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I'm absolutely smitten with Seu Jorge, but I have to say was a little disappointed with this album, which seemed altogether darker and not as exciting as his previous attempt on "Carolina". While it does contain some gems, such as the English-language "Don't", I would not recommend this as a first Seu CD, try "Carolina" or even lookup his amazing work on the "Life Aquatic" soundtrack first, develop your taste for him and then try this album... I'd say buy it only if you're a hardcore Seu Jorge fan...
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I own Carolina and the Life Aquatic Soundtrack. This album "Cru" is closer to the Life Aquatic soundtrack than it was to Carolina.
Cru is much more laidback and more of a chill-out album. The songs include quite a few monkey(?) sounds in the background, which is actually kind of funny and adds to the whole tropical feeling.
I love Seu Jorge's voice. It's very hypnotic and mellow. He could be on his way to becoming the new century's Brazilian Bob Marley. And no longer being an Import, it's affordable - so pick it up!
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From the first notes of the cavaquinho on "Tive Razao," you may realize there's a lot more to Seu Jorge, than his whispered versions of vintage Bowie tunes in "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" soundtrack, and by the time you hear his version of "Chatterton" -Serge Gainsbourg's song- you'll be convinced that the breadth of this guy's music is remarkable.
Although, Jorge's arrival in the Brazilian popular music scene is rather recent -discovered, you may say, for his role in 2002's City of God- and this is only his second album, the material included here already shows a singular and mature voice, at ease with honoring Bossa tradition -"Fiore De La Citta" and "Una Mujer"- as well as mixing new sounds -"Bem Querer" or Elvis's old hit "Don't."
This is an intimate album where ballads and memories from his early life in a Favela -the name given to the poor neighborhoods you'll find in all major Brazilian cities- predominate, and his singing elevates them to small gems, counting "Sao Gonca" and "Bola De Meia" in addition to those mentioned before.
All in all, a gorgeous album that can be considered quiet yet also fierce. I think of Seu Jorge as a young descendant of the Tropicalia movement, perhaps not as groundbreaking musically but just as strong on his commitment to acknowledge Brazil's social ills.
PS: You can find my in-depth review at futurosity.com
Rating:  -
Seu Jorge was once a homeless kid in a Brazilian slum just outside of Reio de Janeiro. He spent years developing his talent with music and theatre, eventually landing a part of Knockout Ned in "City of God" which proved to be his first big break. Cru is the solo album debut that introduces Seu Jorge with his distinctive voice with an accompaniement of acoustic guitar and percussion. This superbly produced and enthusiastically recommended CD album features Tive Rzao (I Was Right, 4:32); Mania De Peitao (Large Chested Mania, 2:35); Chatterton (3:52); Bem Querer (My Dear, 3:21); Don't (3:06); Sao Gonca (4:22); Bola De Meia (Sock-filled Ball, 5:25); Una Mujer (4:37); Eu Sou Favela (I Am Favela, 2:27); and two bonus tracks, Mania De Peitao (Jamais Plus Jamais Mix, 2:51) and Tive Razao (Valtair Mix, 4:39).
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Seu Jorge is a natural performer - his performance in City of God shows you what it's like to be righteous at all costs, his performance in A Life Aquatic shows you what it's like to sing even if no one gets it, and his performance on Cru does both of these and much more. He's truly a unique performer. He reconstructs samba, batucada & hip-hop with a flare that is truly Brazilian.
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