Search - Ivan Lins :: Awa Yio

An Awesome Album

W. Scott Morrell | Boise, ID USA | 05/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't let the higher price of this album scare you. Recorded in New York with top studio musicians and incredible production this album is one of Ivan's best. But this is not an Americanized Ivan Lins album. Although many the tunes here have a little harder edge to them, (compared to "juntos" for example)the underlying musical and melodic sophistication that charactarizes all of Ivan's music jumps out at you from the very first track. Brazilian rhythms are given a high octane treatment on tunes like "Ai Ai Ai", "Cru-Cre Corroro" and "Turmalina" (my favorite all time song of Ivan's)....these songs really "rock" (not quite the right word), or "soar" (maybe that's better). The title track has heavy African overtones to it and "Que Quer De Mim" is American blues with Ivan's keen sense of melody woven through it, and with an unusual but pleasant Brazilian rhythmic feel to it. Throw in a couple of Ivan's soulful, beautiful ballads and you have an incredibly balanced and endlessly interesting album, which I have not tired of in more than 8 years. More than worth the import price, don't pass this one up!!"

Album of the year(s)

05/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this is gonna be a short review.
this album is one of those rare events,in which a stellar band(tony levin-bass,vinnie colaiuta-dr,michael landau-guitar etc etc)seems to have been hired not because someone needed to boost an ego,but to create a beautiful,highly musical album which seems to make this listener a better person for the day, whenever it meets the cdplayer.
although i must admit to not understanding a word of what is sung.
but still...
...at least for this listener,
one of THOSE albums,of timeless relevance."

Attention Ivan Lins Lovers

Robin Lukas | chicago | 12/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"According to my lexicon, Ivan Lins is a Brasilian National Treasure. Teamed with Vitor Martins, Lins' brilliant and insightful poetry as well as melodies lead you on a journey which feels familiar yet you find yourself in unexpected places. My personal favourite is "Que Quer De Mim?" As a non-Portugues speaker, I have no idea word for word what the song is about. And when I found out what the song actually meant, based on his soulful delivery, I instinctively already knew.

This is real strength, whether it be in the delivery or of the music itself. But Lins' strength lie in conveying messages, both musical and harmonic, which transcend boundaries of language and culture realising the mission of the musician or of music in it's own rite."