Name: As Palavras Vol. 1 and 2
Brand: Rubel

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

MRBLP306

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2024-05-03

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

7119691298214

Total Cap

Black LP

MRBLP306P

Pink

Extended format: Yes

7119691298917

Pink LP

MRBCD306

2024-10-11

7119691298320

9999

Artist

Rubel

Genre GB

Latin / South American 

Label GB

Mr Bongo

Mr Bongo is a British label that was founded in 1989. Originally located in a small record shop of the same name, it later moved to various locations in Soho and Shibuya, Japan. In 1999, the label's office was relocated to Brighton and its London & Shibuya shops were closed in 2003. However, a new shop was opened in Brighton in 2016. Since 2004, Mr Bongo has expanded into the world of cinema and also has a publishing division that produces and licenses music for third parties.
The label's rich history and diverse range of music make it an influential player in the industry. With its extensive catalog and commitment to quality, Mr Bongo continues to be at the forefront of discovering new talent and delivering exceptional music experiences.
Label Code: LC 12527

Some albums are game-changers in a genre.

 Take OutKast's Speakerboxxx / The Love Below or Primal Scream's Screamadelica, they observe, study, and then flip what an album can mean to a genre or moment in time. 

From the very first listen of Rubel's Latin Grammy- nominated third album As Palavras, Vol. 1 &amp; 2, you can feel its transformative force for the MPB genre. Here we see one of Rio's brightest stars, fusing the contemporary with the classic, soaking up the richness of Brazil's musical heritage. The result is a marauding 20- track epic, incorporating traditional styles such as forro, MPB, pagode and samba with modern baile funk, rasteirinha and hip-hop. 

The album exudes a sense of freedom and creativity, playfully and provocatively juggling the familiar with the forward-thinking. The tracks are divided across two records, navigating feelings of love, heartbreak and discovery, whilst balancing themes of violence, passion, irony and affection. Collaborating with some of the country's most esteemed artists such as Gabriel do Borel, Liniker, Luedji Luna, Tim Bernardes and Ana Caetano, Rubel takes this fusion of styles, subjects and favours to the global stage. 

The grand, forro-blending, choral opener, 'Forro Violento (Instrumental)' sets the tone for the album, with references and links between tradition and modernity everywhere to be seen. From the Ana Frango Eletrico produced, funk flexing, samba-soul brilliance of 'Nao Vou Reclamar de Deus', to the album's title cut 'As Palavras', in collaboration with Tim Bernardes, that melds MPB influences with electronic elements and hip-hop touches. 

Across both sides of the album, Rubel's story-telling gift is given space to shine. 'Torto Arado' featuring Liniker and Luedji Luna, beautifully references the racial injustice, tragedy, hope and ambition found in one the most celebrated Brazilian novels of recent times by Itamar Vieira Junior. Elsewhere, 'Na Mao do Palhaco' manifests a satirical march about a suicidal conservative middle-aged man, who is rescued by the miracle of the carnival. 

At times the album is gentle and intimate with tracks like 'Toda Beleza' featuring Bala Desejo, or the ode to friendship 'Lua de Garrafa', composed with the legendary Milton Nascimento. At others, the grooves hit harder, with sounds from the favelas laced within. 'Put@ria!', explores the universe of baile funk, with BK' and MC Carol trading off on the mic, as 'Rubelia' moves between reggaeton, funk, and hip hop. The latter is a tribute to a key influence of the album, Spanish star Rosalia and her parallel mix of current with classic. 

Ultimately though the beauty of this album lies in its concept. In the midst of a country divided, 'As Palavras Vol. 1 &amp; 2' sets out to bring together genres and generations, grounded in rhythms and words that have helped define Brazil through the ages.

As Palavras Vol. 1 and 2

Music GB

Discover As Palavras Vol. 1 and 2 by Rubel on vinyl records from Mr Bongo. A transformative album blending traditional Brazilian styles with modern influences.