OK OK OK

Having released 60 albums since 1967, Afro-Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil shows no sign of slowing down with his latest project, offering up an eclectic range of styles featuring gifted musicians and his extensive family.

OK OK OK comprises two contrasting types of song: gritty, political commentaries and soft, playful melodies. The title-track, which sets the tone, is ripe with political critique against a catchy guitar riff, and ‘Ouço’, with its oscillating helicopter-like opening, feels like a post-punk track for a police-swarmed favela. ‘Pela Internet 2’ is a discourse about our modern world, with the style demonstrating the reggae influences Gil gained while exiled in London. The softer tracks, like ‘Uma Coisa Bonitinha’, are full of sumptuous grooves, with guests such as bossa nova legend João Donato, and ‘Yamandu’ is an infectious samba, evoking the sunny feeling that the style often does, recorded with guitarist Yamandu Costa. ‘Sereno’ lulls you into a sweet tropicália-inspired tune with Domenico Lancelloti's delicate percussion, while Gil's grandchildren provide the coro dos netos (choir of grandchildren).

However, the album's highlight, ‘Tartaruguê’, does not fall into either category. It's an Afrobeat-laced Afro-Brazilian anthem, performed with Gil's understated confidence. Another success to add to his ever-expanding back catalogue.