Estudando o Pagode
by Tom Zé
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Stylus Magazine
    100
    Pagode will probably be the best love album of the year (and maybe one of the best, period) because Zé has always understood that you can explore feelings without just expressing them.
  2. Spin
    100
    Unlike many rockers who cherish childlike ideals only to fall prey to amateurism or whimsy, Ze is aware that kids are both complex in their inventions and earnest in their intentions. [May 2006, p.93]
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  3. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    No other Brazilian composer defies cultural boundaries so eloquently.
  5. PopMatters
    90
    On a very basic level, this CD is a fun, weird, nifty album of Brazilian pop music, and can easily be enjoyed as such. Unpeel the layers, and you will reap even greeter rewards, revealing a creative treatise on the rights of women in society.
  6. cokemachineglow
    89
    This is the new definitive rock opera.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    A sprightly psych-pop disc overflowing with exquisite melodies and cooing female voices. [14 Apr 2006, p.86]
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  8. AllMusic
    80
    To Ze's credit, the concept never overshadows the songs which, at their heart, are pop songs.
  9. Filter
    80
    He forges yet another new vision: one that involves psych rock, quirky funk and bossa nova as much as it does hip-hop and electronica. [#19, p.104]
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  10. Uncut
    80
    In Ze's hands Tropicalia is still a potent, living artistic force. [Jul 2006, p.118]
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  11. Blender
    80
    Folding in lean funk, tender arias and as many catchy tunes as West Side Story, Ze makes his cryptic polemic perfectly enticing. [Jul 2006, p.105]
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  12. Pitchfork
    79
    Estudando o Pagode is an impressive album, musically, conceptually, and lyrically, and the cast of musicians and singers Zé assembled delivers on his singular vision.
  13. Los Angeles Times
    75
    "Estudando"... turns mere ideological target practice into surreal and kaleidoscopic musical theater. [9 Apr 2006]
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  14. The New York Times
    70
    He's both analytical, distilling songs down to essential parts, and whimsical in his fondness for funny noises. [10 Apr 2006]
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  15. Rolling Stone
    70
    Its dizzying counterpoints, seductive crooning and orgasmic yelps will definitely heat up your next cocktail party.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Album of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 52
  3. Negative: 6 out of 52
  1. AnselmoR.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    JUST PUSH AND PLAY.
  2. BillyS.
    May 23, 2007
    6
    Really Tom Zé is a perfect Brazilian artist.
  3. PaulaG
    Jan 16, 2007
    10
    Tom Ze is a genious! I saw Pagode's concert last year in London and it was quite amazing!
See all user reviews »