Originally released under the name Samba Esporte Fino, Carolina is Seu Jorge's debut full-length. The vibrant, contemporary combination of samba and funk, backed by guitar, bass, drums, percussion, and horns, is central to the 2002 album, and there are plenty traces of '70s artists like Jorge Ben and Gilberto Gil on the expressive 12-tracker. Perhaps best known for his work on Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (he did Portuguese covers of David Bowie records for the soundtrack and starred in it) or his role as Knockout Ned on City of God, the Brazilian artist's ability to create fun, upbeat rhythms and melodies shines on Carolina; check out the title track, "Chega no Suingue," "Mangueira," "Tu Queria," "O Samba Tai," and "De Alegria Raiou O Dia."

• music label: Mr Bongo 2002

reviewed by kanim 11/2016