What makes A Certain Mr. Jobim by Antônio Carlos Jobim notable?

A Certain Mr. Jobim is significant for solidifying Jobim's influence on the bossa nova genre and its crossover appeal to jazz audiences worldwide. The album received critical acclaim and contributed to the Brazilian music movement, helping to introduce listeners to the intricate rhythms and melodies of bossa nova. Released in 1967, A Certain Mr. Jobim marked Antônio Carlos Jobim's emergence as a leading figure in bossa nova after his breakthrough album, Wave, in 1967. This record further established his reputation internationally, as it followed the growing popularity of Brazilian music in the United States during the late 1960s.

Who is A Certain Mr. Jobim for?

A Certain Mr. Jobim works well if you're into short, immersive listening sessions, steady, consistent energy levels and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on A Certain Mr. Jobim?

A Certain Mr. Jobim has 10 tracks, running approximately 25 minutes.

A Certain Mr. Jobim

Antônio Carlos Jobim · 1967

25 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A lush and melodic exploration of bossa nova infused with jazz, showcasing Jobim's signature harmonies and poetic lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Zingaro — This track stands out with its hauntingly beautiful melody and complex chord changes, encapsulating Jobim's unique ability to blend lyrical depth with musical sophistication.
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Off-Key (Desafinado) — As one of Jobim's most iconic compositions, this song cleverly plays with musical dissonance while conveying themes of love and longing, making it quintessential bossa nova.
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Estrada do sol — The gentle sway of this track highlights Jobim's talent for evoking imagery through music, creating a serene atmosphere perfectly suited for reflective listening.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Jobim's lush arrangements and melodic sophistication solidify his influence in bossa nova and jazz.

What we noticed

The album features intricate arrangements with layered instrumentation, often highlighting the interplay between piano and guitar.
Several tracks incorporate subtle shifts in dynamics, creating moments of tension and release that enhance the melodic flow.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, immersive listening sessions
steady, consistent energy levels
atmospheric background focus
gentle melodic sophistication

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its lush bossa nova sound and jazz influence, showcasing Jobim's artistry.
Career context: Released in 1967, A Certain Mr. Jobim marked Antônio Carlos Jobim's emergence as a leading figure in bossa nova after his breakthrough album, Wave, in 1967. This record further established his reputation internationally, as it followed the growing popularity of Brazilian music in the United States during the late 1960s.
Stylistic neighbors: João Gilberto· Caetano Veloso· Gilberto Gil