Night Mood: The Music of Ivan Lins cover

Night Mood: The Music of Ivan Lins

Mark Murphy · 1987

40 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A rich blend of Brazilian rhythms and jazz-infused melodies invites listeners into a lush, emotive soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Madalena — This track exemplifies the seamless blend of intricate vocal phrasing and rhythmic complexity that defines the album, highlighting Murphy's interpretative prowess.
  • →
    Love Dance (Lembrança) — With its tender melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song captures the emotional core of the album, showcasing Murphy's ability to convey deep feeling through his voice.
  • →
    Nightmood (Lembra) — The opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its ambient textures and lush instrumentation, drawing listeners into Murphy’s world of Brazilian jazz.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends Brazilian rhythms with jazz elements, showcasing strong arrangements and musicianship.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms and layered instrumentation, creating a rich textural backdrop throughout.
  • Each track maintains a moderate tempo, with the majority featuring intricate vocal lines that intertwine with the instrumental arrangements.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • smooth vocals for evening relaxation
  • rich arrangements for intimate settings
  • swaying rhythms for dinner parties
  • subtle emotional depth in melodies

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced and energetic
  • need lyrics-driven storytelling

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1987, Night Mood: The Music of Ivan Lins was Mark Murphy's foray into Brazilian music, following his earlier works in the jazz realm. At this point, he had established himself as a prominent jazz vocalist and was exploring new musical territories with this tribute to Ivan Lins, signifying a notable shift in his artistic direction.
Stylistic neighbors
Carmen McRae· Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Nightmood (Lembra) 4:54
  • 2 Madalena 4:00
  • 3 Ticket (Bilhete) 4:07
  • 4 Dinorah Dinorah 3:25
  • 5 Before We Lose Tomorrow (Antes Que Seja Tarde) 3:55
  • 6 Sails (Velas Içadas) 5:14
  • 7 Love Dance (Lembrança) 5:33
  • 8 Mãos De Afeto 5:40
  • 9 Believe What I Say (Daquio Que Eu Sei) 4:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata