A Tábua de Esmeralda
Jorge Ben · 1974
40 min · 12 tracks · música popular brasileira
A vibrant fusion of samba, bossa nova, and rock that invites listeners into a mystical journey of sound and philosophy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Os alquimistas estão chegando os alquimistas Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics that introduce themes of transformation and alchemy, embodying the album's mystical essence.
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Menina mulher da pele preta — This song beautifully merges poetic lyrics with a captivating melody, celebrating Afro-Brazilian identity while showcasing Ben's ability to create deeply resonant narratives.
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Zumbi — An evocative tribute to the legacy of Zumbi dos Palmares, this track combines social commentary with engaging grooves, highlighting Ben's role in addressing cultural and historical issues through music.
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Hermes Trismegisto e sua celeste tábua de esmeraldas — This lengthy piece encapsulates the album's philosophical exploration, weaving together intricate musical arrangements with esoteric themes inspired by Hermetic teachings.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
A Tábua de Esmeralda showcases a unique blend of styles and deep lyrical content, making it a standout in MPB.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken-word introduction that sets a mystical tone, followed by rhythmic samba grooves that dominate the first half.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel between the singer and the listener.
- Lyrically, the album explores philosophical themes, with many songs referencing alchemy and mysticism, which is consistent across all tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo dance vibes
- mystical themes for exploration
- vibrant rhythms for gatherings
- engaging storytelling with warmth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced excitement
- need immediate impactful singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — This album is seen as a high point in Jorge Ben's artistic development and influence.
- Career context
- In 1974, Jorge Ben was already an established figure in Brazilian music, having released several influential albums since the late 1960s. 'A Tábua de Esmeralda' arrived after his breakout success with 'Samba Esquema Novo' and marked a pivotal moment where he began to fuse traditional Brazilian rhythms with diverse global influences more boldly.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gilberto Gil· Caetano Veloso· Os Mutantes
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Menina mulher da pele preta
The narrator reflects on beauty and strength, directly addressing a powerful feminine figure with admiration and reverence.
This direct address creates intimacy and immediacy, challenging conventional portrayals of women in music while celebrating their resilience.
Tracklist
- 1 Os alquimistas estão chegando os alquimistas Start here 3:16
- 2 O homem da gravata florida (A gravata florida de Paracelso) 3:06
- 3 Errare humanum est 4:55
- 4 Menina mulher da pele preta 2:56
- 5 Eu vou torcer 3:13
- 6 Magnólia 3:13
- 7 Minha teimosia, uma arma pra te conquistar 2:43
- 8 Zumbi 3:29
- 9 Brother 2:54
- 10 O namorado da viúva 2:02
- 11 Hermes Trismegisto e sua celeste tábua de esmeraldas (Tratado hermético escrito pelo faraó egpicio Hermes Trimegisto e traduzido por Fulcanelli) 5:28
- 12 Cinco minutos (5 minutos) 2:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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