What makes The Composer of Desafinado, Plays by Antônio Carlos Jobim notable?

The album helped popularize bossa nova around the world, particularly through its iconic track 'The Girl From Ipanema,' which became a global standard. It received critical acclaim and is often credited for paving the way for Brazilian music's influence on jazz and pop music in subsequent decades. Released in 1963, this album marked Antônio Carlos Jobim's rise to international acclaim following his earlier contribution to the bossa nova movement. It came shortly after the success of 'Desafinado,' solidifying Jobim’s role as a leading figure in Latin jazz and bossa nova.

Who is The Composer of Desafinado, Plays for?

The Composer of Desafinado, Plays works well if you're into steady melodic journeys, laid-back afternoon vibes and short, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on The Composer of Desafinado, Plays?

The Composer of Desafinado, Plays has 12 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

The Composer of Desafinado, Plays

Antônio Carlos Jobim · 1963

35 min · 12 tracks · jazz

Lush melodies intertwine with syncopated rhythms, creating a dreamy soundscape that captures the essence of bossa nova.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Girl From Ipanema — This track encapsulates the quintessential bossa nova sound with its smooth melody and lyrical depiction of beauty, becoming an enduring classic worldwide.
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Corcovado (Quiet Nights) — Offering a serene atmosphere, this song highlights Jobim's signature blend of romanticism and subtle complexity, showcasing his lyrical and melodic genius.
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Desafinado — As a defining bossa nova tune, this track explores themes of love and misunderstanding, illustrating Jobim's innovative approach to songwriting and harmony.

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

The album showcases strong melodic writing and intricate arrangements typical of bossa nova, contributing to its lasting appeal.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of lush string arrangements that complement the gentle guitar and piano melodies throughout.
Each track maintains a relaxed tempo, with syncopated rhythms that create a laid-back, dreamy atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between instruments, enhancing the conversational quality of the music.

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

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 journeys
laid-back afternoon vibes
short, immersive listening sessions
contemplative mood enhancement

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked Jobim's rise to international acclaim and popularized bossa nova.
Career context: Released in 1963, this album marked Antônio Carlos Jobim's rise to international acclaim following his earlier contribution to the bossa nova movement. It came shortly after the success of 'Desafinado,' solidifying Jobim’s role as a leading figure in Latin jazz and bossa nova.
Stylistic neighbors: João Gilberto· Caetano Veloso· Gilberto Gil