Espiral de Ilusão

After recording the odd samba on previous albums, Criolo has now devoted a whole album to Brazil's national rhythm, infusing it with his trademark passion and pathos. Lyrically, it's not too dissimilar to his rap work – these are songs that give voice to Brazil's marginalised people, offering heartfelt characterisations that pull no punches in their depictions of social reality. Musically it's a very different affair however, with lots of percussion, a small brass section, guitar and cavaquinho (lute). This is samba with its roots in impromptu neighbourhood jams, continuing a lineage from Martinho da Vila and the traditions of São Paulo. Opening track, ‘Lá Vem Você’, starts things off in this vein: a clear yet informal tone exemplified by Criolo's relaxed but pointed vocals, full of local dialect, and charged by Ricardo Rabelo's cavaquinho playing. At times the government attracts Criolo's ire (on ‘Menino Mimado’) but largely there is a homeliness here, with the artist perhaps reflecting on the fact he's now in his 40s, and playing the music of his parents’ generation. His acerbic social commentaries may be no less sharp but Criolo sounds like he's having the most fun he's had in years.