julia mestre: maravihosamente bem
Francisco Espregueira
Spotlight on Maravilhosamente Bem, the potent and woman-centered third album from the multifaceted Brazilian artist Julia Mestre. Already celebrated as a member of the Latin Grammy-winning supergroup Bala Desejo, Mestre shines brightly in her burgeoning solo career, where her singular artistic vision and captivatingly soft, sultry vocals take center stage. This nine-track collection sees Julia delving into diverse characters and sonic palettes, drawing inspiration from the emotive landscapes of '80s ballads, the rich tapestry of Música Popular Brasileira (MPB), the infectious energy of pop, and the shimmering grooves of disco productions.
At its heart, Maravilhosamente Bem is a love-song-driven LP, playfully holding a mirror to cherished memories, artfully reimagined through Julia's contemporary lens. The album is steeped in affection and nostalgia, paying heartfelt homage to iconic female disco divas like Donna Summer and Sade, alongside Brazilian queens such as Alcione, Lady Zu, Rita Lee, and Marina Lima. The influence of these legends is woven throughout, with a magical guitar gifted by the late Rita Lee appearing in the video for the lead single, 'Sou Fera', and Marina Lima herself lending guest vocals to the mantra-like 'Marinou, Limou'.
Across the album's sublime tracks, Julia masterfully channels a lo-fi '80s ballad aesthetic while navigating a spectrum of themes. From the seductive whispers of vintage horror-inspired tunes like 'Vampira' and 'Pra Lua' to the delicate vulnerability of love lullabies in 'Sentimento Blues' and 'Cariñito', and the confident embodiment of a disco diva on dance anthems such as 'Veneno de Serente' and the title track 'Maravilhosamente Bem'. A hidden gem lies in the 'Interlúdio dos Amantes', a lush instrumental suite that gracefully leads into the Sade-esque beauty of 'Seu Romance'. Produced by Julia alongside longtime collaborators, Maravilhosamente Bem marks a thrilling new chapter in her musical journey, a sensational showcase of her creative versatility and cementing her status as one of Brazil's brightest stars. Available on inyl, ocurtesy of Mr. Bongo (ROW) and Altafonte (Portugal & Brazil).