1988 debut from the Brazilian pop star and had the hit 'Bem Que Se Quis' (a version by Nelson Motta for E Po' Che Fa', by Pino Daniele, the song was included on the soundtrack of the nationwide soap opera O Salvador da P&... more »#225;tria). World Pacific.« less
1988 debut from the Brazilian pop star and had the hit 'Bem Que Se Quis' (a version by Nelson Motta for E Po' Che Fa', by Pino Daniele, the song was included on the soundtrack of the nationwide soap opera O Salvador da Pátria). World Pacific.
"I am one of Marisa's biggest fans-I absolutely love all of her other CDs, but I feel I have the duty to warn any unsuspecting Marisa fans that this album is just plain awful. Even on the first listening of this CD its clear that Marisa is yet to find her voice or her sound. At times on the album she sounds like a female impersonating Louis Armstrong. And the songs in english? Someone should've taught her the songs phonetically-they are so bad, they're humorous!!! This album doesn't even have one song that would merit its purchase. Go buy Rosa e carvao instead!!!"
A Fine First Effort, But....
Timothy Jesser | Austin, TX United States | 11/28/2001
(2 out of 5 stars)
"This album of Marisa's is fine, but it is clear she is trying to work out her musical style. She swings wildly between Mo-town and classic Bossa Nova. Unless you are interested in owning all of MM's albums, I recommend buying any of her other albums first."
Wow, this is Great !
Carlos | North America | 08/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Marisa Monte's standout disc. Every track is great. She does some great Brazilian MPB covers like "Ela so Quer" and "Chocolate", and some new ones as well. Several of the oldies have the distinct Brazilian characteristic of double-entendre lyrics which could slip by the old military censors. "Comida" is just a powerful song, great lyrics. Marisa's voice is just amazing."
Marisa Monte has won an uphill battle
Salty Saltillo | from the road, USA | 03/23/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I remember many years ago reading in Veja (Brazilian "Time" or "Newsweek") an "old guard" (baby boomer - generation) music critic trashing Marisa Monte as an upstart bubble gum pop star who didn't have a fraction of the talent of the old divas like Elis Regina. (on a different continent, it is the same battle Mariza has been fighting against the old guard Fado critics with respect to the likes of Amalia Rodrigues).
Fortunately, in time Marisa Monte has proven those cranks wrong.
Even on this early record you can hear Marisa's genius. This album may be uneven, but there are some brilliant pieces. In particular, Xote das Meninas is a suprising, soulful, inspired production. Marisa shows an extraordinary sense of improvisational timing. What starts off as a vaguely reggae-infused cover of the Gonzaga tune transforms into more and more of a jazz-inspired effort, especially when the trumpet comes in and begins to improvise. Then, when Marisa takes cue from the trumpet and slips into a blues-inspired English, it is absolutely brilliant. Going back to listen to the original Gonzaga, one realizes how much Marisa, her musicians, and her producer bring to the song... how did they squeeze so much out of such a simple old accordian tune? This song alone makes the album worth owning. There are plenty of other wonderful tracks, and a few dull ones. But overall, it is a wonderful disc."
Marisa's essence
10/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This has got to be the MM album I have listened to the most. I am aware that it incarnates a search for her musical style but I find that the producer had very well targeted the right styles for her wide range of talent. She sings jazz, Motown and Brazilian rock and bossa nova. It reveals, more than her latter albums, the adaptability of her voice to almost any musical situation. I say bravo ! I am a singer too and use this album for training. Very rich."