Timeless is Ageless

Sergio Mendes’ latest album, Timeless, is a comeback on a grand scale, with lots of contemporary artists involved. The Roots and Jill Scott contribute to the rich blending of Brazilian beats with pop, hip hop and soul found on this album, produced by the Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am.With so many musical styles represented, there’s no real coherence to Timeless. Mendes’ weak presence is lost amongst the big names and will’s influence. The infectious “Mas Que Nada,” a song Mendes made famous 40 years ago, blends the old with the new. It’s reworked with the Peas’vocals, as they sing, “The Black Eyed Peas play it funky fresh y’all and we won’t stop til we get y’all singin…” It’s lively and sexy.

“Please Baby Don’t” is a lovely, up-tempo song written and performed by John Legend. He sings, “You should run while you can/Find yourself a better man/’Cause I’m known for brief romance.” It’s classy and charming but other than the samba groove, Mendes seems forgotten.

The same can be said of “Loose Ends,” an eloquent anti-war song co-written and performed by Justin Timberlake. Mendes’ sound is relegated to the background as Pharoahe Monch raps, “Missiles hit civilian villages/and they ease the pain with narcotics/I’m scared but I’m trying to remain patriotic.” Timberlake sings, “Father, forgive us for we know not what we’re doing.” It’s reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” in sentiment and sound.

Timeless could be called ageless, as it’s designed to appeal to many. You may not like every song. But don’t worry, the next track will be very different, and you’ll likely love it.