Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2
Wilson Simonal
1968
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2, released in 1968, is an essential record of Wilson Simonal's musical vitality, consolidating his vibrant style that blends samba, bossa nova, and soul, characterised by what he himself called 'swing'. The album exemplifies the singer's golden era, when his charismatic performance and refined vocal technique placed him among the most prominent names in MPB. It is a work that radiates Simonal's infectious energy and singular musicality, an artist who redefined the way Brazilian popular song was interpreted with an unmistakable rhythm. This work is not merely a continuation of its predecessor's success, but an affirmation of the 'pilantragem' sound that Simonal helped to popularise, a genre that embraced Brazilian rhythmic diversity with international influences, delivered with vocal virtuosity and a stage presence (transposed to the record) that captivated the audience. The album's full title, Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 ou Quem Não Tem Swing Morre Com a Boca Cheia de Formiga, already anticipates Simonal's irreverence and trademark.
Context
At the time Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 was released, Wilson Simonal was already a consolidated star in the Brazilian music scene. Having started his career in the 1960s, he hosted high-rating television programmes, such as Spotlight on TV Tupi and Show em Si... Monal and Vamos S'imbora on TV Record. His move to TV Record in January 1966 placed him on the largest Brazilian TV channel of the era, known for its musical programmes that encompassed everything from bossa nova to jovem guarda. This context of wide visibility and success paved the way for the release of an album that reflected his popularity and the innovation of his style, 'pilantragem', in a culturally effervescent Brazil.
Recording
The production of Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 featured Milton Miranda as production director, while the musical direction, arrangements, and orchestrations were handled by the talented Cezar Camargo Mariano. Jorge Teixeira Da Rocha was the sound engineer responsible for the recording. There are reports that the album featured a greater quantity of brass instruments than indicated in the technical specifications, in addition to the participation of an uncredited string orchestra, which suggests a richness and sonic complexity that surpassed what was detailed in the album's information.
Songs
The album features a diverse repertoire that solidifies Simonal's style, including notable tracks such as "Sá Marina", a composition by Antonio Adolfo and Tibério Gaspar, which would later achieve international recognition when re-recorded by Sérgio Mendes and Stevie Wonder under the title "Pretty World". Other prominent songs are "Zazueira", by Jorge Ben (Ben Jor), and "Recruta Biruta", penned by Nássara, Alberto Ribeiro, and Antônio Almeida. Simonal also collaborates on the composition of "De Como Um Garoto Apaixonado Perdoou Por Causa De Um Dos Mandamentos", alongside Nonato Buzar and Chico Anísio. The song selection highlights the artist's versatility in transitioning between sambas, ballads, and compositions with strong popular appeal.
Legacy
Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 is an important piece in Wilson Simonal's discography, reflecting his artistic and commercial peak in the 1960s. Although there are no specific sales or award data for this volume in isolation, Simonal's popularity at the time and the success of his music, including songs from this album such as "Sá Marina", which transcended borders, attest to the work's relevance. The album is part of the collection "Na Odeon: 1961-1971", an 8-CD box set that compiles Simonal's work on the label, indicating the historical value attributed to his output during this period. Subsequently, the album was re-released in compilations, such as the 2003 CD "2 Em 1: Alegria, Alegria - Vol. 2 & Alegria! Alegria! Vol. 4", demonstrating continuous interest in his work.
Tracks
Credits
César Camargo Mariano
Lyrio Panicali
Milton Miranda
Jorge Teixeira Da Rocha
Z. J. Merky
Reny R. Lippi
Moacyr Rocha
Studio Maitiry
Films
Simonal
2019
A phenomenon of popularity in the 1960s, Wilson Simonal saw his meteoric career fall apart when he was accused of collaborating with the Brazilian military dictatorship.
Simonal: No One Knows How Tough It Was
2009
In a time of timeless and revolutionary talents, Wilson Simonal shined as nobody before and innovated as only a few could. All of a sudden, everything vanished. This film maps the spectacular trajectory of the ex-Army corporal that ruled as a monarch, and was condemned to ostracism for an offense to which he pleaded not guilty.
Books
Os 500 Maiores Álbuns Brasileiros de Todos os Tempos
Ricardo Alexandre · 2022
The largest Brazilian music election ever conducted: 162 specialists, spanning journalists, critics, musicians, producers and podcasters, each nominated 50 essential albums, supported by a masterlist of more than 2,000 works. Led by Ricardo Alexandre with tabulation by Sérgio Jomori, it was published in December 2022 as a 200-page hardcover book with graphic design by Fernando Pires.
Nem vem que não tem: a vida e o veneno de Wilson Simonal
Ricardo Alexandre · 2009
This is widely recognised as the definitive biography of Wilson Simonal. The book offers a detailed overview of the artist's life and career, from his early successes to his controversial later decades. It covers his musical work in depth, including the albums released in 1968, such as 'Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2', contextualising them within his artistic and personal trajectory.
Analyses
Alegria Alegria Vol 2 | Wilson Simonal
wilson-simonalbz.bandcamp.com
about Wilson Simonal dropped that fire again with Alegria Alegria Vol 2 - pure vibes, full of soul and rhythm 💥 to catch every track or just dive into similar groovy sounds, someone just gotta hit up this link 👉 dubn.fun/lqjs 🎶 get your hands on wilson simonal's alegria alegria vol 2 and feel the vibe! you can download it or just listen online, super easy. this 1968 gem mixes samba ...
Alegria! Alegria! Vol.2 (Wilson Simonal) - theshfl.com
theshfl.com
"Alegria! Alegria! Vol. 2" is an example of pilantragem, a Brazilian musical movement that gave us absolutely pleasurable arrangements and the contagiously fun interpretation of Wilson Simonal — the star of the album and also the personification of the pilantragem music. "Alegria! Alegria!
Blog da Música Brasileira: 1968 - Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 ou Quem Não ...
blogdamusicabrasileira.blogspot.com
And what better way on this first day of the new year than to bring the charisma, talent and a bit of the story of one of the biggest names in the history of Brazilian music, the Rio-born Wilson Simonal.
Wilson Simonal - Alegria, Alegria Vol. 2 (1968)
musicasdonordeste.net
This historic encounter, which was immortalised at the end of the 1996 tour with a show recorded at Canecão (RJ), had two more volumes, without the presence of Alceu Valença. Now, two decades after the launch of the project that has already sold over 2 million records, Alceu reunites...
