Sergio Mendes

After spending years crafting slick American soft rock and bedroom R&B, Brazil's Sergio Mendes returned home to record this 1992 set. Brasileiro balances a tough, street carnival sound and often thunderous drums with warm samba grooves. The only complaint is the heavy inclusion of group sing-alongs. While this may give the disc an authentic carnival feel, those vocal choirs tend to become faceless after a while. Thankfully, Mendes also provides room for solo vocalists as well.