Brazilian producer Beto Villares' self-titled debut stands out as the best album I've heard so far this year. Not surprising for someone whose credentials range from composing film scores to producing multi-platinum selling recording artists. Most notably Villares is recognized for his contemporary global stylings on Brazilian chanteuse CéU's Grammy-nominated breakthrough --one of the biggest selling international records of 2007. Stepping out with his own project Villares presents a microcosm of Brazil's rich, musical landscape. Paying homage to the musical legacy of a country such as his is always a grand aspiration, but the Sao Paulo native does so from a unique perspective, infusing a new dynamic that's nothing short of sublime. The 16-track sonic voyage soaks up Brazil’s diversity into the fold of other global influences. The result reflects the magical tapestry of Villares' musical DNA. Delicate bossa novas are subtly embellished with overdubbed voices hovering in the background, eerily meandering synthesizers, and layers of percussion. Rapping in Portuguese collides with percolating rhythms, Latin funk grooves, and crypto-reggae beats. And sambas combine with old-world arrangements within looping beats. Villares' lush musings seamlessly flow in a mapped out universe of his creation and the sounds emanating are close to cosmic.
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