What makes Urubu by Antônio Carlos Jobim notable?

'Urubu' is notable for its critical reception, being lauded as one of Jobim's finest works, showcasing his mastery in blending intricate melodies with rich harmonic structures. It also reflects the cultural landscape of Brazil in the mid-1970s, resonating with themes of nostalgia and identity at a time when the country was undergoing significant political changes. By the release of 'Urubu' in 1976, Antônio Carlos Jobim was a well-established figure in Brazilian music, building upon the international acclaim gained from his earlier works like 'The Girl from Ipanema'. This album came during a period of personal and artistic exploration, as he sought to reconnect with his Brazilian roots while incorporating broader jazz elements into his compositions.

Urubu works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, evocative sounds of brazil and intimate late-night listening.

How many songs are on Urubu?

Urubu has 8 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Urubu

Antônio Carlos Jobim · 1976

37 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A lush blend of bossa nova and jazz, rich with intricate melodies and serene harmonies that evoke Brazil's natural beauty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bôto (Porpoise) — This opening track sets a tranquil tone for the album, marrying flowing rhythms with evocative imagery that captures the essence of Brazil's aquatic life.
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Angela — With its hauntingly beautiful melody and gentle arrangement, this piece showcases Jobim's ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet profound musical lines.
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Saudade Do Brazil — This extended track embodies the album's thematic core, infusing traditional Brazilian sounds with modern jazz influences to create a poignant sense of longing.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate melodies and rich harmonies, reflecting Jobim's mastery in blending styles.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of lush string arrangements that complement the intricate melodies throughout.
Each track typically employs a gentle, flowing rhythm, maintaining a serene atmosphere without abrupt tempo changes.
Jobim's compositions often incorporate complex chord progressions that reflect both bossa nova and jazz influences.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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

wave-like pacing with peaks
evocative sounds of brazil
intimate late-night listening
reflective moments of solitude

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek high-energy party music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Jobim's mastery and is considered a high point in his artistic output.
Career context: By the release of 'Urubu' in 1976, Antônio Carlos Jobim was a well-established figure in Brazilian music, building upon the international acclaim gained from his earlier works like 'The Girl from Ipanema'. This album came during a period of personal and artistic exploration, as he sought to reconnect with his Brazilian roots while incorporating broader jazz elements into his compositions.
Stylistic neighbors: João Gilberto· Caetano Veloso· Gilberto Gil