Luz

Djavan

1982

Cover of Luz
Top 100

Why This Album Matters

Luz is the fifth studio album by the acclaimed Brazilian singer and songwriter Djavan, released in 1982, and represents a fundamental milestone in his discography. The work was immediately recognised by critics as a project that brought a 'shine to the ears and eyes', consolidating what, for many, was the most avant-garde in Brazilian music of the time. This album is a notable fusion of romantic ballads and swinging songs, with sophisticated arrangements and jazz harmonies. It stands out for featuring eternal classics of the national songbook, such as 'Samurai', 'Pétala', 'Açaí', 'Sina', 'Esfinge', 'Capim', and the title track 'Luz', which were immediately recognised by the public and critics. With a pop touch and impeccable production, Luz is a work that transcends generations.

Context

In 1982, Djavan received an invitation from the record label CBS, later Sony Music, to expand his career into the United States. This invitation included the opportunity to release his music in the American market and, significantly, to record his new album in studios in the USA. This transition marked a moment of international projection for the artist.

Recording

The recording of Luz took place in American studios, under the production of Ronnie Foster, a prominent name in soul music at the time. This international collaboration contributed to the polished and sophisticated sound of the album. During the recording period in Los Angeles, the song 'Samurai' was composed, featuring the special participation of American musician Stevie Wonder, who recorded a harmonica duet with Djavan.

Songs

The album Luz is a mosaic of striking compositions, all written by Djavan, which are divided between romantic ballads and more rhythmic tracks. Among the standout songs are the pop ballads 'Pétala' and 'Açaí', in addition to 'Nobreza' and 'Banho de Rio', which were accompanied by orchestras, adding a layer of instrumental richness. In the segment of swinging tracks, the album shines with 'Luz', 'Capim', 'Sina', 'Samurai', 'Esfinge', and 'Minha Irmã'. The work is praised for its interesting harmonies and melodies, with arrangements clearly influenced by jazz, which gives the songs a timeless complexity and freshness.

Legacy

Luz was critically acclaimed from its release. The newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo praised the album, stating that it brought a 'shine to the ears and eyes' and represented the most avant-garde in Brazilian music. Alvaro Neder, from the AllMusic website, rated the album 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting the division between romantic songs and swinging tracks, as well as the jazz-influenced arrangements. Mauro Ferreira, from the Notas Musicais website, awarded the album 5 out of 5 stars, defining it as a 'pop explosion'. He stated that Luz was the album that transformed Djavan into a 'superstar' through impressive sales, a string of hits, and the excellent use of the technological resources of the era.

Rankings

Tracks

Credits

Arranged By

Luiz Avellar

Arranged By

George Del Barrio

Arranged By, Conductor

Moacir Santos

Producer, Keyboards

Ronnie Foster

Vocals, Written-By, Acoustic Guitar

Djavan

Bass

Abraham Laboriel

Congas, Claves, Caxixi, Crotales, Shekere

Luis Conte

Cowbell, Caxixi, Tambourine, Congas, Triangle, Surdo, Temple Block, Pandeiro, Bongos, Claves

Café

Drums

Harvey Mason

Piano

Jorge Dalto

Trombone

Bill Reichenbach

Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Gary Grant, Jerry Hey

Engineer

Keith Seppanen

Mastered By, Lacquer Cut By

Bernie Grundman

Cover

Lobianco

Photography

Monique Gardenberg, Todd Gray, Zé Nogueira, sam emerson

Photography

Fernando Carvalho

Podcasts

Episódio 33 - Disco: Luz - Djavan

Sons e Histórias · Daniel Queiroz

57 min·31 Aug 2022

Raildo Vasconcelos, Junior Beatle e Daniel Queiroz contam curiosidades em comentam o disco "Luz" do cantor e compositor Djavan lançado em 1982

Clássicos VFSM #053 - Djavan: "Luz"

Vamos Falar Sobre Música?

41 min·16 May 2022

“Luz” é o quinto disco de estúdio de Djavan e um dos seus maiores sucessos de público e crítica. Gravado em 33 dias nos Estados Unidos, “Luz” traz alguns dos maiores hits da carreira do artista alagoano, como “Samurai”, “Sina”, “Açaí” e a própria faixa-título. Esse é um marco importante para a internacionalização de Djavan, pois “Luz” contou com produção de Ronnie Foster, uma lenda do soul e do ja

Especial Mês da Consciência Negra #4 - A luz de Djavan (part. de João Camilo)

PodCália · Gigola

1h 9min·25 Nov 2021

“Eu espero que o Brasil e o mundo se deem conta do que eles têm em Djavan”. O ano era 1982 quando o produtor musical americano Ronnie Foster escreveu esta mensagem. A esperança dele não era vã: era Djavan. Que, aos 33 anos, aterrissava em Los Angeles para gravar um disco o qual, quase quatro décadas depois, comprova cada vez mais aquilo que o Brasil e o mundo já se deram conta. Não haveria como aq

DJAVAN - Luz (1982)

Mpb Importance - O Podcast Da Mpb · Anderson Heredia

1h 8min·15 Jul 2023

Nesse episódio falamos sobre um dos melhores artistas da nossa mpb, Caetano Vianna, ou melhor, Djavan e seu disco de estreia na CBS.

Videos

DJAVAN - LUZ (1982) | ALBUM REVIEW

Vinilteca

LUZ! O IRREMEDIÁVEL NEON DE DJAVAN!!!!

Canal Musicália

"Luz" - Djavan | Melhores discos brasileiros dos anos 80 | Alta Fidelidade

Alta Fidelidade

DJAVAN: 40 ANOS DE "LUZ" E INÍCIO DA CARREIRA INTERNACIONAL | ALBUM REVIEW

Som de Peso

LUZ (1982) | DJAVAN - Por que este DISCO impulsionou a TALENTOSA carreira de DJAVAN?

A MÚSICA, O FILME E O LIVRO

Films

Books

Analyses

Discogs

Luz – Discogs

discogs.com