Encanto

Abreast with the times

Sergio Mendes is probably the most popular musician who works in the genre of bossa nova. He is a living legend of Latin American music – a person whose fame has reached a level of great firmness. The secret of his popularity is quite simple – he doesn't find it necessary to follow strict musical doctrines of style purity and always tries to take up with the times always staying connected to his Brazilian roots at that. He used to act like that in 70's and he keeps doing so today. His recent album Timeless, which was released in 2006, marked his comeback on the world arena after a long hiatus with a really loud success. Following his old habit Mendes decided to collaborate with some representatives of contemporary mainstream elite including such stars as Justin Timberlake and Will.I.Am and he didn't miss. The album quickly entered charts all over the world and forced many R&B fans to turn heads to Mendes. This year the tireless jazzmen prepared a new record called Encanto, which will help him to solidify his status among young generation.

Musical roots of Sergio Mendes

Just like one could expect the new album exploits the same winning formula, which was used on Timeless. The album features a whole bunch of guest stars and led by Fergie and Will.I.Am (by the way, the latter also plays the role of the album's co-producer). However, Encanto is not a copy of Timeless. It may be true that this record relies on R&B support but yet it is obvious that Encanto displays Mendes's musical roots far brighter. Thus, for example, you can hear Jazz singer Natalie Cole on Somewhere In The Hills. A track called Y Vamos La is performed by Colombian pop-rocker Juanes and Italian rapper Jovanotti adds a specific national color to Lugar Comun. The album also includes two covers of well-known bossa nova songs. These are Waters Of March and Agua De Beber. Both of the songs are represented in a completely new make-up. Mendes doesn't simply relocate the old hits from the past he really breathes in an air of modernity.

Encanto: a great album from a super professional

Speaking about the sound of the album it must be mentioned that Mendes achieved a pretty unique result. The record corresponds to a great number of requirements of today's pop industry. Perhaps it is based on a vintage genre but it doesn't have that taste of retro at all. Mendes adopted it to the current tendencies of the industry. Qualitative beat, relaxing atmosphere and dance rhythm - it all makes Encanto something like an all-purpose album. It can fully suit to admirers of R&B, lounge, soul and of course Latin music. The very first track serves as a great evidence of Mendes's ability to satisfy the requirements of time. The Look Of Love is probably the best song on the album. This is a ready-made R&B hit with a bright tint of Latino. Everything sounds really skillfully and balanced. If you heard his previous album and you liked it than this record will certainly suit to your taste. A great album from a super professional!