Stone Flower cover

Stone Flower

Antônio Carlos Jobim · 1970

39 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A lush tapestry of bossa nova rhythms intertwined with intricate melodies and evocative harmonies that transport the listener to Brazil's sunlit shores.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Tereza My Love — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its delicate melodies and heartfelt lyrics, illustrating Jobim's signature romanticism.
  • →
    Brazil — A standout piece that showcases Jobim's intricate composition style, blending traditional Brazilian sounds with jazz influences, making it a cultural touchstone.
  • →
    Stone Flower — The title track encapsulates the album's essence through its rich harmonies and lush instrumentation, representing Jobim's mastery of melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
70 /100
Alpine
Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Jobim's lush melodies and orchestral textures create a distinctive sound that stands out in Latin jazz.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate orchestral arrangements, adding depth and texture to the instrumental compositions.
  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent tempo, while the latter half introduces more varied dynamics and pacing.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

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
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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • layered, dense sonic textures
  • atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Jobim's status as a pioneer in Latin jazz with critical acclaim.
Career context
By the time 'Stone Flower' was released in July 1970, Antônio Carlos Jobim was already a celebrated figure in bossa nova, having achieved international fame with hits like 'The Girl from Ipanema'. This album followed his collaboration with composer Vinicius de Moraes on 'Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim', showcasing Jobim's evolving artistry as he began to explore more complex arrangements and deeper themes.
Stylistic neighbors
João Gilberto· Caetano Veloso· Gilberto Gil

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Tereza My Love 4:24
  • 2 Children’s Games 3:31
  • 3 Choro 2:10
  • 4 Brazil 7:26
  • 5 Stone Flower 3:21
  • 6 Amparo 3:41
  • 7 Andorinha 3:32
  • 8 God and the Devil in the Land of the Sun 2:23
  • 9 Sabia 4:00
  • 10 Brazil (alternate take) 5:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata