Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais
Wilson Simonal
1963

Why This Album Matters
Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais, released in 1963, marks the recording debut of one of the most charismatic and talented singers in Brazilian music. This album stands out for presenting a smooth, confident, and vibrant vocal style, which moved away from the then-dominant purism of bossa nova, to incorporate elements of Brazilian 'Rat Pack' pop, jazz, and orchestral arrangements. The record paved the way for Simonal's unique sound, characterised by contagious energy and rhythmic eclecticism. Although rooted in samba, the work demonstrates a fusion with other styles, offering a more 'communicative' and swing-filled musical proposition for the era, which would become a premonition of what would later be known as pilantragem.
Context
Before releasing his first LP, Wilson Simonal had already built a reputation as a singer in Rio de Janeiro's nightclubs, performing in iconic venues such as Beco das Garrafas, where he performed rock, calypso, and contemporary Brazilian songs. His initial rise was propelled by Carlos Imperial, a composer and producer who discovered him and led him to television appearances. The record label released singles in 1962 and 1963 to test Simonal's receptiveness to different musical styles before the release of his debut album.
Recording
The album Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais was released by the Odeon/EMI record label in 1963. The production of the original LP was handled by Milton Miranda. Lyrio Panicali was the musical director and responsible for the album's orchestral arrangements, with Z. J. Merky acting as recording supervisor and J. Ribamar as producer. The technical details of the original LP release, however, did not credit the musicians who participated in the recordings.
Songs
The repertoire of Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais is composed of twelve tracks that explore a variety of styles, with a focus on samba and bossa nova, but always with Simonal's unique interpretation. The album includes "Balanço Zona Sul", by Tito Madi, which became the singer's first major radio hit and one of the album's most notable songs. Other renowned composers contributed to the album, such as Marcos Valle and Paulo Sérgio Valle with "Tudo De Você", Roberto Menescal and Ronaldo Bôscoli with "Telefone", Luiz Bonfá and Maria Helena Toledo with "Menina Flor", and Rildo Hora with "Menino Triste". The songs demonstrate Simonal's ability to navigate different sounds, delivering each song with his characteristic powerful voice and charisma.
Legacy
Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais was a significant success, especially driven by the song "Balanço Zona Sul", which projected Simonal onto the national stage and earned him great exposure. The success of the album and "Balanço Zona Sul" led Simonal to perform at the prestigious Beco das Garrafas between 1964 and 1965, an important hub of Brazilian music at the time. The record consolidated the foundation for Simonal's future career, as he would become one of the great names in MPB, with a style that fused samba, soul, and pop, evolving into what he would call "pilantragem".
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Lyrio Panicali
José Ribamar da Silva
Z. J. Merky
Reny R. Lippi
Ademar Rocha
Paulo Tito
Milton Miranda
Ricardo Galeno
Mafra
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

The 500 Greatest Brazilian Albums of All Time
Ricardo Alexandre · 2022
The election was spearheaded by journalist Ricardo Alexandre, creator of the Discoteca Básica podcast. Ricardo consulted 162 specialists including journalists, YouTubers, podcasters, musicians, record-shop owners and producers. The result was published 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
Considerada a biografia mais completa e aclamada de Wilson Simonal, escrita pelo renomado jornalista musical Ricardo Alexandre. A obra detalha a vida, a ascensão meteórica, a evolução musical (incluindo seus primeiros trabalhos como 'Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais'), o carisma único e a controversa queda do artista, oferecendo um panorama essencial para entender sua trajetória e obra.
Analyses
Tem "Algo Mais" 1963 (468/500) Cãotural - bastter.com
bastter.com
Com sua "camisa verde claro e calça saint-tropez", Wilson Simonal botou sua "banca muito natural" e se consagrou como um dos mais populares cantores brasileiros entre os anos 1960 e 1970, quando lotava estádios e reinava no rádio e na televisão.
WilsonSimonal - revistas.usp.br
revistas.usp.br
Dois anos depois, lançou o seu primeiro LP, Wilson Simonal tem algo mais. Cantor versátil e eclético, Simonal significava a "autêntica" conexão entre o morro e o asfalto, cantando, nessa primeira fase, músicas de uma bossa-nova renovada, com voz poderosa, quente e sincopada.
Discogs
Wilson Simonal Tem Algo Mais – Discogs
discogs.com