Brazil Classics 1: Beleza Tropical by Various Artists
I bought this record a few months back for two reasons; it was compiled by David Byrne, and it looked like a great way to become familiar with some Brazilian music that I had heard of, but not actually heard. I was a little bit more familiar with Antônio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto and Bossa Nova in general than its successor Tropicália.
Tropicália music hit Brazil at a turbulent time in the 60's. The music of Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil, two of Tropicálias leaders, was very political and opposed the military government in Brazil at the time. As a result they were put in jail, released two months later, and forced into exile in London. A few years later they came back to Brazil heros.
Some of the performers on this compilation are Jorge Ben, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, Milton Nascimento and Gal Costa. I think this compilation is a perfect introduction to Tropicália. The first song Ponta De Lança Africano, by Jorge Ben begins with a rock 'n' roll guitar riff which eventually gives way to african percussion and vocals. Ben is joined by a small choir and the lyrics pay homage to a soccer player, very appropriately. The drums and the chorus become addictive and after a listen I was hooked.
The compilation continues with catchy songs, classical guitar, and lots of percussion. The African influence is easy to notice throughout the record. The song Leãozinho by Caetano Veloso is possibly my favorite song on the album and is beautiful by any singer/songwriter standard. The themes in the songs on this compilation revolve around freedom, dreams, longing, love, sadness, soccer and faith. That's Brazil in a nutshell. Not every song on this compilation will blow your mind but enough of them will to keep you coming back.
8.0/10 By Chris L.
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