MM cover

MM

Marisa Monte · 1989

45 min · 12 tracks · música popular brasileira

A vibrant blend of bossa nova, MPB, and jazz that showcases lush melodies and intricate rhythms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Comida — This opening track combines playful lyrics with a catchy melody, immediately setting the tone for the album's eclectic spirit.
  • →
    Bem que se quis (E po’ che fá) — A standout for its heartfelt delivery and lyrical depth, this song exemplifies Monte's ability to convey emotion through simple yet profound storytelling.
  • →
    Chocolate — With its infectious groove and whimsical lyrics, this track showcases Monte's unique ability to blend joy with intricate musicality.
  • →
    (I Heard It Through The) Grapevine — Monte's interpretation adds a fresh Brazilian flair to this classic, highlighting her versatility and cultural fusion approach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

MM blends traditional Brazilian styles with contemporary sounds, marking a strong debut for Marisa Monte.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong rhythmic pulse in 'Comida', immediately establishing a lively atmosphere.
  • Tracks often feature layered instrumentation, with strings and percussion interweaving to create rich textures.
  • Several songs incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Ando meio desligado', which shifts from a laid-back groove to a more upbeat section.
  • The inclusion of both original compositions and covers, like '(I Heard It Through The) Grapevine', showcases Monte's versatility and influences.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

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

  • vibrant rhythms for joyful moments
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • enchanting vocals in warm spaces
  • playful melodies for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of long narratives
  • prefer heavy, intense soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 18, 1989, MM was Marisa Monte's debut album, establishing her as a significant voice in Brazilian popular music. At this point, she was just starting to gain recognition, transitioning from local performances to a national platform.
Stylistic neighbors
Ana Carolina· Elis Regina· Caetano Veloso

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Comida 4:13
  • 2 Bem que se quis (E po’ che fá) 3:37
  • 3 Chocolate 3:17
  • 4 Ando meio desligado 3:00
  • 5 Preciso me encontrar 3:42
  • 6 O xote das meninas 4:05
  • 7 Negro gato 4:58
  • 8 Lenda das sereias, rainha do mar 4:10
  • 9 South American Way 1:51
  • 10 (I Heard It Through The) Grapevine 3:46
  • 11 Bess You Is My Woman Now 5:10
  • 12 Speak Low 3:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata