A Step Up from "Timeless"
"Timeless", released in 2006, was a welcome return for Sergio Mendes. I hadn't really followed him much since his album a full ten years before that one titled "Oceano". He used an approach similar to the Oceano and "Brasileiro" albums of the 90's. That is, utilize the talents of some of the budding new talents of the time and put out a nice quality album. On Timeless, he produced the album with Will-I-Am of the black eyed peas, and had a similar approach but more hip-hop/R&B influenced, rather than contemporary as the older 90's albums. I think the key to enjoying this and "Timeless" is to take them as they are. A melding of different musical styles and cultures. It's not like his old music from circa' the 70's. I think some people might be surprised how big R&B and rap and hip-hop are in Brasil; at least in the cities... a lot of my friends in the interior like forro, pagode, etc. but even then like hip-hop, etc.

This one stacks up nicely. In fact, I liked this one better than "Timeless". One of my main criticisms of Timeless was that it felt like I didn't always feel enough of Sergio's influence, if that makes sense. But here you can definitely hear more of Sergio's unique sound and production work which makes it feel so Brazilian. I liked the beat to "Waters of March", sung in English by Ledisi. "Oda-Ya" was funky enough, featuring Carlinhos Brown, a super producer in Brasil whom Sergio actually featured in his old "Brasileiro" cd, and was a part of Tribalistas. For some reason the rhythm reminds me a bit of Jairzinho. I also really dug "Somewhere in the Hills", sung by Natalie Cole. An Antonio Carlos Jobim staple, she did a very nice job. "Dreamer", featuring Herb Alpert and Brasil 66 member Lani Hall was also very beautiful. Another top song on this album was "Catavento". Simply beautiful, featuring Gracinha on vocals, and Toninho Horta on guitar. For good measure there's also a healthy dosage of cuica. Wonderful rhodes as expected and a very nice, easy bossa in some parts. More than maybe any of the other songs on this album, it's the closest to her features on "Oceano" or "Brasileiro". they have a near magical musical connection, Sergio and Gracinha.

There were other very good songs too, like "Acode" with the very talented (and Goooossssstosa Vanessa Da mata) and "Y Vamos Ya" featuring Colombian icon Juanes. It's a very nice album. There's much less hip-hop/rap in this, and it goes down much smoother. But I understand this might be a downer to some, and to be honest the one song I didn't really care much for was the rendition of "The Look of Love". Otherwise, I certainly recommend this. Classy guests all around bsides the artists mentioned. Even Joao Donato appears! Especially if you were similar to me with the last album and wanted a few more songs like "Timeless" and "Samba Da Bencao" or "Consolacao" for example. A nice job by Sergio and will-i-am, who I think hit on the concept a bit more here with less samples, etc. If you do get this and like it, check out Timeless and you might also like Sergio's "Brasileiro" album from 1992 as well. For another artist, check out Marcos Valle too.

In a year where we sadly lost a legend (Dorival Caymmi), it's wonderful to hear a new album from Sergio Mendes.

Lackluster
Got excited each time Sergio Mendes releases an album as I have been a fan since his Brasil'66 days. Uptempo, jazzy, bouncy, catchy, pulsating
and many more descriptions could not describe his works. The uber excellent "Brasilero" is still his benchwork in tune with today's upbeat music. "Timeless" with old and new collaboration is also a great classic. Then,we expected more. And now "Encanto" only fulfilled 50 percent of my expectations. The first six tracks got me going, then, it slowed down after to typically Brazilian jazz/samba mood. Wow, what happened. The best and outstanding track is "Lugar Comum" with Jovanatti rapping in Italian and I could not stop tapping my feet.
What a fresh feel. Overall an enjoyable album.

Ok CD but not the quality of music from Sergio Mendes
I've been a hugh fan of Sergio Mendes for the last 25 years and pretty much all CD's are really great except for maybe a few.
And this one for me is one that fell in the category of average to below average for someone like Sergio Mendes.
You might be a little disappointed if what you have in mind is the smooth jazzy bossanova type of music typical from Sergio Mendes.

VERY NICE....BUT NOT QUITE AS NICE AS TIMELESS
Sergio and Will.I.Am back at it again. This album has a much stronger Brazilian backdrop than Timeless did; and the organization, content and structure of the album are a little more mature. Featured artists such as Natalie Cole, Herb Alpert, and Ledisi show the maturity and growth in assembly and production. The album is one that can definitely be played through with continuity and will be overly enjoyed. I would give the album 4 Stars. In analyzing my rating, please be aware that I am disposed to comparing this album with Timeless and I am just a bigger fan of Timeless.

Incredible Album
I haven't listened to S.M. since the 60's. This is a fantastic collection and I can't stop listening to it; even my teenagers are hooked. The Look of Love includes one of the lowest, deepest bass lines I have ever heard (in a real song)...it rattles your gut. Highly recommended...I don't know anyone that wouldn't enjoy this music. Totally infectious.