Search - Djavan :: Bird of Paradise

One of the greatest achievements in music EVER!

07/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!
"

Whole different LEVEL by himself

XoticAlofa | 09/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Typically Djavan

Derek Wong | Singapore | 01/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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'."