Search - Gilberto Gil :: Refazenda

A Key '70s Recording, Brazilian or otherwise

Greg C | NY | 04/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the two most perfect albums created by Gil over his illustrious career (the other being 1972's massive Expresso 2222). Every single track is a jaw-droppingly beautiful highlight, and Gil's voice, guitar, songwriting and overall craft make me understand why Brazilian friends tell me, "At that time, we were listening to two albums, mainly--'Refazenda' and 'Songs In The Key Of Life.'" Nuff said! A true era-defining classic."

5000 stars!

06/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The demanding fan said all above: this is a masterpiece, only inspired songs played for a number one team of musicians. Gilberto Gil in one of his best moments. This and "Expresso 2222" are the places to start to know the work of one of the best composers from Brazil."

Refarmulating

Roger Duprat | Cleveland | 08/12/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a transitional album in Gil's ouvre. The title track (which translates as "refarmulating") is among his best work. But a lot of this is actually kind of bland pop; it bears comparison with Stevie Wonder, I suppose, but Gil during this period was turning himself into what he thought was a universal pop artist, and in doing so robbed his work of a lot of the particular magic found on his earlier recordings. (The 1968 "Gilberto Gil" remains his essential work.) I prefer the 1978 "Realce" ("Highlight") to "Refazenda." But this isn't bad, and if you are, as I am, a Gil fan, you'll want to own it."