This being a will.i.am production, Encanto includes the obligatory Fergie guest vocal. Unfortunately she cannot do justice to the classic “The Look of Love,” which includes new lyrics and a slightly altered refrain. Fergie may attract new, younger fans, but they will hopefully stick around for the superior tracks on the album. Will.i.am fares better with “Funky Bahia” and a remake of “Agua de Beber,” which most resemble the hip-hop feel of Timeless. The latter song features altered lyrics and a heavier beat, but Mendes’s sublime piano remains front and center. While the first single, “Funky Bahia,” is catchy, it is most notable for the appearance of woefully underrated vocalist Siedah Garrett.
Overall Encanto improves upon Timeless in that Sergio Mendes remains more of a presence on this album. Wisely will.i.am keeps the exotic percussion in the forefront instead of burying it in heavy electronic beats. Virtually every track adheres to the Brasil ’66 sound, updated with modern, international artists. Unlike his previous album, Encanto appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers initially attracted by the Black Eyed Peas connection. Whether dabbling in hip hop or evoking classic Brazilian jazz rhythms, Mendes shows that age need not stifle creativity and vitality.
Article comments
1 - Bill King
Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66 was the second concert I ever saw and the first one I took a girl to. Lani Hall made a big impression. I haven't listened to any of his music since probably the early '80s, but I'm glad to hear he's still at it.
Thanks, Kit.
2 - Steve Sidoruk
Finally a review by someone who knows about what they are writing! I first saw Sergio & Brasil '66 open the show for Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass in June, '66 and have become a fan for life. In fact, we flew to California (from Connecticut) two years ago for Sergio's 40th anniversary of Brasil '66 show at the Hollywood Bowl. Herb & Lani appeared along with several of the guest artists from the "Timeless" album. It was an amazing evening, especially when the 18,000 fans at the sold out show sang along during "Mas Que Nada."
Sergio has had some ups and downs, but when he returns to his Brazilian roots, he always comes up with a winner. He is a truly great musician and has certainly paid his dues over the many years. At this point in his career, it's really great to see him scoring big with his music and getting the acclaim and press notices that he rightly deserves.
3 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks, Steve--I've been a fan since I was little (Dad played Brasil '66 8-tracks all the time), and I'm thrilled that Mendes is finally getting the recognition he deserves. Thanks for commenting!
4 - jljohnson
Natalie Cole is one of my favorites. Does she sing in Spanish on this album?
5 - Kit O'Toole
Hi Joann--no, unfortunately Natalie Cole doesn't sing in Spanish on this album, but she still sounds terrific. I'd highly recommend at least downloading the single!
6 - GRAHAM CLARK
The new version of The Look Of Love is fantastic,I think Fergie has made the track her own. Im going down to Nice in the south of France next week and this will be the soundtrack to my stay.
7 - bliffle
I accidentally had this in my car CD player and listened to some of it: terrible. And I heard the interview on NPR, so I went back and listened to old Sergio Mendes CDs and concluded that only Brazil 65 was worth listening to.
8 - Kara
This is my first Sergio Mendes album (though I do know some of his older stuff) and think is perhaps one of the best albums I've heard in a long time. Tracks 1,2,4 and 11 are my favorite, but the whole album is great.