Soundtrack Review: Moro No Brasil

This collection of Brazilian music for Mika Kaurismaki’s documentary "Moro No Brasil" is full of the rich cultural legacy that is the celebratory sound of Brazil, and that sound is defined by its vibrant energy and overall entertainment. The rhythm generally set at an upbeat tempo combined with the catchy style that is infectious enough to want to make you dance is part of what makes this soundtrack such a worthy listen. The mood is permanently fixed on an enjoyable note that keeps high spirits with its festive beat.

There’s a wonderful slice of Brazilian culture sampled here in its unique music that sizzles with flare and spice. To indulge in this compilation is to get a good taste of Brazilian music as seen at some of its best. An understanding of Portuguese or Spanish is helpful since language was unfortunately a barrier for me as to getting the full effect and being able to follow the lyrics. However, this doesn’t prevent the wild horns, exciting percussion, and lively vocals from transcending any such barriers in expressing the pride and joy of this striking part of their tradition and heritage.

The soundtrack to "Moro No Brasil" does exactly what Kaurismaki’s film sets out to do and completes the mission of broadening the scope of the audience for Brazilian music. In opening up a new world to appreciate in all its musical diversity and distinctiveness, this CD complements the film well with performances by Fulni-O Indians, Jacinto Silva, Walter Alfaiate, Seu Jorge, Ivo Meirelles, Funk ‘N Lata, and quite a few others.

If you’re looking for something with a unique cultural sound and background, this soundtrack is one to check out, but I highly recommend seeing the documentary first in order to get a better grasp of how significant this music really is and why. Knowing something about the origins of Brazilian music after viewing the film certainly enhanced my experience of each track. Though, I must admit that this is something I’d have to be in just the right mood to play. Out of 10 stars, I’d give this CD a 7.