Jorge Ben - Força Bruta [UK Import]

Jorge Ben's Força Bruta is a sun-warmed samba soul gem from 1970, arriving here as a UK import that sounds like a long, easy night in Rio.

Backed by the percussion trio Trio Mocotó and produced by Manoel Barenbein, Ben cut the album in largely unrehearsed night sessions in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The title translates as brute force, a wry joke given how relaxed the music is, and some listeners have heard it as a sly nod to the tension of life under Brazil's military dictatorship.

The grooves are hypnotic and acoustic-led, Ben's chiming guitar weaving around cuíca, hand percussion and his soft, conversational vocals. "Oba, Lá Vem Ela" opens with an irresistible swing, while "Charles Jr." stretches out into a loose, six-minute groove. "Mulher Brasileira" is a sweet tribute to the women of Brazil, and "Terezinha" adds a playful, lilting charm.

That blend of samba rhythm and soul feel is often cited as an early blueprint for samba rock, a sound that would shape Brazilian pop for decades.

A cult favourite among crate diggers, it is one of Ben's most quietly brilliant records, perfect for slow afternoons and long evenings alike, and a fine companion to his better-known hits.