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Originally recorded in 2019, I Was Told To Be A Quiet by MOMO is enjoying a reissue, and will be available on vinyl for the first time. A Brazilian born artist, MOMO is a multilingual singer, as well as a multi-instrumentalist. I Was Told To Be Quiet is a meditative, but also expressionistic work that features lyrics in English, Portuguese, and French. It’s an eclectic record that shows an international songwriter at both the height of his artistry and still yet to meet his full potential. The concept of an album that is so multi-textured and competently written coming to vinyl, is genuinely exciting.
On the surface, “Mes Yeux Creves,” sounds gentile, romantic, and with a dash of surrealism. When you realize the title roughly translates to, “gouge my eyes out,” you get a slightly altered vibe. Plush, whimsy, but never rudderless, MOMO loses himself in this performance, but never floats too far from us. This track is reticent of the subtle sophistication that MOMO effortlessly exudes. The arrangement will have you lost on a cloud with no desire to be confronted by a reality outside of your own design.
“Marigold” is sang in a mixture of French and English, with the verses in the former and the chorus in the latter. MOMO’s voice is nothing short of a revelation here; a bluesy texture blended with a soft soprano. You were my Marigold/we were so happy/we were meant to be together/you and I. “Marigold,” shifts from a concentrated narrative to a beautiful love song with an undertone of heartbreak. MOMO’s vocal performance on this one, should be 101 for all aspiring and professional singers.
This is so unfair/and it’s so fucked up, is the opening line to the show stopping, “Stupid Lullaby.” Often time we deliver words from our minds to achieve optimal impact, but it’s our hearts that say what we truly feel. The scope and emotional pull of this track is difficult to fully articulate. Some may see it as a simple ballad, but in many ways it is a protest song. One of the tracks from the album that is sang entirely in English, MOMO’s accented performance distinguishes an already chill inducing piece. The drums don’t even kick in until the 3 minute mark. Just when you thought you had this song figured out, it changes the questions.
Regardless of when this album was originally recorded, it feels absolutely timeless. MOMO is the type of artist that is so criminally overlooked, that you usually have to discover him accidentally. His sophisticated style of singing and his emotional nudity are what most artists would die for. While this record is generally thoughtful and introspective, there is still an organic energy it produces.
Aside from some superficial Cat Stevens comparisons, MOMO is unlike anyone you have heard before. His handle on three separate languages should be some sort of record, no pun intended. Experiencing this record on vinyl will only serve to exacerbate a lingering ecstasy.
Jennifer Munoz
