Customer Reviews

Bird of Paradise

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Period. Djavan's Bird Of Paradise DEMOLISHES every single American album i've ever heard in my ENTIRE LIFE. Effortlessly. Let's begin with the first track, Carnaval In Rio. Poetic, thought-evoking and almost dreamy in it's serene atmosphere, Djavan will make you feel like you're in a new world. You'll almost feel like heaven has a radio station and it's going through your stereo. Next there's Bird Of Paradise, a stunning, romantic and soothing song (and it's in English). This song exemplifies Djavan's ability to weave a serene mood within your heart. It makes almost every other supposed love song out to be like a puny joke in comparison. No, forget that; there is NO comparison. Next is Apple (Maca). This song is not only strong in harmony, melody and motif, but also in, yet again, poetry. Let's take a line from the song... "...From your scent I became intoxicated, I destroyed Casablanca and revolted against Nicaragua, after the mess over there in Iran... Your kiss is New York, that's what Apple really means..." Now, the song is not in English, but the album comes with all the translations for every song. Even without translation, the song stands on two legs very well and merges with personality to boldly paint you a picture in sound unlike what you've ever heard before. Next, my personal joy, Real. How can I even BEGIN to describe it... It's aurally romantic and melodically fantastic! It's (effortlessly) one of my top 3 favorite songs of all time. Everything about this song is perfect. PERFECT. There is no faults whatsoever. The rhythm, melody, singing, lyrics, emotion... it's ASTOUNDING! A true reason to believe that the new American music is DEAD and this is how you REALLY make MUSIC. I don't care if it's not in English. It's the universal language of music and that is how any REAL music lover approaches any and every song. Period. The song Real is like communication with my heart and imagination, as if the song is a being that Djavan created and it wishes to share it's heart and time with me. Needless to say, it has succeeded! Next, Djavan calmly and quitely sneaks into your emotions with Madness (Doidice). This song is great and is notably more relaxing than most of the other tracks, if not all. A great song through and through. Next is Stephen's Kingdom, a song about slavery towards the black race. "...too young to remember, how it came to pass that black became the enemy..." This song is in English and is a great example of Djavan's ability to adapt to any situation and make great music about it. He can change the rules whenever he wants. I can go on and on (The awesome pop-ish Take Me, the way Djavan takes a simple song, I Will, I Won't, and aggrandizes it to supreme greatness, etc.) but there's simply no accurate way to describe Bird Of Paradise. The best description will be within the listener. For me, it stands as one of the greatest albums ever recorded and is truly the one to start with. I suggest you pick up Malasia, Puzzle Of Hearts, and Seduzir as well. Djavan stands as of the greatest singers and song-weavers of all time. EVER!

If anyone wants to get to know Djavan and his music this is the album to get, I got mine almost 10 years back and when I still listen to this album today it is still as refreshing as when I had first bought it. Other recommended albums include 'Malasia', 'Novena', 'Coisa de Acender', 'Bicho Solto XIII'.

I discovered Djavan's enticing & entransing music while listening to Jazz living & growing up in Southern Calif. & attending college. This CD is definitely a smart choice for lovers of Brazilian music & world jazz. Djavan is a perfect diamond found among a region of lush beauty & mystery. Tania Maria is another favorite, but let's not get me started going on about her too. I hope you'll be as extremely satisfied with Bird of Paradise as I was when I bought it years ago. I also recommend 'A Twist of Jobime' from the Verve label - they've done a wonderful job there too. Enjoy & Ciao!

In Portugues or English, The album will hit you. One of my all time favorite albums. I lost one and got another stolen. I replaced it for a third time and if something happens to this copy, I will replace it again. What does that tell you? Go out and buy it.Hip Hop, Clubheads, Whatever your flavor, makes no difference. Totally hot.

Ah, the music of Brazil! I can't imagine anyone finding this review who isn't in on the secret. This is a fine album, just as the other reviewers said. Also try Ivan Lins or Rosa Passos (if you're lucky enough to find her.)Another great album is Kenny Rankin's Brazilian CD entitled Here In My Heart.

I remember hearing the title track years ago so I went looking for it on itunes but I couldn't find it. I googled it and here it was. I remember this guy swept most of the awards on the Latin Grammys and he has received special mention in the music business and on other Latin award shows. I've been a fan since my school days in southern California. I used to have "Bird of Paradise" on casette tape years ago, so it was nice to find it in CD format.

This is Brazil's Djavan at his best. The song Miss Suzanna, alone, is worth the price of the c.d. What a wonderful, and distinctive, voice this man has.

I first heard this album in 1989, and have been a massive Djavan fan ever since. I have had to track down his albums in Europe and Singapore though (Sony Malaysia has stopped importing Djavan's albums) and of course, about 4 albums bought via Amazon.com.

Djavan's passion for the unusual sets this album apart, and though by now I have about 8 albums from him in total, this is in my top two picks (the other being Milagreiro).

This is one of the few albums where Djavan has also sung in English and though I appreciate being able to understand him when he does so, I still prefer it when he sings in Portuguese.

Romantics will love Miss Susanna, a sad tale of forbidden love between slave and his Master's daughter (the song is in English) while lovers of irregular rythms will like Me Leve.

Djavan is an exceptional artist. I have read reviews of his work....some classify his work as jazz...I do not have the knowledge to classify...all I can say is "excellent".

I like to listen to good music, and good transcends classifications. This CD did.

Oh, and I should say that I heard it before I bought it, and then bought it for myself and as a gift for a friend.

So...If I bought two copies, obviously I liked it. Sorry to all who read this review...I'm not an expert, I just loved this CD Oh, and I edited this review a bit....the dvd "Au Vivo" (hope I spelled it right) is wonderful, literally......Chris

I have been looking for this disc while in Brazil and in the United States. My persistence paid off, as this recording was worth the wait. I have played the entire disc several times each day, but my favorites are 1. Carnival in Rio; 2. Bird of Paradise; and 3. Miss Susanna. Each time I listen to this disc, I am taken back to the land of sand and samba-my beautiful Brazil. Bravo, Djavan, for taking me there!