Encanto

Got excited each time Sergio Mendes releases an album as I have been a fan since his Brasil'66 days. Uptempo, jazzy, bouncy, catchy, pulsating
and many more descriptions could not describe his works. The uber excellent "Brasilero" is still his benchwork in tune with today's upbeat music. "Timeless" with old and new collaboration is also a great classic. Then,we expected more. And now "Encanto" only fulfilled 50 percent of my expectations. The first six tracks got me going, then, it slowed down after to typically Brazilian jazz/samba mood. Wow, what happened. The best and outstanding track is "Lugar Comum" with Jovanatti rapping in Italian and I could not stop tapping my feet.
What a fresh feel. Overall an enjoyable album.

I've been a hugh fan of Sergio Mendes for the last 25 years and pretty much all CD's are really great except for maybe a few.
And this one for me is one that fell in the category of average to below average for someone like Sergio Mendes.
You might be a little disappointed if what you have in mind is the smooth jazzy bossanova type of music typical from Sergio Mendes.

Sergio and Will.I.Am back at it again. This album has a much stronger Brazilian backdrop than Timeless did; and the organization, content and structure of the album are a little more mature. Featured artists such as Natalie Cole, Herb Alpert, and Ledisi show the maturity and growth in assembly and production. The album is one that can definitely be played through with continuity and will be overly enjoyed. I would give the album 4 Stars. In analyzing my rating, please be aware that I am disposed to comparing this album with Timeless and I am just a bigger fan of Timeless.

I haven't listened to S.M. since the 60's. This is a fantastic collection and I can't stop listening to it; even my teenagers are hooked. The Look of Love includes one of the lowest, deepest bass lines I have ever heard (in a real song)...it rattles your gut. Highly recommended...I don't know anyone that wouldn't enjoy this music. Totally infectious.

The CD was in perfect condition upon arrival with all the accompanying packaging. I wasn't disappointed by the contents of the album and/or package.