taj Mahal sounds like Ollie Widdis’s laugh . I did quite enjoy it , a couple songs added to playlist but I would listen to some of them again. Also rod steward got do ya think I’m sexy from Taj Mahal ! What a scoundrel
never heard of this guy before or this album but very pleasantly surprised, i really like it! very easy listen, something i wouldnt like put on because i love a certain song on it but would put the album on as a whole while on a walk or like a nice lil summer hang out with people. overall, yes i enjoyed.
Pretty good. The whistle, or whatever that was, being in every song and playing the same thing, was just too repetitive to enjoy 100%.
I especially like the first 4 songs + Xica Da Silva. Groovy beats. Great melodies. Good stuff!
I really liked this. I have no idea what he’s singing about but the beats were fresh and fun, and I loved all the layers of instrumentation. It felt very creative and joyful.
Sounds exactly like youd expect. A wonderful mix of African and brazilian music.
cool asf
Really enjoyed this album. The Latin/samba beats were great. Even enjoyed by my Son , which is quite the endorsement apparently!!
Really quite enjoyed a lot of this. Nice to hear something different but also with some good beats and musically a lot was very listenable.
Great stuff. Plenty of funk with samba beats and a very distinctive sound. The first track is great and the whole album is an all round fun listen.
Better than Coldplay
This is a little hard to rate. The music itself is amazing, but I don’t speak Portuguese. 4 (5 if I could understand the lyrics)
7/10
Beats were amazing, I'm so glad I listened to this
Cool album. I love polyrythms and world music to spice up my listening. I’m also a lyrics guy so the language barrier knocked it down a little. But definitely had the meditative grooves that a I crave every once in a while.
I’m so glad I discovered this album. Brazilian funk with African influences – what more can you ask for? This album is super groovy and catchy. One element I really like is how the funk adds playful and quirky vibes to some of the tracks.
I always struggle with albums that are recorded in foreign (to me) languages, but there are some great melodies and captivating sounds on this album.
☀︎fun ☀︎ça me donne envie de danser
that's a sweet album. i think i'll get it on vinyl
Thus guy had some absolutely CRAZY grooves, and when listening I felt like I was simultaneously a spy carrying out some kind of heist and like I was busting it down at some party. Once Jorge finds a momentum he likes he starts running with it and then all kinds of fun instruments and vocal backings join along to great effect. You don’t even need to understand what he’s saying to know exactly what this guy is about.
Brazilian smooth flow.
The opening track was converted by one of my favorite metal bands, Sepatura. I had no idea it was a cover. Knowing the words was a weird experience. This record rocks. The rhythms are so good. I just wish there weren't fade outs.
Yep love the energy on this one, mid 4
This was a pretty sweet sounding album. I usually have a hard time connecting with music that isn't in my native language. But the sound is so beautiful. I can especially see its influence in jazz fusion of this same time period. It's cool hearing the instruments and flutes and everything come together as well as with the vocalists. Not something revolutionary in terms of music theory, but the sound is very classic-sounding. 3/5
This was a lot of fun. Great when you need something different.
Great vibe!
Wow!!! Looooooove
A cool blend of genres on this, soulful beats
I haven’t been super into Latin music, but this had a sick groove from cover to cover
LOVE
bit same-y but i grooved
Loved this
I didn't know Brazilian Phonk, uh I mean Funk could be this good. A 70's Brazilian album did not sound appealing to me, but man this is super fun. Gives me world cup vibes, total summer feel. Genuinely such a fun listen!
Before: No clue what to expect here. Maybe a bossa nova/choro type album based on the title? Mr. Jorge Ben Jor looks so babygirl on the album art hehe Standout tracks: Ponta De Lanca Africano Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro Least favorite tracks: O Filosofo Xica Da Silva A Historia De Jorge During/after: Ohh this is fun! This record has a very strong opening track. It sounds like summer and is just a lot of fun and easy to listen to. Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro is really neat too because of the switch from the soulful vocals and guitars back to the faster beats. Taj Mahal was fun, but I was surprised to see that it was by far the most streamed song from this record. I think my favorite was the opening track. I LOVE Africa Brasil (Zumbi), the last track of the record, for its driving melody and vocals. I listened to the first half(ish) of this album on my commute to work and there was something very vibey about listening to this while I drive through mountains and palm trees and the weather warming up and the sun is coming up earlier. The call and response throughout this record was fitting and added to the summery feeling. I'm a big sucker for lighthearted music that sounds like summer, and I don't think that this album would have hit the way that it did if I listened to it for the first time in the winter or fall when the weather is chillier. I have a summertime playlist and lots of these songs were added to it. I never would have listened to this record on my own, but I'm so glad I heard this. It's so feel-good. After doing some digging, I learned that most of the music on this record has very meaningful lyrics and focuses on deep topics. I don't speak any Portuguese but could tell that the title track was full of rage and was about revolution based on the sound and the names of countries throughout. 4/5
Holy frick this is cool.
Soulful and funky
I have a hard time connecting to foreign language albums but the music was brilliant
Favorite track: Ponte de lanca africano other picks: taj mahal, xica de silva
Very mellow music, enjoyable in the background
Jorge Ben apparently went electric on this, tho I doubt he generated as much dissent as Dylan when he plugged in during the mid sixties. As for the music, the merging of American funk/jazz with Afro-Brazilian modes works brilliantly well. What seem to be specific allusions to the American scene, but which may be entirely native to Brazilian expression, aggrandize this album to further heights. For instance, the incorporation of cute and drunk yelps (instrument unknown) on many of the songs parallel the ones heard on Herbie's 1973 'Watermelon Man.' Unfortunately, the Spanish and Italian I have can only help me a bit in recognizing what he's talking about lyrically - but as for a sonic experience, it's all excellent.
funky
sounds pretty dope. Frankly, I love this Portuguese is such a beautiful language that lends itself so well to music. O Plebue reminds me of the Portuguese part from frank sinatra's girl from ipanema, which is my favorite part of the song.
First introduction to samba and it was so fun the whole way through. Really groovy but chill at the same time. You can feel the culture through the instrumentals and his carries you through the whole thing
A SOLID. DESERVED. FOUR. THIS WAS GREAT
Pre-listening thoughts: I always get nervous with the world entries on this list. Especially with our last one being Jah Wobble’s asinine album. Post/during listening thoughts: Jesus Christ finally a world album that deserves to be here! It’s not bogged down by crappy production that dates it, it’s not intensely boring, and it’s DEFINITELY not borderline appropriation by some chode named Jah Wobble. Why are the good world entries so few and far between???? My enjoyment of this album was dampened only slightly by the fact that my stomach dropped out from underneath me and I had the worst poop of my life. Maybe that Mudhoney song “Let it Slide” finally caught up to me. 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yes. This successfully broadened my horizons Fav tracks: Hermes Trismegisto Escreveu, O Plebeu, A Historia De Jorge, Africa Brasil (Zumbi) Least fav tracks: n/a
Quite cool and refreshing
In the immortal words from American Bandstand, "It's got a good beat and you can dance to it." There's a lot of energy flowing through this album. I really got into the first song and was excited to hear the rest and it did not disappoint. Ponta de Lança Africano and África Brasil (Zumbi) were my favorites.
Really enjoyed this and could see myself revisiting it regularly
Fun vibes, most songs of this album was about a soccer player. It did not have a stand out moment like Girl from Ipanema but it was great nonetheless. 8/10
more like jorge ben MORE, amirite
Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor is fucking fantastic. The production and mixing on this album are absolutely top-notch; every beat, every groove is crafted to perfection. The vocals are lush, with harmonies that blend seamlessly into the vibrant, colourful soundscape that defines the record. There's a richness in the textures here that just makes the music come alive. It's like you’re right there on a sunny Brazilian beach, feeling every pulse of the rhythm. On the positive side, the overall vibe is infectious. The album's fusion of Afro-Brazilian rhythms with funk and soul creates an atmosphere that's both uplifting and deeply soulful. Jorge Ben Jor's delivery is effortless, and the way he layers his vocals over the intricate percussion and guitar riffs is nothing short of brilliant. Each track radiates a certain joie de vivre, and you can't help but get drawn in by the energy. However, I've got a slight gripe, the album is criminally short. Yes, it's average length by standard measures, but for me, it just went so fucking fast. I was left wanting more once the final track finished, which is a damn shame given how much quality there is packed into every minute. In my perspective, Africa Brasil is a gem that deserves all the praise for its stunning production and the sheer magic of its sound. It's an album that lifts your spirits and makes you want to dance, even if it leaves you longing for a bit more. A solid 4.4/5 stars in my book, a short but incredibly vibrant musical journey.
Man I wish it were summer so I could really vibe to this, but it's helping melt the winter snow still. Excellent grooves throughout. Finally some good fucking food from outside UK.
I want to go to the party where this is being played. I want to go to this world.
I really liked this. It’s funky and groovy and has that Afro-beat feel. It also has a lot of tribal sounds that are really great. This was a good time.
I love Brazilian music!
Love this. Raw and very interesting considering what was going on in funk / disco at the time. Melanie believes some of the jingles were copied by other artists and that jorge Ben should invest in better IP lawyers
83/100. África Brasil by Jorge Ben is a funky, groovy, and fun record. With great vocals, infectious rhythms, and vibrant energy, it maintains a high standard throughout. The album blends Brazilian music with funk and soul.
4.5
4 stars
all good. kind of amazing actually
i had the shittiest day today and i still enjoyed the hell out of this. thats how you know its good.
Fun Afro beats
Awesome african/brazilian sort of blues, fantastic energy throughout, very upbeat and lively, fun guitar riffs
Very good! One song was definitely already familiar to me, probably from a movie?
I've never been to Carnival in Brasil, but this sounds like Carnival in Brasil to me. Fantastic Afro-Brasilian sounds. It sounds so alive.
Hard not to like this one
This album was wildly groovy, and I understood nothing. After the last french album thought I was toasted, but this was actually super dope. Probably going to be something to get in a flow state to because I can't understand it!!
I don't speak Portuguese, but this was really fun. Really enjoyed the vibe
Damn man, the vibes are vibrant here. Very nice album front to back. And bonus - I feel so damn worldly having listened to it! In fact, I think I'll go make a black friend after I'm done.
It kicks off right and has nothing but great vibes throughout. There are a couple of turns here and there I’d prefer not to have taken, but it always got back on track.
This is good shit
Upplyftande, varm och bra musik med stabila baslinjer, roliga ljud och starka melodier. Man vill dansa och sjunga med.
very funny. Beautiful music.
This was great fun. No idea what was being said but the tracks were bangers. Love a good bit of world music!
festa no brasil on a dark, gloomy day in singapore where i was pondering how fucking quickly life has passed, and how i missed so many integral moments of the closest friends in my life after moving to the us (including the first homie in my life i know having a kid) this was very welcome hermes trismegisto escreveu was peak.. funk? rock? samba? all of the above? xica da silva was next favorite pretty sure camisa 10 da gavea is about a footy player. whistles go crazy. and my heart ACHES for the day i can finally head to brazil. for some reason i've always felt a strange affinity to brazil since i was young and i thought rio was a bird. perhaps it had to do with the fact that half of the chickens in singapore are imported from brazil, as i've discovered with daniel
rhythmic and passionate brazilian record. the percussion is what gives this album its energy. sounds like the soundtrack of a latin american movie in the 70s. seems like it’s an underrated classic. xica da silva is my pick
Didn't have access to a few songs but generally really enjoyed the album. Some songs didn't have the dynamism that I initially thought they'd have but still pleasantly surprised to hear the fusion. I think more listens are necessary, super funky and rhythmic. 4.21 rating rn.
An enjoyable listen.
Really enjoyed this album. Although frustrated by not understanding the lyrics despite best attempts to get translation online. Can fully understand how Rod Stewart lost the Taj Mahal plagiarism verdict, although fair play to Rod for donating royalties to charity. And can hear how this album has inspired and be used on many other samples. A definite 4 maybe 5.
an exciting fusion of soul and funk with latin grooves and musical styles that i really enjoy.
Funky samba! Loving the diverse instrumentation. After a long stretch of guitar dudes, I needed this.
this one surprised me, very catchy and fun! got a little tedious near the end. 4/5
really love the album and the groove! i hate the fact that most of the songs in the album are not available in spotify
Thought this was very nice!
The musics very melodic, and has a really good foundation of background instruments. It would definitely get me dancing if I knew how to. I do like the slower paced beats like the 2nd song, Hermes, where it almost feels slick, like the sort of music that would play during a cruising scene of an 80s police flick.
onbekend album... dat plots niet zo onbekend meer leek (umbabarumba van soulfly en disco samba van two man sound hoorde ik onder meer passeren)... toffe ontdekking maar stem mocht wat minder flegmatiek zijn
Couldn’t understand it but they pronounce “que” as “qeee”
First half is great. Last few songs are the weakest.
Very good and fun
Another artist I am completely unfamiliar with. This is a fantastic album even though I can't understand most of the words. Samba mixed with funk that creates some tremendously engaging music. I enjoyed listening to this album very much. Interesting to hear the part in Taj Mahal that Rod Stewart lifted, "unconsciously" or not, for Do Ya Think I'm Sexy. Seems pretty blatant.
Pretty good; jazzy, funky and a bit strange. Lot of repeating sounds through the different songs was quite cool
Sounded very modern. Super funky. Will definitely be listening again
Really pleasant surprise, great vibe
I have no idea what's going on, but it's got rhythm - and the honking Muppets! At least, that was the interpretation in my head... And if it's good enough for Rod Stewart to rip off, it's good enough for me! If you want my Muppet and you think it's honking, come on rate this album now!
Obviously I don’t speak Portuguese but some of the songs were very catchy. I saved “Ponta de Lança Americano” and “Taj Mahal”.
This album is like Samba mixed with funk and African beats. It feels exotic and refreshing after having a week of fucking indie and britpop garbage. The only thing is that the excessive use of cuica drums becomes annoying after a while. It sounds like someone trapped a flock of morning doves in the recording studio. It's use reminds me of the Goron City theme song from Ocarina of Time. Favourite songs: Ponta De Lanca Africano, Hermes Trismegisto Escreveu, Taj Mahal, Cavaleiro Do Cavalo Imaculado Least favourite songs: O Filosofo 4/5
Jag ser med denna lista hur mycket man förlorar genom att för mesta dels bara lyssna på västmusik, egentligen gör denna lista också det mistaget för man sätter sig mycket mindre in men de man får är utsökta. Önska jag förstodd texterna dock så det är väl nackdelen
I've never heard of this album or artist before. The opening track is pretty awesome...it sounds like David Byrne by way of Dr. John. And it's about soccer/football! The entire album is interesting and vibrant, all the way to the end. He's got a knack for catchy melodies. It has a well-deserved spot on this list. Glad to have been introduced to it.
That was good. There was a lot going on musically so it took more than one listen. I especially liked Ponta de Lança Africano (Umbabarauma), Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro, and África Brasil (Zumbi). Not something that I could listen to at work since it makes you want to move. Unfortunately it sounded like the theme song to CHIPS slipped into A Historia De Jorge, but overall I enjoyed this album.
While I don't find Portugese to be the most melodious language, this definitely had an upbeat, street party vibe that I enjoyed. Thanks for putting this on the list.
Nice album, but I don't plan on adding it to my Tidal library. Hence, four stars.
This was a great surprise.
I likes it a lot, tropicalia.
top to bottom, this album slaps. i didn’t understand a word of it, but i loved every minute. highlights: “ponta de lança africano (umbabarauma)” “o filósofo” “xica da silva”
Absolutely loved this.
Really fun sounding album. I don’t speak Portuguese but I know a good time when I hear it.
3.5
I'm not super familiar with African Sounds, but this reminds me of Paul Simon's Graceland (also, obviously influenced by African musicians) and that makes me happy. Fun album, even if I have NO idea what they are singing about. Still worth a listen.
It’s a fun album. Grooving all throughout. The fusioned elements work really together the influences both on the album and that it has had on music are clear. For better or worse we would not have Da Ya Think I’m Sexy without this
An absolutely wonderful blend of genres that has you falling deep into the groove. If I had this album in my possession back in high school, I'd be the coolest kid in town, and it wouldn't even be a contest.
Jorge builds a beautiful bridge between Brazilian and African musical traditions in this vibrant fusion of funk-powered samba-rock.
Energetic and fun. I've saved it to my favorite albums list for when I need an afternoon pick me up.
7/10… Samba-Rock / Bossa Nova
Loved most of this, and liked the rest of it. Mostly just relieved for a break from the usual on this list.
Really good instrumentals. Intricate and engaging rhythm. Horn section is tight. Hard to say for lyrics not in my language. Not repetitive at least.
Pretty cool even if I don’t speak Portuguese. A few songs sounded familiar so I think I will need to dig into this deeper.
OK, the opener "Ponte De Lança Africano" slaps HARD. Don't know the first thing about Jorge Ben, but it's fun to see someone I reckon was already prominent in the bossa-nova and samba-adjacent Brazilian scene explore those sorts of afrobeat-infused funk-rock territories in 1978. The rest is never as impressive -- on a first listen, at least -- but this album is still a great find. Fun to see that Rod Stewart ripped off "Taj Mahal" for the vocal melody of "Do You Think I'm Sexy", by the way. And the eerie synth lines found here and there are also a nice, original touch. 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums 8.5/10 for more general purposes (5 + 3.5). Number of albums left to review: the 80-ish extra LPs listed on this app, included because different past editions of the book have mentioned albums that have since been dropped in subsequent editions. Number of albums I'll keep in my own list: half, approximately Number of albums I *might* keep: a small quarter, approximately (including this one) Number of albums I won't keep: a large quarter
Surprisingly good beat driven funk
Definitely the best non English speaking album I’ve heard Ponte de lança Africano was such a good album opener Hermes Trismegisto Escreveu manages to carry on its energy very well! O Filósofo was a miss for me, not horrible but I wasn’t huge on it either. Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro, took me by surprise going from piano track to funky explosion O Plebeu Is fun Taj Mahal is alright feels like a good finale to side one Xica da silva and A História de Jorge work as a great one two punch and Camisa 10 da Gávea follows from it nicely slowing down the pace a bit Cavaleiro do Cavalo Imaculado Is the one where he ‘lets loose the most’ in my opinion, unhinged salsa banger Then África Brasil (Zumbi) is a good closer. My only problem is that he over uses this cuckoo clock sound throughout the tracklist still a 4/5
Jorge Ben Jor always brings the right energy to the function
Funkaristic fantasticness. I don't know if Jorge Ben is friends with George Clinton, but boy do I wish they are.
One of the first times on this list that I was introduced to something I had never heard or even heard about. I am glad for the illumination that has shed my ignorance. It is clear that this album influenced the sounds of the albums by the American band Talking Heads, from the first track "Ponta de Lance Africano", even if David Byrne didn't later include a cover of the track on his 1989 compilation album BRAZIL CLASSICS BELEZA TROPICAL. This was a fun album for me. I enjoyed the Brazilian Pop from the mid-70s that was a refreshing change from what was going in 1970s American and British music at the time. Rhythmically driven as you might expect from Brazilian music, it also has lovely vocal melodies, with joyous backing vocals. Hard to feel down or with lack of energy while listening to AFRICA BRASIL.
Not bad. Pretty rocking for samba!
I took me a while, I really like it but maybe some sounds are not exactly my style. Super groovy 4.5
Lots of energy and fun. A joy to listen to.