Universo ao Meu Redor

Marisa Monte

2006

Cover of Universo ao Meu Redor
Top 100

Why This Album Matters

Universo ao Meu Redor, released in March 2006, is Marisa Monte's sixth studio album and stands out for its deep immersion in the samba atmosphere. The work reflects the artist's genuine curiosity to rescue and celebrate an incredible repertoire, often present only in oral tradition, which risked being lost. The album is focused, in Marisa's own words, on the essence of samba, exploring recurrent themes such as love, nature, music itself, the human condition, the singing of birds, the backyard, and coexistence through art. It features a careful blend of new tracks, some written by Marisa herself in collaboration, and re-recordings that highlight the genre's richness.

Context

Universo ao Meu Redor was released in 2006, simultaneously with the album Infinito Particular. Before the recording, Marisa Monte had already established close contact with Rio de Janeiro samba, particularly through her interaction with the Velha Guarda da Portela and research work carried out in 1999 for one of their albums. This initial experience deepened her knowledge and directed her towards extensive research into the genesis of samba and its oldest composers, such as Jaime Silva, Argemiro, Dona Yvonne, Casemiro, Moraes, and Galvão.

Songs

The album features an interesting fusion of classical and contemporary compositions. In it, sambas over fifty years old by authors such as Jaime Silva and Dona Yvonne Lara join more recent productions by Adriana Calcanhotto, Paulinho da Viola, Arnaldo Antunes, Carlinhos Brown, and Marisa herself. Two tracks stand out for their unique characteristics: "Statue of Liberty" features special appearances by Fernandinho Beat Box, David Byrne on English vocals, and Marisa herself playing the ukulele. Meanwhile, in "Meu Cantinho", Marisa Monte explores the sound of the kalimba, adding a unique texture to the song.

Legacy

Universo ao Meu Redor sold 250,000 copies in Brazil, receiving double platinum certification. Despite its success, it was Marisa Monte's first album not to reach the top position on the Brazilian charts, as Infinito Particular, released on the same day, debuted at number one. The album was widely recognised, winning several important awards, including the Latin Grammy in the Best Samba Album category. At the TIM Music Awards, Marisa Monte was honoured in the Best Samba Singer and Best Popular Vote Singer categories. To promote this work and Infinito Particular, the artist embarked on the acclaimed Universo Particular Tour, which toured the world between 2006 and 2007.

Rankings

Tracks

Credits

Executive-Producer

Cíntia Carvalho

Producer

Mario Caldato Jr., Marisa Monte

Product Manager

Leonardo Netto

Engineer

Guilherme Calicchio, Marcio Barros

Mastered By

Bernie Grundman

Recorded By

Andres Levin, Dadi, Guilherme Calicchio

Recorded By, Mixed By

Mario Caldato Jr.

Design Concept

Gringo Cardia

Books

Analyses

Discogs

Universo ao Meu Redor – Discogs

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