Rating:
Genre:
Latin
Release Date: 09/12/2006
After four years of silence,
Marisa Monte reappeared with two simultaneously released albums,
Universo ao Meu Redor and
Infinito Particular. On
Universo ao Meu Redor,
Monte thoroughly explores, and in her own way interprets, the sound of Brazil's most famous music style,
samba. This was a much anticipated project, as
Monte's few earlier
samba recordings turned out splendid. And
Universo ao Meu Redor doesn't in any way leave the listener disappointed. Timeless and modern at the same time, it is a mature album of gentle
sambas, replete with rare elegance and beauty. The bulk of the CD was composed by the now firmly established and highly acclaimed songwriting trio of
Arnaldo Antunes,
Carlinhos Brown, and
Monte herself. Sprinkled in between though are a couple of older, tastefully reinterpreted
samba classics by other composers and there are also two newly written (and inspired) songs by
Paulinho da Viola and
Adriana Calcanhotto. The soundscape, melodies, and lyrics are all very traditional, but the music has the same soothingly dreamy atmosphere that characterized
Tribalistas. Thanks to the excellent production, there is also an ever so slight spark of psychedelia to the album, which helps in creating the general escapist mood.
Monte's vocal performance is flawless as ever, with her voice floating effortlessly and in perfect harmony with the rest of the music. Songs such as
"Bonde do Dom," "Três Letrinhas," "Vai Saber?," "A Alma e a Matéria," and
"Universo ao Meu Redor," all enchantingly beautiful, are as close as you get to perfection in form of
samba. A somewhat amusing detail is
David Byrne's cameo appearance as vocalist on
"Statue of Liberty." Universo ao Meu Redor is
Monte's most mature, even, and ultimately impressive album to date.
~Philip Jandovský, All Music Guide
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