Rogê Curyman II
Released Nov 22, 2024 Diamond West Records
Early read 2 professional reviews Updated Dec 29, 2025
Broadly positive consensus
Early read based on 2 professional reviews. Rogê's Curyman II arrives as a warm, musicianly tribute to Brazilian roots that critics say largely succeeds at marrying nostalgia with fresh vitality.
How ChoruScore worksCritics' Top Tracks
The songs critics returned to most
100% Samba
2 critic mentions
“100% Samba,” the lead single off of Rogê ’s Curyman II LP, could easily be construed simply as one such celebration” — Pitchfork
A Revolta Dos Malês
2 critic mentions
“A Revolta Dos Malês” provides a retelling of the biggest slave revolt in Brazil’s history” — Pitchfork
Rio de Janeiro a Janeiro
2 critic mentions
“Rio De Janeiro e Janeiro” (with horns from Menahan Street Band’s Leon Michels and Dave Guy) lists the indigenous names of many Rio locales that sound downright gorgeous” — Pitchfork
Full critic consensus
Rogê's Curyman II arrives as a warm, musicianly tribute to Brazilian roots that critics say largely succeeds at marrying nostalgia with fresh vitality. Across professional reviews, the record's vintage-soulful production and attention to musicianship place songs like “100% Samba”, “A Revolta Dos Malés” and “Rio de Janeiro a Janeiro” at the center of its appeal, where pulsing cuica, sunlit horns and playful arrangements give the album its immediate charm.
The critical consensus, reflected in a 78.5/100 score across 2 professional reviews, highlights how Rogê balances samba revivalism with modern touches. Reviewers consistently praised the warm retro hooks on standout tracks such as “100% Samba” and “A Rã”, and noted Arthur Verocai-style orchestration on pieces like “O Topo Do Coqueiro” and “Rio de Janeiro a Janeiro”. Critics agree the record's best moments turn nostalgia into discovery, pairing exuberant rhythms with lyricism that sometimes excavates Brazil's historical textures.
That praise is not unqualified - while both reviews emphasize the album's strengths in arrangement and atmosphere, they also imply the record's reverence for tradition could feel comfortably familiar rather than radically forward-looking. Still, the consensus suggests Curyman II is a rewarding continuation of Rogê's engagement with samba and bossa nova, worth listening to for its standout songs and carefully wrought musicianship. Read on for full reviews and track-by-track notes.
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
Curyman
100% Samba
A Lenda Do Abaeté
O Topo Do Coqueiro
Rio de Janeiro a Janeiro
A Força
A Rã
Old Diamond West
A Revolta Dos Malês
Vida Voa
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What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 2 critics who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
Rogê returns with Curyman II and the best songs - notably “100% Samba” and “A Rã” - make clear why this is the best songs on Curyman II: warm, retro hooks and playful arrangements. The reviewer's voice revels in the record's lovingly detailed musicianship and vintage production, praising how tracks like “Old Diamond West” and “Vida Voa” turn nostalgia into fresh listening. It reads as a heartfelt homage to samba and bossa nova, with modern synth touches that keep the best tracks feeling immediate rather than merely reverent.
Key Points
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The best song is "100% Samba" because its warm, retro hooks and vibrant tribute anchor the album.
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Curyman II's core strengths are finely produced arrangements, strong musicianship, and a successful blend of nostalgia with modern touches.
Themes
Critic's Take
On Rogê's Curyman II, the best tracks are the ones that wear Brazil on their sleeves. “100% Samba” pulses with cuica and ancestral roots, while “A Revolta Dos Malês” turns history into triumphant song. In short, the strongest moments balance celebration and excavation: exuberant samba alongside reckonings with Brazil's past.
Key Points
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“100% Samba” is the best for its ecstatic celebration and grounding in samba's African roots.