Clube da Esquina 2 cover

Clube da Esquina 2

Milton Nascimento · 1978

80 min · 23 tracks · rock music

A vibrant tapestry of Brazilian rhythms and melodies interwoven with rich, introspective lyrics and lush instrumental arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Credo Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Olho d'água — This track exemplifies the album's blend of complex harmonies and heartfelt storytelling, capturing the essence of Nascimento's artistic vision.
  • →
    Maria Maria — With its poignant lyrics and melodic intricacies, this song stands out as a celebration of resilience and cultural identity, encapsulating themes prevalent throughout the album.
  • →
    Casamiento de negros — This track highlights Nascimento's commitment to social issues, intertwining traditional Brazilian sounds with a powerful message about racial unity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and a unique fusion of genres, solidifying Nascimento's distinctive sound.

What we noticed

  • Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
  • The track 'Maria Maria' stands out with its prominent use of traditional Brazilian instruments alongside contemporary sounds.
  • The sequencing includes both upbeat and reflective pieces, with transitions that maintain a cohesive flow despite the varied styles.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • dynamic flow with varied pacing
  • introspective moments for reflection
  • lively rhythms for casual listening
  • for afternoon gatherings
  • layered harmonies to explore

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, fast tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Nascimento's reputation beyond Brazil with critical acclaim.
Themes
cultural identity· racial unity· Brazilian resilience
Career context
Released in 1978, Clube da Esquina 2 marked Milton Nascimento's return to the studio following his acclaimed debut album, Clube da Esquina. At this point in his career, Nascimento had already established himself as a leading figure in música popular brasileira, blending diverse musical influences into a cohesive sound that resonated both locally and internationally.
Stylistic neighbors
Caetano Veloso· Gilberto Gil· João Gilberto

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Credo Start here 3:05
  • 2 Nascente 3:22
  • 3 Ruas da cidade 3:02
  • 4 Paixão e fé 3:43
  • 5 Casamiento de negros 3:52
  • 6 Olho d'água 4:32
  • 7 Canoa, canoa 4:02
  • 8 O que foi feito de vera 4:53
  • 9 Mistérios 4:03
  • 10 Pão e água 2:36
  • 11 E daí? (A queda) 5:15

Disc 2

  • 1 Canção amiga 2:33
  • 2 Canción por la unidad latinoamericana 3:56
  • 3 Tanto 3:35
  • 4 Dona Olímpia (Your Moon) 2:40
  • 5 Testamento 3:56
  • 6 A sede do peixe (Para o que não tem solução) 2:26
  • 7 Léo 4:05
  • 8 Maria Maria 3:04
  • 9 Meu menino 2:38
  • 10 Toshiro 3:29
  • 11 Reis e rainhas do Maracatu (Tema dos estudantes do samba de três pontas) 2:39
  • 12 Que bom, amigo 2:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata