All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Dusted Magazine

One of the most important anthologies to come along in quite a while.

Read Full Review >

100

Entertainment Weekly

A perfect mix of giddy tropical rhythms and Beatles-style experimentation. [27 Jan 2006, p.85]

100

Stylus Magazine

Not every classic song from the era is here, but yes, if you do choose to own only one Tropicália disc, then this should be the one.

Read Full Review >

Pitchfork

Though omissions are certain to be an issue for cratedigging obsessives, this collection is as flawless a primer as has ever been made available on a single disc.

Read Full Review >

Dot Music

This release at least gives some sense of the visual brilliance, media spectacle and utter fertility of artistic energy that came together in Tropicalia.

Read Full Review >

The Guardian

And whereas the dark era that began with a military coup in 1964 is now relegated to Brazil's history, the music it inspired sounds fresher and more provocative than ever.

Read Full Review >

Uncut

As primers go, it's close to definitive. [Mar 2006, p.112]

ShakingThrough.net

Granted, those who have the David Byrne-endorsed Everything Is Possible sampler of Os Mutantes' hottest cuts will find less value here, but Tropicalia serves as a decently comprehensive introduction to an essential period in music history.

Read Full Review >

Q Magazine

The wild rhythms, unusual arrangements and often manic energy of the selections here still resonate. [Jan 2006, p.139]

Mojo

Vibrant, vividly colourful and high spirited. [Jan 2006, p.146]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 8.1 (out of 10) based on 47 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

S T gave it a10:
I love it.

John O gave it a10:
Inspirational

Todd W gave it a0:
I'm not trying to be difficult, but the problem I have with albums like this is the Cherry Picking factor. You simply cannot take the best of a genre of music, combine it on multiple discs, release it for mass consumption, and then give it a perfect score. It's a REPRESENTATION, folks. Granted, most of us probably never would have heard these songs without something like this coming across the waters, but that's the fault of the vacuous suits calling themselves music programmers on our culture's airwaves. It's like taking the best of the English Invasion, putting it on K-tel, and then calling it the Album of the Year. It's simply absurd. If the album on which these songs sprung sucked Amazon water to begin with, chances are one song wasn't worth the time of day when it was originally released either. It smacks of people trying WAY too hard to educate the rest of us. The best music is that which is found, not shoved down our collective throats. I'm sorry, Josh.

billy e gave it a10:
Wonderful compilation. Very impressed.

scott c gave it a6:
Just be aware, to the uninitiated or the bossa nova fan, about half of the songs on this CD come off as 60s showtunes. Think, the soundtrack to "Hair". The booklet is admittedly fantastic and does help give the music context as part of a larger political movement. But given the dissonant indian experiments and Oklahoma-tinged showtunes, dilettantes and more casual Brazilian music fans like might enjoy this more an interesting historical document than a either a relaxing or a rocking beginning to end listen.

Justin N gave it a10:
All compilations should be this informative and entertaining!

P C gave it a10:
This music is simply timeless and worth every bit of your time.

Music

Upcoming &Recent Releases

Tropicalia: A Brazilian Revolution In Sound

Album Info

Summary

Also On Metacritic

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases