Zeca Pagodinho - Zeca Pagodinho (CD)

All Music Guide

Member of the younger generation of the purest lineage of sambistas of the Carioca hills, Zeca Pagodinho has the hit "Vai Vadiar" on this release and other excellent compositions in genuine samba styles such as partido alto, samba de roda, arrastapovo, and others, with the exciting samba percussion, the typical sevenstring violão bass lines, cavaquinhos, etc. Velha Guarda da Portela appears on the album, subscribing with its venerable accomplishments a younger talent. The compromises imposed by execs can be heard in the first track, which flirts dangerously with the "pagodinho romântico," and in a couple of tracks with sugary keyboards. Fortunately the listener can find the real thing in the other 13 tracks.

- Alvaro Neder, All Music Guide