Top tracks — play these first
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O mundo é um moinho — This opening track encapsulates the album's thematic essence, reflecting on life's transience through vivid metaphors that resonate deeply with listeners.
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As rosas não falam — A beautiful exploration of unrequited love, this song highlights Cartola's lyrical prowess and emotional depth, making it one of his most beloved compositions.
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Preciso me encontrar — This track showcases a blend of melancholy and hope, portraying Cartola's search for self amidst life’s challenges, which mirrors his own personal journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and traditional samba elements while maintaining a cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of traditional samba instrumentation, including guitar, cavaquinho, and percussion throughout its twelve tracks.
- Many tracks employ a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the communal feel typical of samba music.
- The lyrics often reflect personal and social themes, with several songs utilizing metaphorical language to convey deeper emotions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- short, poignant listening sessions
- introspective late-night vibes
- emotional storytelling journeys
- nostalgic reflective moments
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1976, 'Cartola' marked a significant return for the artist after years of obscurity. This album was his first studio release in over a decade, following a period of financial hardship and health struggles that had sidelined his music career. It revitalized Cartola's presence in Brazilian music, showcasing his enduring talent as a composer and performer.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Noel Rosa· Adoniran Barbosa· Gilberto Gil
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 O mundo é um moinho 3:57
- 2 Minha 2:21
- 3 Sala de recepção 3:28
- 4 Não posso viver sem ela 2:44
- 5 Preciso me encontrar 3:00
- 6 Peito vazio 2:55
- 7 Aconteceu 2:50
- 8 As rosas não falam 2:56
- 9 Sei chorar 2:30
- 10 Ensaboa Mulata 3:26
- 11 Senhora tentação 3:08
- 12 Cordas de aço 2:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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