Jorge Ben
Fôrça Bruta

★★★★

To be fair with myself, I only add albums to listen to that I think I would like ok. So that accounts for my ratings. Actually I didn't know if I would like this, despite all the praise and such. I'd seen this album on so many charts and guides to Brazilian music that it was becoming harder and harder to ignore. This was not my first Jorge Ben Jor album as I did give África Brasil a listen a while ago. I don't remember it that well and it wasn't very memorable for me. Luckily I quite enjoy this album a lot. I've been feeling a bit sick and tired but this album has lifted me a bit today and I now more fully recognize his skills as a songwriter, arranger, and singer. 

The Brazilian Portuguese language has always interested me and when sung, is something completely unique and beautiful. Jorge really stretches out his vocals too, in a very pleasing and soulful manner. An example of this is on "O Telefone Tocou Novamente", in the last minute or so he reaches this falsetto that is absolutely unnecessary and necessary at the same time. I couldn't imagine the song without it. This album is the definition of summertime to me, and it's really bittersweet. Of course it'll be enjoyable but am I really ready for what's to come? Jorge's pleading vocals really embody that too on a song like "Apareceu Aparecida". 

A very romantic affair; during which Jorge really explores the sounds of a tropical Brazil. He's happy and rejoicing about all of those things around him. It's really got rhythm to it and he puts his voice in a little perfect area that completely lets him become part of the arrangements around him. And also I love the trend of almost cinematic strings that were in so many MPB records at the time. "Charles Jr." has a great example of that in it. 

This album is just a great deal of fun that is such a contrast from the weather outside and makes me really long for past summers, not the upcoming ones. Only if I could redo it all, I'd know what to do. This really hit me a bit harder than I expected. 

Favorite Song: O Telefone Tocou Novamente

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