Travessia cover

Travessia

Milton Nascimento · 1967

32 min · 10 tracks · rock music

A vibrant fusion of Brazilian folk melodies and jazz-infused harmonies that invites introspection and celebration alike.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Travessia Start here — The title track stands out for its lyrical depth and melodic beauty, showcasing Nascimento's ability to blend complex harmonies with poignant storytelling.
  • →
    Morro velho — This track highlights Nascimento's rich vocal delivery alongside intricate arrangements, reflecting themes of nostalgia and cultural identity central to the album.
  • →
    Irmão de fé — With its uplifting melody and communal spirit, this song exemplifies the album's blend of personal reflection and broader social themes prevalent throughout Nascimento's work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and a unique blend of styles, making it a significant debut in Brazilian music.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered vocal harmonies and intricate guitar work, establishing a rich sonic texture.
  • Several tracks incorporate traditional Brazilian rhythms, such as samba and bossa nova, while blending them with jazz elements like extended chords and improvisation.
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
8/10

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

  • short, reflective listening sessions
  • introspective late-night vibes
  • rich melodic storytelling
  • smooth transitions and flows

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Introduced Nascimento's unique sound and established his reputation in Brazilian music.
Themes
Minas Gerais traditions· cultural identity exploration· communal spirit· nostalgic melodies
Career context
Released in 1967, Travessia marked Milton Nascimento's debut album, introducing his unique voice to the Brazilian music scene. At this time, he was emerging from a background in local Minas Gerais music traditions, setting the stage for a groundbreaking career that would shape MPB (música popular brasileira).
Stylistic neighbors
Caetano Veloso· Gilberto Gil· João Gilberto

Tracklist

  • 1 Travessia Start here 4:00
  • 2 Três pontas 2:44
  • 3 Crença 3:13
  • 4 Irmão de fé 2:48
  • 5 Canção do sal 3:15
  • 6 Catavento 2:12
  • 7 Morro velho 3:35
  • 8 Gira, girou 3:41
  • 9 Maria, minha fé 3:23
  • 10 Outubro 3:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata