AMG Review of As Canções de Eu Tu Eles

Philip Jandovský
All Music Guide

This fine and interesting CD is the soundtrack of the movie #Eu Tu Eles (Me You Them) and also a tribute from Gilberto Gil to Luiz Gonzaga, one of the most influential Brazilian artists during the 20th century. Gonzaga is widely known as the King of the Baião, and played a key role in developing and popularizing the different music styles of the Brazilian Northeast, such as baião, xote, and forró. Very much true to rugged, unpolished sound of the original versions, yet managing to add his own unique and personal style, Gil interprets several Gonzaga classics such as "Assum Preto," "Asa Branca," "Juazeiro," and "Qui Nem Jiló." Gil also wrote a few songs of his own especially for this movie soundtrack, such as "As Pegadas do Amor" and the nice and mellow "Lamento Sertanejo." Gil also interprets songs by other baião artists, such as the excellent and vibrant "Esperando na Janela" (written by Manuca, Raimundinho do Acordeon, and Targino Gondim), which was a major hit in Brazil in 2000. This is one of Gil's best albums since the '70s and also a very authentic and down-to-earth tribute to the old masters of the popular music of the Brazilian Northeast region.