A collection of
Vicente Barreto's earliest seven albums (recorded since 1980),
O Melhor de Vicente Barreto brings just a little of this violonista's (acoustic guitar player's) instrumental ability, better represented in his "Hein?" (with
Tom Zé). On the other hand,
Vicente Barreto is a celebrated composer, having been recorded by artists like
Quinteto Violado and
Ney Matogrosso, and this album still is capable of evidencing that. Its general atmosphere is cool yet subtly swinging, with the flavorful Northeastern modes always present, but best represented by "Deolinda" (
Barreto/Chico César). "Menino Pandeiro" (
Barreto/
Paulinho Pedra Azul) is a sample of the trendy samba produced with an eye for the dance market, where the association with
Wilson Simoninha and Jairzinho Oliveira is instrumental. "Suinguiando o Coração" (
Barreto/J.C. Costa Netto) is another modern samba, heavily influenced by
Jorge Ben's samba-rock of the '60s.
Barreto's biggest hit, "Tropicana" (recorded by the co-writer, Alceu Valença), is presented in its samba-reggae version. Also has an unedited song, "Cisma" (with Costa Netto), that was presented by
Barreto in TV Globo's Festival de Música Brasileira in 2000. A good introduction for
Barreto's work, where his evident talent is not submerged in excessive commercial effort.