What makes When It Was Done by Walter Wanderley notable?

This album helped solidify Wanderley's reputation internationally, contributing to the rise of bossa nova in the United States during the late 1960s. Its commercial success is reflected by its consistent presence on Billboard's charts, showcasing how Brazilian music began to penetrate mainstream American culture. Released in 1969, When It Was Done was Walter Wanderley's third studio album, following the success of his breakthrough record Rain Forest in 1966. At this point, Wanderley was establishing himself as a key figure in the bossa nova movement, blending Brazilian musical elements with jazz influences.

How many songs are on When It Was Done?

When It Was Done has 11 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

When It Was Done

Walter Wanderley · 1969

31 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of bossa nova rhythms and jazzy melodies that invites listeners to dance and dream.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Surfboard — The track features an irresistible groove that encapsulates the carefree spirit of summer, making it a quintessential bossa nova piece.
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Reach Out for Me — This song showcases Wanderley's skillful organ playing, combining lush harmonies with rhythmic intricacies that highlight the emotional depth of the genre.
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When It Was Done — As the title track, it distills the album's essence into a concise format, melding lyrical poignancy with Wanderley's signature sound.
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Capoeira — This track stands out for its energetic tempo and incorporation of Brazilian martial arts rhythms, reflecting cultural heritage while inviting listeners to move.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong bossa nova elements with engaging melodies and rhythmic consistency.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms, typical of bossa nova, throughout its tracks.
Each track incorporates melodic lines that are often layered with rich instrumental textures, creating a lush soundscape.
Several songs transition smoothly into one another, maintaining a steady flow and inviting listeners to engage with the entire album.

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

Influence 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Open Your Arms 2:41
2 Surfboard 2:39
3 Baiao Da Garoa 3:41
4 Reach Out for Me 2:43
5 Ole, Ole, Ola 2:32
6 Ponteio 2:32
7 When It Was Done 2:26
8 On My Mind 2:49
9 Just My Love and I 2:23
10 Capoeira 4:24
11 Truth in Peace 2:34

What to play next

Listen next

Moondreams

1969

Go back to

Batucada (Walter Wanderley album)

1967

Full Walter Wanderley discography Artists like Walter Wanderley

bossa nova jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata