RELEASED ON 10.5.2024 ON MR BONGO THROUGH PROPER
CATALOGUE NUMBER MRBLP306P
From the very first listen of Rubel's Latin Grammy- nominated third album As
Palavras, Vol. 1 & 2, you can feel its transformative force for the MPB genre. Here
we see one of Rio's brightest stars, fusing the contemporary with the classic,
soaking up the richness of Brazil's musical heritage. The result is a marauding 20-
track epic, incorporating traditional styles such as forro, MPB, pagode and samba
with modern baile funk, rasteirinha and hip-hop.
The album exudes a sense of freedom and creativity, playfully and provocatively
juggling the familiar with the forward-thinking. The tracks are divided across two
records, navigating feelings of love, heartbreak and discovery, whilst balancing
themes of violence, passion, irony and affection. Collaborating with some of the
country's most esteemed artists such as Gabriel do Borel, Liniker, Luedji Luna,
Tim Bernardes and Ana Caetano, Rubel takes this fusion of styles, subjects and
favours to the global stage.
The grand, forro-blending, choral opener, 'Forro Violento (Instrumental)' sets the
tone for the album, with references and links between tradition and modernity
everywhere to be seen. From the Ana Frango Eletrico produced, funk flexing,
samba-soul brilliance of 'Nao Vou Reclamar de Deus', to the album's title cut 'As
Palavras', in collaboration with Tim Bernardes , that melds MPB influences with
electronic elements and hip-hop touches.
Across both sides of the album, Rubel's story-telling gift is given space to shine.
'Torto Arado' featuring Liniker and Luedji Luna , beautifully references the racial
injustice, tragedy, hope and ambition found in one the most celebrated Brazilian
novels of recent times by Itamar Vieira Junior. Elsewhere, 'Na Mao do Palhaco'
manifests a satirical march about a suicidal conservative middle-aged man, who
is rescued by the miracle of the carnival.
At times the album is gentle and intimate with tracks like 'Toda Beleza' featuring
Bala Desejo, or the ode to friendship 'Lua de Garrafa', composed with the
legendary Milton Nascimento. At others, the grooves hit harder, with sounds from
the favelas laced within. 'Put@ria!', explores the universe of baile funk, with BK'
and MC Carol trading off on the mic, as 'Rubelia' moves between reggaeton, funk,
and hip hop. The latter is a tribute to a key influence of the album, Spanish star
Rosalia and her parallel mix of current with classic.
Ultimately though the beauty of this album lies in its concept. In the midst of a
country divided, 'As Palavras Vol. 1 & 2' sets out to bring together genres and
generations, grounded in rhythms and words that have helped define Brazil
through the ages.
Tracks:
1. Forro Violento (Instrumental)
2. Grao De Areia
3. Nao Vou Reclamar De Deus
4. Toda Beleza
5. Put@ria!
6. Rubelia
7. Posso Dizer
8. Vinheta As Palavras I
9. As Palavras
10. Forro Violento
11. Torto Arado
12. Lua De Garrafa
13. Na Mao Do Palhaco
14. Doutor Albieri
15. Samba De Amanda E Te
16. Amor De Mae
17. Vinheta As Palavras II
18. Assum Preto
19. Forro No Escuro
20. Toda Beleza (Pelos Loirinhos)