Artist: Edu Lobo Album: Sergio Mendes Presents Lobo

Year: 1971
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: Sergio Mendes Presents Lobo by Edu Lobo

Edu Lobo is one of the most innovative and influential Brazilian musicians of the 20th century. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1943, he started his career as a songwriter in the early 1960s and quickly became known for his ability to combine traditional Brazilian rhythms and melodies with modern jazz and pop influences. His music has been covered by countless artists around the world and his influence can be heard in everything from bossa nova and samba to jazz and world music.

In 1970, Lobo released an album called Sergio Mendes Presents Lobo, produced by fellow Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes. The album was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful masterpiece that showcased Lobo's unique musical vision and his ability to create memorable melodies and arrangements that blended different styles of music seamlessly. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the album, its genre, its best songs, its most innovative parts, and give our honest critique of it.

The genre of Sergio Mendes Presents Lobo is a fusion of bossa nova, samba, jazz, and pop. The album consists of ten tracks, each one a masterpiece that showcases Lobo's unique sound and style. The album's opening track, Zambi, is a hauntingly beautiful bossa nova ballad that features Lobo's soulful vocals and Mendes' lush arrangements. Other standout tracks include Canto Triste, a samba jazz masterpiece that features a stunning horn section and Lobo's catchy and memorable melody; Ponteio, a funky and upbeat samba that showcases Lobo's ability to fuse traditional Brazilian rhythms with modern jazz and funk; and Crystal Illusions, a psychedelic bossa nova that features trippy vocals, groovy percussion, and a catchy melody.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the way Lobo fuses different styles of music seamlessly. He blends bossa nova with samba, jazz with pop, and traditional Brazilian rhythms with modern sounds and influences, creating a sound that is uniquely his own. Lobo is also a master of melody and arrangement, and his songs are full of memorable melodies, catchy hooks, and intricate arrangements that keep the listener engaged and entertained.

However, it's not a perfect album. Some tracks feel a bit dated, and the production can be a bit heavy-handed at times. Also, some of the lyrics can be somewhat obscure, and it's not always clear what Lobo is trying to say. That being said, these are minor quibbles, and overall the album is a masterpiece of Brazilian music that deserves to be celebrated and cherished.

In conclusion, Sergio Mendes Presents Lobo by Edu Lobo is a seminal album that showcases the many talents of one of Brazil's greatest musicians. Its genre, a fusion of bossa nova, samba, jazz, and pop, is both timeless and innovative, and its standout tracks, memorable melodies, and intricate arrangements are a testament to Lobo's skill and vision. While it's not a perfect album, it's definitely a must-have for anyone interested in Brazilian music or anyone who appreciates great music in general. So, go ahead and give it a listen. You won't be disappointed.