Jorge Ben is someone who needs no introduction. Since his first hits in the early 60s, this artist has become one of the greatest icons of Brazilian pop music. His anthems \u2018Mais Que Nada\u2019 or \u2018Pais Tropical\u2019 are among two of the most ever-listened Brazilian songs of all time. <\/p>\n
Ben\u2019s self-titled 1969 album is a true samba-soul masterpiece from one of Brazil\u2019s most creative voices. This isn\u2019t your typical late-\u201960s LP: Jorge Ben blends the hypnotic swing of samba with funk, psychedelia, and sun-soaked soul in a way that feels both classic and ahead of its time. <\/p>\n
Released in November 1969, this was Jorge Ben\u2019s sixth studio record, and his first back with the Philips label after a creative hiatus. He recorded it with the tight-knit, percussive groove of Trio Mocot\u00f3 \u2014 whose rhythms lock in beautifully with Ben\u2019s laid-back guitar and vocals. On top of that, the album features lush orchestral arrangements from Jos\u00e9 Briamonte and Rog\u00e9rio Duprat, adding a soaring, psychedelic dimension to Ben\u2019s sound. <\/p>\n
Standout tracks? You\u2019ve got the joyous anthem \u2018Pa\u00eds Tropical\u2019, a perfect celebration of Brazilian life. Then there\u2019s \u2018Take It Easy My Brother Charles\u2019, a socially conscious number that tells the story of a rebellious sailor \u2014 Ben weaves in themes of race, identity, and resilience. <\/p>\n
And songs like \u2018Que Pena\u2019 bring in that sweet, soulful melancholy, while breezy cuts like \u2018Criola\u2019, \u2018Domingas\u2019, and \u2018Barbarella\u2019 highlight his playful, poetic side.<\/p>\n
This record is a rare blend of genres \u2014 samba, soul, funk, psychedelia \u2014 and it\u2019s got a timeless energy. Whether you\u2019re already into Brazilian music or just looking for something fresh and soulful, Jorge Ben\u2019s 1969 album is a joyous entry point. <\/p>\n
Reissue on 180g vinyl.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Jorge Ben\u2019s 1969 album is a rare blend of genres \u2014 samba, soul, funk, psychedelia \u2014 and it\u2019s got a timeless energy. Whether you\u2019re already into Brazilian music or just looking for something fresh and soulful, Jorge Ben\u2019s 1969 album is a joyous entry point. <\/strong><\/p>\n It includes the joyous anthem \u2018Pa\u00eds Tropical\u2019 along with classics like \u2018Take It Easy, My Brother Charles,\u2019 \u2018Que Pena,\u2019 and \u2018Criola,\u2019 making this album one of the most brilliant records to emerge from Brazil\u2019s fertile late-\u201960s music scene.<\/strong><\/p>\n