Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sergio Mendes with a Big Twist, 19 May 2006
Well, when I was in my teens, people used to laugh that I liked Sergio Mendes. Well m'dears look at this album and tell me it isn't the coolest?!
Whether you are a Sergio Mendes fan especially the earlier stuff, Brasil 66, Equinox, etc or a Black Eyed Peas fan, or indeed R&B then there's something on this album to please everyone. I'd say for such a challenging album there are only a couple of songs that are just to heavy hip hop for me. The rest is a joy to listen to, if you are open minded about remixes and love to see what Sergio has been up to. Mas Que Nada, the first track is inspirational and the more I listen to it, the better it gets. I feel with this album it's going to grow on me and be the summer listen of 06.
This album is cool, classy and well mixed.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A welcome return, 20 May 2006
Sergio Mendes is, arguably, the biggest musical export to have come from Brazil. His brand of jazzy bossa nova was a regular feature on 1960s radio stations, and even now he remains hugely popular, with many recognising his signature tune "Mas Que Nada" from Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.
Timeless is his first album of original material in eight years, and it follows the model set by Carlos Santana's recent albums: have a talented but ageing musician as the one constant, and invite an array of well-known, younger stars to freshen up the sound. Thus, we see the likes of Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Justin Timberlake and the Black Eyed Peas all making contributions. Indeed, the influence of the BEP is very strong, with group member (and self-confessed Mendes aficionado) Will.I.Am at the producing helm.
Essentially, Timeless is a cross between Mendes' soft, salsa-tinged melodies and modern day R'n'B. This may seem an odd combination, but actually the blend between old and new works beautifully, as shown by the new version of "Mas Que Nada". Other highlights include the John Legend-led "Please Baby Don't", Stevie Wonder's wonderful harmonica playing on "Berimbau/Consolacao" and the smooth "Loose Ends".
In all, a very good album that should attract new fans for Sergio Mendes.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
What's good for Santana is also good for Sergio, 26 Jul 2006
Borrowing a page from the Santana recipe book, Sergio Mendes updates his sound by taking a generous sprinkling of popular artistes, and blending them in to spice up this album. Not that the Brazilian samba and bossa nova beats aren't spicy on their own, but thanks to the hot hip hop, soul, Latin, Caribbean and pop guest artistes, this album sizzles, bringing a taste of Sergio to a new generation.
Just glance down the track listing and you'll see will.i.am (lots of him) and The Black Eyed Peas, neo-soul goddess Erykah Badu, legendary Stevie Wonder, red hot John Legend, and pop boy band graduate Justin Timberlake, as well as India.arie, Q-Tip, Mr. Vegas and more.
Tracks to look for are the first single "Mas Que Nada" (a Sergio Mendes staple, but as you've never heard it before); "That Heat" (the Erykah Badu / will.i.am collaboration); the reggae track "Bananeira" and the ever-so smooth "Please Baby Don't" with John Legend.
With something for everybody, this album would be a great pick for any music lover on your list, and don't forget to treat yourself also. Rated: 4.5 stars
Amanda Richards
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