What makes Lovely Difficult by Mayra Andrade notable?

The album received significant acclaim, showcasing Andrade's ability to bridge cultural divides through music. It was praised by various publications for its innovative sound and lyrical depth, further establishing her influence in the global music scene. Lovely Difficult is Mayra Andrade's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed release, Studio 105. At this point in her career, Andrade was cementing her reputation as a distinctive voice in world music, blending traditional Cape Verdean styles with contemporary influences.

Who is Lovely Difficult for?

Lovely Difficult works well if you're into steady melodic journey throughout, emotional depth in every track and for reflective afternoons.

How many songs are on Lovely Difficult?

Lovely Difficult has 13 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Lovely Difficult

Mayra Andrade · 2013

49 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of Cape Verdean rhythms and jazz-inflected melodies, weaving personal narratives into a rich sonic tapestry.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ténpu ki bai — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and engaging melody, perfectly encapsulating Andrade's unique blend of traditional and modern sounds.
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We used to call it love — This song highlights Andrade's lyrical vulnerability and emotional depth, combining poignant storytelling with an elegant arrangement that resonates throughout the album.
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Ilha de Santiago — In this track, Andrade pays homage to her roots, intertwining nostalgia with rhythmic complexity, making it a standout reflection of her cultural identity.
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Simplement — This intimate ballad showcases Andrade's vocal prowess and raw emotion, providing a counterbalance to the album's more upbeat tracks while emphasizing her artistic range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Andrade's fusion of Cape Verdean rhythms and jazz creates a distinctive sound, though cohesion suffers from varied arrangements.

What we noticed

The instrumentation varies significantly across the album, with some tracks featuring lush arrangements and others opting for minimalistic settings, highlighting Andrade's vocal delivery.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 melodic journey throughout
emotional depth in every track
for reflective afternoons
intimate moments of lyrical introspection

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party vibes
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Lovely Difficult is Mayra Andrade's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed release, Studio 105. At this point in her career, Andrade was cementing her reputation as a distinctive voice in world music, blending traditional Cape Verdean styles with contemporary influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Céu· Bebel Gilberto· Lura

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Ténpu ki bai 3:48
2 We used to call it love 3:56
3 Build it up 3:46
4 Ilha de Santiago 3:44
5 Le jour se lève 3:37
6 A-mi n kre-u txeu 4:24
7 Rosa 3:14
8 96 days 3:08
9 Les mots d'amour 3:47
10 Trés mininu 3:58
11 Téra lonji 4:24
12 Simplement 3:48
13 Meu farol 3:33

What to play next

Listen next

Manga

2019

Go back to

Studio 105

2010

Full Mayra Andrade discography Artists like Mayra Andrade

funaná jazz morna

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata