This eclectic compilation released by the Japan Football Association throws together pop, rock, funk and dancey Brazilian soccer anthems to accompany the emotional rush of the World Cup.
The album includes catchy hits from major pop and rock stars including Fatboy Slim, The Village People, Rod Stewart and Chumbawumba. Most of the tracks are upbeat, groovy and easily digestible. Many also feature skilled use of live instruments, such as the rhythmic bongos and funky trumpets of “Reach Up” by Perfecto Allstarz, and the chorus of soulful saxophones in Hans Dulfer’s “Mickey Mouth,” which jive nicely with the tune’s shuffling break-beats. The hypnotic female vocals in Champ United’s “Samba de Janeiro” anthem pull listeners in, making them wish they could understand those sexy Portuguese lyrics.
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