Não é Azul Mas é Mar cover

Não é Azul Mas é Mar

Djavan · 1987

45 min · 10 tracks · música popular brasileira

A vibrant fusion of samba rhythms and poetic lyrics that captures the essence of Brazilian music in the late '80s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Soweto Start here — Opening the album with an infectious groove, 'Soweto' showcases Djavan's ability to meld intricate melodies with rhythmic complexity, setting the tone for the entire project.
  • →
    Bouquet — This track highlights Djavan's lyrical prowess through vivid imagery and romantic themes, making it a quintessential example of his poetic style.
  • →
    Real — 'Real' stands out with its emotional depth and masterful use of harmony, encapsulating the album's exploration of love and existential reflection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

Djavan's blend of samba rhythms and poetic lyrics creates a distinctive sound that resonates within Brazilian music.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a lively samba track, 'Soweto', immediately establishing a rhythmic foundation that persists through most of the tracks.
  • Several songs feature intricate guitar work that intertwines with the vocal melodies, creating a rich harmonic texture.
  • The lyrics across the album often employ vivid imagery and metaphor, enhancing the poetic quality of the music.
  • The final track, 'Doidice', features a gradual build-up in instrumentation, culminating in an energetic climax that leaves a lasting impression.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady melodic progression throughout
  • vibrant rhythms for celebration
  • for sunny afternoons
  • poetic lyrics inviting reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced music
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Djavan's reputation in Brazilian music after his earlier successes.
Themes
Brazilian romanticism· Samba rhythms· poetic imagery
Career context
Released in 1987, Não é Azul Mas é Mar marked Djavan's fifth studio album, following his successful album, Luz, which established him as a leading figure in música popular brasileira. At this point in his career, Djavan was refining his unique blend of jazz, pop, and traditional Brazilian sounds, solidifying his reputation and expanding his international reach.
Stylistic neighbors
Caetano Veloso· Gilberto Gil· Maria Bethânia

Tracklist

  • 1 Soweto Start here 6:10
  • 2 Bouquet 4:00
  • 3 Me Leve 4:39
  • 4 Dou-Não-Dou 4:25
  • 5 Florir 4:12
  • 6 Carnaval No Rio 4:16
  • 7 Navio 5:14
  • 8 Maçã 4:08
  • 9 Real 3:55
  • 10 Doidice 4:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata