Reviews (page 9 of 13)
Pretty good Latin music
Made me think of a rainforest for most of it, maybe what you'd hear in the background of rainforest Cafe. I guess it was ok. Kind of cool to hear original song that was later sampled to be do you think I'm sexy
Liked it
The older I get the more I realize I have no good discerning critical voice. So without good description, this is a cool album. Feels like it blends south american styles with African instrumentation which I guess is noted in the album title.
I liked this more than I hated it.
Very upbeat and fun
I enjoyed how upbeat it was. One song was 100% just a ripoff (cover?) of Rod Stewart's Do Ya Think I'm Sexy. Ultimately, the language barrier made it tough to listen in one go.
the squeaky noise all the way through this is a drum called a Cuíca which is played by rubbing a wet cloth against a rosined stick which is against the very taught skin of the drum.
It's cool....I don't know what he's singing about but the music has some grooves.
My assessment of this would be... not the type of thing I'd probably listen to again, but glad I did. I can see how it influenced a lot of music after it including perhaps Paul Simon's Graceland phase.
I had absolutely no idea with Jorge Ben was singing about, but I enjoyed the music.
Nice vibrant sounds, not really my thing.
Enjoyable still sounds fresh, good blend good music.
A lot of fun to listen to, tons of energy, good variety, language barrier be damned it was a great listen
Surprisingly modern sounding
Liked it and will listen to more. I knew Taj Mahal sounded familiar…
Love the musicianship but don't like Portuguese, it's a bit grating to my ears.
Pretty decent, prolly even better if I spoke Portuguese
Sounds good, but I don't understand the words
I understand the love for Africa Brasil, but something didn't completely click for me. I still enjoyed it, but there are other international/"world" albums that I've enjoyed much more. Best Songs: Hermes Trismegisto Escreveu, Taj Mahal, Xica Da Silva Worst Songs: O Filosofo
I thought I was going to love this after the first track. I liked the rhythms, but to me it was a little too caught up in American funk, which is my least favorite genre. The last track was also awesome. From my reading, this was the first album he leaned into the funk so I think I would like almost any album by this guy more than I liked this one, and may explore those.
Pretty decent good listening some average some good tracks. Artist deserves a place slightly surprising if this is their best
Chill ass beats
I was previously only familiar with the lead-off track, but this was great!
It was fine. I generally listen more to the instruments than the lyrics in music, and I have really enjoyed albums in different languages before(especially Spanish), however this one just didn't really stick with me.
Pre: never heard Post: cool afro Brazilian drum grooves and more melodic then I assumed
Great sound. Well recorded. A bit repetitive.
Not for me, but I can appreciate what this artist is doing.
Overall a funky and cool vibe. I locked into a percussion instrument that sounds like an asthmatic pigeon that is overly used throughout the record which is possibly the only reason for it's low score.
Interesting to experience, but there's not much I could latch onto here.
Never heard of this guy, and can’t understand a word he says, but this record is pretty solid. The fact that I’m on vacation and have limited access to streaming and the internet means that my comments are going to be very abbreviated, but I might return to this one. I’m enjoying it. 3.8/5
3,6
This was my second Brazilian album in a row. I have enjoyed both and thought that this one was even better than the one before. This album was fun and funky and great from start to finish. I am also super down with songs featuring the cuíca. I am going to have to check out more albums from this artist and Brazil generally.
fun but forgettable
This album is groovy, or as the kids would say Rizz in Ohio It's all about Ohio Squeeze two betas together and really all you'll have is alpha Sigma, grimace will shake yo ass to have the juice Rizzin' around in an all black goon Couple of skibidis ready to shoot, shit Edgin' and moggin' and goonin' and jeqlin' With 69 ounces of skibidi gyatts Fuckin around with the low taper fade They will turn you to Fanum and hope you be taxed Adin Ross, overload, Kai Cenat overdose Denny Cascade put the fries in the bag John Pork, get goated, bitch, it's a wrap Tierra my witness, I pray to looksmaxx Youngin and restless, mew streak in the past Key in ignition, edge on the gas None of you sigmas is actin' that jab MrBeast got the gyatt and a black shiesty mask Ray gun, goofy ahh, turn you into betacules Planet Goons, Planet Goons, I'll take you to Ohio soon Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah All these sigmas stealing my rizz can I get my edge back?
pedrada após pedrada após pedrada! the instruments used are strange but they work so well. the cuíca sounds in track no. 6 are amazing. I have no clue what Jorge is singing but it slaps.
Filled w the beats of Brazil - its cacaphony and its beauty - but not as consistently compelling as I expected
Vibey! I'm grateful for the variety.
Not really my genre, but fun and listenable!
It’s great.
It was cool, but I didn’t get it. I don’t speak Portuguese.
Pretty good listen, and a good example (like Metal Machine Music) of nominative determinism in album titles.
I liked it but i’m not sure I would seek it out again
A fun listen but not my favourite genre.
Great fun, I love picking up these world albums I'd otherwise never have heard of.
Don’t know what he’s saying but for one, I don’t need to. Great vibes on this one. Bet my cousin Zach smoked a pipe to this one once upon a time
More of a Samba Esquema Novo guy but this plays too. Even if I have no idea what's being said Portuguese is such a great language for song.
A jumping party throughout, a good listen with a lot of cuica, which is awesome
This was a fun album with some good rhythm. I honestly just don't see myself ever returning to it.
Never heard of this guy, this is what I signed up for! It’s cool to be exposed to new stuff. This was enjoyable.
Nice
First one's great
Own
World music funk. Kind of fun.
One of the bigger sleepers on this list
Really enjoyed the music - especially the first track. This is where I wish I could give half stars. I liked it more than 3 stars but not enough for a 4.
I tend to enjoy world music and this was no exception.
There are actually some highly catchy bangers on this, annoyingly so as 1) I was expecting to hate it and 2) I can't really sing along to them without sounding like I've tried funnelling too much food into my trap, as I don't know the slightest bit of Portuguese. However, there are also some very dated moments on here when it decides to sneak some synth work in. I suppose if I'm ever looking for a fix of some funky Nando's background music, this is where I'd be gravitating towards after the sample size of two albums I've heard, but how often will that itch present itself?
Good instrumentals
So, this is only my second album on this journey and also the second Brazilian one. I was looking forward to expanding my repertoire but at first I was worried I checked the wrong setting or something. There's a very funk vibe. Another album for listening with headphones due to the use of the different channels. I think I hear an organ or electric piano in the right channel on track two. Rhythm egg/maraca or some such and a bunch of instruments I am unqualified to identify but which are not the standard guitar/drum/bass. Okay, now I finished the album and I liked it okay. It's not my cuppa but I can get behind some of it.
Jorge Ben (and the 1001 Must Hear List) have a winner with this one. All songs listenable, the album improved as it progressed. Kinda like a softer, Brazilian Santana. He definitely had a good idea going electric; although this album is nearly 50 years old it holds up well compared to his earlier acoustic work which is bossa nova and sounds very dated. Africa Brazil comes in at (3.2*s)
Some really interesting vibes here. This made for nice background music. Another album that I’m glad I got to hear.
Nice
Haven't heard of Jorge before. Quite a nice album! And very Brazilian 3/5
Funky, although I have no idea what is going on here. And he has a lot to answer for, for providing the inspiration for Do Ya Think I'm Sexy (as seems beyond any reasonable doubt yer honour) 😐
The review I was forming in my mind while listening went something like, "one of my favourite non-English language albums so far, although it's giving ✨Sims music✨ in places". Imagine my surprise when the next track was... actual Sims music. But one of my favourite non-English language Sims tunes, so, go figure.
The music was really great here, but Jorge Ben Jor’s voice was shakey and painful in many of the songs.
7.6/10 really thought i’d hate this but the instrumentality and vocals are so so good. can’t understand a word but that’s what makes the songs so interesting, love the heavy guitar in each song, very latin. The lads clearly crazy which is what makes the music so fun. Fav song:cavaleiro do cavalo imaculado
Make you wanna dance
Ok
3/5 Ikke et album jeg nødvendigvis ville lytte til igen, dog har det en meget glad lyd, som alligevel er ret hyggelig.
An interesting soul-fusion album. It has a good solid groove to it. Pretty fun listen.
Fun album I enjoyed it 7/10
Fun international album.
I generally liked it. Won't likely go into my rotation but still was nice.
Mixed bag on this one. Some good, some bad, but mostly just not my cup of tea. Kudos to this site for actually including something wildly different though.
It was alright
Smooth, cool vibes. Equally fit for a chill dance floor or as background music
África Brasil is a vibrant, electrified fusion of samba, funk, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms that captures Jorge Ben Jor at the height of his creative power. It marks a major stylistic shift for him, moving from the acoustic samba-pop of his earlier work to a heavier, funk-driven sound powered by electric guitars, tight grooves, and layered percussion. The result is an album that feels both deeply rooted in Brazilian tradition and completely in step with the global music scene of the mid-70s. Standout tracks like “Ponta de Lança Africano (Umbabarauma)” and the reworked version of “Taj Mahal” are full of energy and rhythmic complexity, with Jorge’s charismatic vocal style tying it all together. There is a hypnotic quality to many of the songs, driven by looping guitar lines and propulsive drums, yet the album never feels repetitive. It balances cultural pride, dancefloor energy, and lyrical playfulness in a way that feels effortless. África Brasil is a compelling listen that bridges genres and eras, and it remains one of the most influential Brazilian albums of its time.
I don’t know a ton about whether this is good or not by the standards of the genre,but I liked it.
WE BUMPING THIS IN THE TAJ MAHAL🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Another album I've never heard of before. It's really good throughout. There's an interesting mix of genres on "Africa Brasil". Rod Stewart accidentally ripped off one of the songs from this album. "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" ended up borrowing from "Taj Mahal". 3 stars for "Africa Brazil".
Afro Brazilian, Samba infused Taj Mahal - do you think i'm sexy
Loved the vibe of this, the penultimate track was top notch (Cavaleiro do Cavalo Imaculado) in fact I’m going to listen to that song again.
Rv
A fun and funky album I’m rating on sound, feel and vibes. Not a Portuguese speaker, so no clue about the lyrics. Still, I enjoyed listening. 3.5⭐️
Really fun! Great music.
Energetic music in a language that I can barely understand. Quite problematic for me since I seperate songs using lyrics, also doesn't help that the songs sound similar to me. The songs do sound good enough for me though.
Continent Country.
Loved the melodies and production on this one, but overall this kind of music is kinda unsettling for me for some reason
Some really funky jams on this. I was surprised to see it was released in 1976, the sounds in this album are so contemporary. The repetitive rhythms are really hypnotic with some great vocal work over the top. I’ll be adding this to the summer rotation for sure.
Well this sounded awfully familiar in a rather samey but slightly vibey way
Like the entire world samlles or interpolated from this dude
A vibe, a real humdinger of a party where Brasilia, African rock, and a dose of dance and disco make for a fun listen. The middle gets a little muddled but this is a cool record with some real high points.
I like when the list breaks out of the US/UK bubble
Just like going to Spanish Mass with mom I did not understand a word but I liked the music 3.5/5
It’s a groove.
It was super fun! Great for dancing, but I honestly couldn't differentiate between any of the songs really. Perhaps it was just because of the language barrier, but they all sounded very similar to me. However, I can say 'O Filósofo' was likely my least favourite track. Somewhat enjoyable, but I don't see myself relistening!
Although this wasn't a chore to get through, it didn't do much for me, and the cover is appalling. 3 stars.
Yeah it’s ok just not my thing
Brazilian jazz and proto-funk from the mid 70's. The music is fun stuff, sometimes a little too breezy and it can just fade into the background, but over all a good album and nice to have more new world music on the list to try out.
A lot of fun stuff on here. Doesn't grab me quite the same as Burns Vista Social Club, say, but someone I'll keep exploring.
Pretty good.
Nothing wrong with this one, but it really just came and went. Had a decent beat to for focusing, but I was ready for the next album after a couple songs.
Not for me, not bad, but doesn't do anything for me...
When I don't understand the lyrics because they are in a different language I often wonder if the music matches the theme of the song. This album sounds very joyful, hopefully the lyrics convey the same or I will feel very guilty for enjoying this so damn much.
Not world music this
Nice vibes, would have put 3.5 if I could :)
A little bit too similar
Ganska hyggligt faktiskt.
musically great, just not my thing
Good fun music but as I don’t speak Portuguese, has a hard time connecting with the lyrics.
Did like the music and the beats. As with a lot of the “world” music on this list I fear I don’t really get it when I can’t understand the words. 3.5/5
I’ve never had an ear for world music, so was pleased with how much I enjoyed this one! A very solid album, from the first track. I could also hear many bits which must have been sampled over the years.
A nice surprise that stands out in this list. The blend of samba, funk, and African rhythms creates a unique sound that’s refreshing and vibrant. While not every track hits the mark, the overall vibe is enjoyable.
Not the same place wtf Actually quite enjoyable
Would listen again!
3-4
I’d never heard of this album or artist, nor had I any idea what they’re saying, but I can feel the funky grove of it throughout. Sure, some songs don’t hit as hard as others (‘O Filósofo’ mar shampla) but the opening 'Ponta de lança africano' is simply a bop. It gets a littleeeee bit holiday resort-y with ‘Camisa’ and ‘A Historia de Jorge’ but there are solid songs sprinkled throughout.
Groovy
Fun island style. Great background music for a party or restaurant in setting the vibe.
great instruments, good vibes.
It was good and soulful. Very easy to do homework to.
This album is from Brazilian singer Jorge Ben, and is characterized as samba-funk. Since I don’t speak Portuguese, I did not understand the lyrics. The music is pretty good, though. On a 0-10 scale I would rate it at 7.
Not the usual 70s fare! Still got plenty of electric guitar though. Anyway, I appreciate the Brazilian Portuguese representation. This guy's really into history, alchemy, and futebol, huh? I enjoyed listening to this, more than I expected, but I'm not sure it quite reaches a 4, since it's something I view as more background music (probably because I don't speak the language). Chill and fun and pleasant, but the high pitched whistle-y noises are not my jam, and there are a lot of them. So that's a 3 for me. Highlights: 'Hermes Trismegisto Escreveu', 'O Filósofo', 'Taj Mahal'
I like something different every once in a while but I wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to this
6/10 Highlights: Ponta de Lança Africano África Brasil
Funky! But not something I'd listen a lot to. Maybe on a bbq playlist :)
Good background vibes album, lots of jangly guitar and that classic 70s voice that'd so warm and cozy
A lot of fun. Very catchy. But I am not sure I connect to it all that much.
There was some really cool beats and production techniques on here. Flowed nicely from start to finish.
Best Song: Taj Mahal The music is fine. I can't understand a word that is being said so rating is kind of hard. For all I know he can be talking about adding ice cream, peanut butter, and pickles to a a spaghetti dinner. Mmmmmmm, spaghetti.
Out of my comfort zone a little with this one but I thought I’m going to give it a try anyway. Obviously I don’t know any of the lyrics as I don’t speak Portuguese, but the vibe and the production on the album is pretty admirable. Really enjoyed the first few tracks but then I think the middle doesn’t give me that same samba-funk fix the first leg did. Despite this, a varied, lush, and deftly curated record, with the percussion taking centre-stage and Ben Joe’s vocals are hypnotising and invigorating. Despite this, I most likely won’t be returning to this.
Excellent
listen again
its quite enjoyable and well structured. 3/5
Not bad. Actually quite good amongst 70s albums. It’s very exotic for me at first, and I can tell the artist put his efforts to make it diverse and interesting. I do like Taj Mahal. Can’t understand the lyrics but I do think it represents the album Africa Brazil?
Really fun vibes and energy. I enjoyed several songs thoroughly despite not speaking any Portuguese. Split between a 3 and 4 because while I was vibing heavily at first it felt like the middle part was running together a bit with less distinction. It came in swinging though. That first song woke me up.
fun album. i do love some good samba-funk occasionally. i think this would have been a four stars, but O Plebeu and Taj Mahal with the weird wiping/monkey sounds threw me off in the middle of the record. overall, enjoyable for sure.
Cool
Language barrier aside, a very fun album to listen to. Kept me engaged the entire time and had a lot of variation and funk. Would listen to again as some background music.
Nothing particularly standout, just a pleasant listen. A História De Jorge is the best one.
Probably a 3, saved a couple songs, liked the album in general! Was mostly just cleaning and organizing so not 100% focused
Dad- 7 Mom- 7 Mike- NA Lori- 6 Michael- 8 Miles- 5 Cole- NA Avg- 6.6
His 14th album. Funk / Latin Funk / African Funk. Ponta De Lanca Africano is a very dancy, funky opening track. Taj Mahal is an interesting track. Rod Stewart lost a case for plagiarism of the music for his hit song Do Ya Think I'm Sexy. The Brasilo-Portuguese lyrics are not a barrier to enjoying the funky, soulful energy of this album.
Warm, smooth, and loose in all the right ways. Sometimes it dips, but the highs are undeniable. Don’t understand the lyrics, but it feels like an after party. Also famously a Rod Stewart theft. Great housecleaning music—and I mean that in the best way.
Interesting but a little to poppy
Fun listen, probably wont return to it. 3/5 Favorites: Ponta De Lanca Africano, Xica Da Silva
This was pretty groovy and enjoyable but not much above a 3 for me.
Liked this. Didn’t understand a word of it.
very fun, very groovy!! 3.5/5
Strong vibes to this. It’s nicely balanced for someone who doesn’t listen to any volume of this kind of music, you just immediately can enjoy the rhythm and composition. I don’t think I would return per se but it’s mostly easy listening and something a bit different, pleasant.
Cool mix of genres! More interesting than a lot of other music on this list.
wat? brazilian music again? this might suckx 4/5
Reminds me of what I was listening to during Phish Mondegreen Festival. I really mess with the kind of vibe that has. I may not understand what's being sung but the music is more than enough. Very fine-tuned stuff. It gets the head moving. Some highlights: Ponta De Lança Africano, O Filosòfo, A História De Jorge, Zumbi (Update: Originally a 4, I'm giving this a 3 now. It's good stuff, but not too crazy on it months later) (8/10, 3/5 on this scale, a rarity)
Funkier than expected, I found this enjoyable.
Funky
Quite fun for sure but not really my style of music. Certainly didn't drag on though so feels like a mid 3 star
Easy listening
funky og digg til tider
I’m gonna come out with a frank and unenlightened take—a few too many weird noises in this album for me. Great energy and vibes though. Best song: Xica da Silva
Интересная эклектика - блюз-рок, босанова, африканская музыка.
This is the first time I've listened to this LP. Great stuff.
a good sunny vibe honestly. Really cool album
This was fine to have on - I don't feel strongly either way about it - would be as happy to leave it on as I would to pick something else.
I liked what this was doing and I suspect I'd have liked it more in repeat listens.
Another Brazilian album, nice! I liked it, some interesting beats and melodies. Not my favourite of the Brazilian stuff here, I prefer the bossa nova, but still pretty good.
This was good dance music with a fusion of African and South American sounds. I think this is something I am somewhat used to now so it feels less groundbreaking.
Nothing but respect.
Lukewarm. I’d give it 2.5, but I’m feeling generous.
So jolly!!
Hyggeligt nok. Glider perfekt ind i baggrunden af noget som jeg har glemt om lidt, men ikke har hadet.
In the immortal words of our lords and saviors (Mike D, Ad-Rock & MCA): Oh my god that's da funky shit!
Will listen to again, didn't understand a word but had a really good time
...bit of a language barrier. I have no idea what these songs are about. Some nice rhythms though. 3/5
Fun. Whatever the significance is supposed to be is lost on me, but I had a good time.
This guy rocks the samba
Fairly enjoyable!
Kinda interesting.
I think I heard the whole thing in the first 30 seconds
funky
Good album. I'd probably like it even more if my Portuguese was better!
This was kinda fun. Although, I hate do ya think I'm sexy, so that was annoying. It felt fortunate it came up on a hot day.
pretty pleasing but a bit repetitive, best song was definitely the last track
Vibey
Pretty fun listen except for that ridiculous instrument.
Some songs were a 4 but most were a solid 3 for me. I do enjoy the music though the language was some part of a barrier. I do think many songs sound dated so didnt stand up quite so well in my opinion but can hear the merit of what they produced. Not a great fit for my music taste but still managed to enjoy listening to the album.
Although I can't understand the language I liked the vibe of this album and there was enough going on musically to engage me. Definitely a fun listen with a good spectrum of sounds but not something I can see myself ever listening to beyond this project, just not a genre to my taste.
Busy, fun. Like it.
Beautiful melodies and harmonies. Such great soul and rhythm on this record that really made it easy to listen to and was overall just simply enjoyable to listen to. Hadn't heard of this artist or record before, but happy it found me.
More brasilian rhythms, apparently in African style, but it's far from anything special. Just another slightly exotic album that didn't really fit my style.
A pleasant listen. Nothing jumped out as being particularly outstanding, but there was also nothing that I disliked.
We've had a bunch of these Afro-jazz albums on this list. I think this is about enough.
very vibe-y
fun, nice sound, but drags
It's that typical African-Brazilian genre we all know, and love. Que pasa contingo? Favorite Track: "Ponta de Lanca African".
nice background music, i like
ok
Vibes i would absolutely relisten.
This was good! I would relisten
I liked that the fusion ran more towards African beats than Brazilian dance pop. This is a record I'd leave on if it was randomly playing. I think it's sort of a mood elevator musically. Can't comment on the lyricism as I don't speak the language.
Refreshing, but you need to bridge a large cultural and language gap to fully enjoy this.
Very fun 7/10
Pleasant to listen to, but not gripping.
Not my cup of tea. The percussions tends to get a bit repetitive song after song. It's distracting.
Good vibes 👍
Yeah it's decent, enjoyed listening to this
Really good, really fun, disappointingly short.
Ponta de Lanca Africano- chill, interesting sound, not what i was expecting, maybe a bit too slow for the genre- 2.5 Hermes Trismegisto Escrevou - same as above, wouldve thought things picked up in this one, interesting funk elements - 2.5 O Filosofo - even chiller some how, nice chorus and environmental elements added would like things to pick up a bit now, can see myself hearing when chilling- 2.5 Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro - picked up a bit, registered its talking about kids or youth and how its the future, but i feel im lacking from the experience by not understanding language - 3 O Plebeu - love the LALALALA LALALA LALA, gives me great vibes - 3.5 Taj Mahal - Best song so far, the vibes are lifted an incredible amount, what I might expect from carnaval music, love the maracas and guitar, with the nature sounds - 4 Xica Da Silva - bad turn in my opinion, don't love the passion but into 'Xica Da Silva" and slows the vibe down in a way I don't quite enjoy (bad sex music) - 1.5 A Historia De Jorge - Picks things back up, nice trumpets.
Good but not my thing.
Fun and groovy but not really my jam
Pleasant but I'm not really moved, nor driven to dance
Listened twice. The second time was better
Lots of great groove to like here. Without being a complete coward I couldn’t get into the vocals due to the language barrier. Rating: 3.5
Fun Afro-jazz vibe
I was really vibing this album, I especially liked the second half of it. This was fun to listen to!
This was really cool music, I’ve never really heard anything like it before so I had to give it a second listen the next day and it was much better than my first listen. Not really much analysis to add since idk all that’s going on w the music, but this guy sure knows how to use it a catchy song together. 3.4/5 Fav song: Taj Mahal
For a song with lyrics I didn’t understand I vibed fs but I still prefer music I know the words to lol
Fun sounding music. Wish I knew what he was saying. 2.7/5
Taj Mahal är en vibe! Annars lite ojämn skiva tycker jag, men överlag bra. En stark 3 av fem.
Not my style
S/o to the diaspora
I hear afrobeat, funk and what I assume is Brazilian stuff, outside of that I'm clueless. At points I hear what I hear on some Santana records, I do acnowledge they're from the same continent, which doesn't mean much on this context. But I still claim to hear some of that here (oh, apparently the records I was thinking of came out much earlier). It's groovy and moves me like the tide, I like that a lot.
Está bastante bien, no tiene nada que me llegue a gustar mucho pero es un buen rato, sambita buena. Canción destacada: Cavaleiro Do Cavalo Imaculado
This album was funky. It made me want to go to my local Brazilian food store for some Passatempo cookies and a cup of coffee from the nearby Dunkin’s.
First listen. Ok.
Lovely sounds, close to 4. Portuguese is always so pretty, samba vibes even better.
It's international.music. like I get it, but not for me.
I vibe with it
only real trismegistusheads get this one. at one point during taj mahal i wasn't sure if the squeaks were coming from the song or the dishes i was doing
This fella released 13 albums before this and this was the first one he used electric guitar on. Influential in it's genre but I didn't have any particular tracks leap out at me as the 'wow this is why THIS was the hit" moment.
6/10
Music that would play in the background of party with the most annoying people you have met, the worst tapas you have ever tasted, the shittest alcohol you have ever drank in the simultaneously lamest and most expensive apartment you have ever set foot in. I imagine the music critics/ghouls who wrote this book often attend parties like this. Regardless, this was a fun samba album with some funky overt African influences. Enjoyed side B more than Side A but in the end, there are better samba albums that stuck with me a lot more than this one. Highlights: O Plebeu, A História de Jorge, África Brasil (Zumbi)
This album was a lot of Afro-Brazilian fun.
that was fun! i LOVED the first song and the next couple were also pretty groovy but i started to get really irritated by that birdcall (?!) sound that’s in the background so i can’t really say it’s a mega favorite or anything. fav tracks: ponta de lança africano
Not bad.
Really good stuff. I liked the vibe a lot. It’d be great summertime music, but backgroundy for me.
As with the other "world music" albums on this list I can't help but feel I would vibe better with the album if I could understand the lyrics. Still though, this one wasn't half bad.
I don’t really have much to say here other than that I love just how much is constantly going on, instrumentally speaking. Whereas The Verve album a few days ago felt like a relentless maelstrom of sound that you just wanted a break from, this album fills your ears with so many fun textures and sounds. All the syncopated percussion going on at once. And just when you think you’ve started to nail down it’s happy formula, the record hits you with something like the 1:45 mark in “A Historia De Jorge” when that starry synth sweeps in out of nowhere. Super cool, super infectious stuff. Hard not to get caught in the good vibes here. My personal favorite is “Cavaleiro Do Cavalo Imaculado” for its tempo and energy
I'm excited for this one! Opening track is great, the guitar and bass is quite funky and I appreciate the choir they've got in this one too. Being a sucker for horns, the second song also was pretty good. I wish I could understand what they're saying! In a way, some of this music reminds me of calypso? "O Filosofo" features like a little creaking sound that's real annoying. "O Plebeu" I think is probably a love song, I hear him calling someone a princess. Or maybe it's a song about how he hates princesses...idk. I think so far this is the highlight of the album for me. "Taj Mahal" might not get added to my workout playlist. Overall, I enjoyed it but probably won't do a relisten.
It was ok. Not my favorite.
A nice collection of high-energy latin beats. Songs were catchy and varied in sound/tone. Overall'I enjoyed it. 3.5/5
I enjoyed the overall sound. I did find myself bored with this half way through though. I wont be surprised if I forgot this album existed by the end of the week. It failed to leave any sort of impression on me.
Interesting album here. Many of the background noises make it very "tribal" feeling. Some fun parts, not sure I'll listen again though tbh. This is the kind of album that belongs on this list. I'd rather listen to this than some random generic indie pop album from a one-hit-wonder band.
I think if any album is going to manage to get me into Latin music, it will probably be this one. It had a lot of really fun, interesting, and groovy moments. I still think some parts were a bit too long and felt quite pointless, but I can definitely see this one and the genre as a whole growing on me.
nice fun sound, love portuguese, fun to listen to
The squeaking noises ruined my experience. Why is it in every song?! I honestly enjoyed a lot of the songs but that noise was beyond distracting. The album would have been so much better without this
I enjoyed this. I liked the rhythms, I love the Brazilian Portuguese. It's altogether a very pleasant album - but it wasn't very exciting.
A ground breaking album in the mid 70’s. People today are more familiar with different styles of music from around the world but back on its release this must’ve been mind blowing
I like this sound. Reminiscent of Pat Metheny, but with more use of horns and thicker textures. There's decent tonal variation between the tracks, allowing for Jorge Ben (and his band) to present a variety of jazz motifs and atmospheres from the time. Normally I'd give an album with consistent good vibes and variation throughout the album at least 4 stars, but there are a few distractors. There's some recurring instrument that I'm pretty sure is woodwind, but it irrevocably sounds like somebody wiping glass with a sponge. Each two-note woo-woo sounds like your local Ralph scrubbing down the school's windows. It's very prominent in Taj Mahal and O Filósofo, but it appears in nearly all the tracks – and once you notice it, it's difficult to pay attention to much else. Great singing and other instrumentation – so was it really worth sabotaging the entire sound for a two-note flute that sounds off-pitch in most tracks? One of the worst albums covers so far! The blur makes Jorge Ben's eyes look slightly demonic, and the text font/layout is about as bog-standard as it can get. Very goofy. 3/5 Key tracks: Ponta De Lança Africano, Taj Mahal, África Brasil (Zumbi)
Essentially I like everything about this. The sound, production, instrumentation his voice and backing chorus - the whole vibe. But there's really only a few bangers on it. The first tune Umbabarauma that I know already is the best by far. A lot of the rest have great elements but just aren't killer grooves. Some noodle a bit. So I admire it - but it's a 3. If it was on in a bar/cafe I'd feel 'hey this is a cool place to hang out'. I wouldn't repeat play it too much at home. Now and then maybe.
Would never normally listen to this, but find it really enjoyable.
Pretty good. The mixture of Bossa nova and funk worked for the most part. I'd listen again, but this time in the summer on a beach.
No rating possible
I liked this album. Had no idea what the lyrics say but the music is funky, well put together and fast paced. That said I am not sure I would listen to it again. Great grooves, great variation and some great guitaring on this album. Favourite song: Mesus Filhos, Meu Tesouro has a great sound to it. I have no idea what it is about and I love Africa Brasil, it has a real feel good vibe. Least favourite: Nothing was horrible. the music on the album is very good. Album artwork: Good cover. its doesn’t look like a 70s cover
Not usually my kind of music but I dug this.
good
Fun, loud, busy...kinda like getting lost in the noise of a crowd. Before you know it your tapping your foot and nodding along to the rhythm.
Pretty good album with some funky beats
I liked just the first song
True rating 5/10. Cool hypnotic vibe, overuse of an annoying instrument on certain tracks though.
Nice!
Enjoyable mambo and jazz.
If the coffee shop is playing this, you know it’s gonna be good
Fun and enjoyable!
An alright album, I did like Hermes Trismegisto escreveu.
Really fun vibe
Never heard before. Really good. Unique and energetic.
Fun listening.
Pretty good. I didn’t understand what he was singing but you don’t need to understand the lyrics to know good music
Braziliaanse muziek is heel divers en dat hoor je hier ook wel op terug, geef het 3.5 omlaag afgerond omdat ik zelf liever naar bossa nova luister, als ik al die richting opga. Deze guy had wel Mas Que Nada geschreven, dus hij was wel een big deal iig. Check ook João Gilberto en Sergio Mendes als je liever iets jazziers hebt
Cool to listen to something so out of my comfort zone But uh Not my genre
2/3
No idea what was going on with this album, but some of the songs had a great beat. Pleasant enough
I liked this
Good
Uneven but I have a real soft spot for songs in Portuguese.
Fun listen, had me tapping my toe. Good music for cleaning my desk. Number one pick probably Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro.
Solid Brazilian music. I wish I knew the lyrics, or cared enough to look them up 😂
Fun
Neat for the time but nothing I would return to.
Better than I expected.
I don’t speak the language, but I vibed.
A bop
This album sounds a bit like an early Tropical record. Call it Samba Rock and early Funk, but I don't think that gets it right. This is an interesting mix of different styles and instrumentation. It feels a bit too much here and there and unfocused. Maybe I expected something quieter?
2,5
Not my typical cup of tea, but some tracks were very catchy & funky. I'm certain I heard a handful of bits that have been sampled to kingdom come over the years.
First time with this one. High energy and a fun listen. It makes you want to move. I will listen to this again. I give it a 3.5 stars.
Enjoyed this. Sounds like it would be playing in an open air bar in warm climate international city with exotic ladies dancing. 3.25
A very fun sounding album, however he really loves his sound effects.
Lively, funky, and cool. Not many negative things to say about this record. I would definitely play it again, though I find myself doubting how often I would play it. It's a mood, for sure, but it's a mood I'm seldom in. In review: I really like the record, but I don't love it.
Brazilian psych rock. Love the world music on here. Melds African and Brazilian beats. Not my music in this language either, but good vibes. The afrobeats make this more interesting. Cheerful.
Very fun, didn't understand anything so didn't know what the message was. Wouldn't listen again but was enjoyable
I mostly enjoyed this. Before listening again I would want to learn more about it so I could better appreciate it. I would find a translation of the Portuguese lyrics
1. "Ponta de Lança Africano (Umbabarauma)" 3,2 2. "Hermes Trismegisto Escreveu" 3,1 3. "O Filósofo" 3,3 4. "Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro" 2,7 5. "O Plebeu" 3 6. "Taj Mahal" 3,4 7. "Xica da Silva" 2,8 8. "A História de Jorge" 3,2 9. "Camisa 10 da Gávea" 2,6 10. "Cavaleiro do Cavalo Imaculado" 2,4 11. "África Brasil (Zumbi)" 2,9 Average 2,96
Nice background 3.5*
è un'Africa un pò brasilea... a piccole dosi non male
Not much usual listen but honestly its an absolute bop
Better than I expected
Enjoyable enough. Not quite the cuica my heart but decent.