London, UK - Seu Jorge has a new album entitled Cru, which will be available September 6, 2005, released on Wrasse Records. The music on Cru (which translates as Raw) is driven by Jorge’s voice, and while the most obvious accompaniment is acoustic guitar and percussion, there is a subtle electronic presence at times as eerie as a musical saw. Other times the acoustic percussion hints at a hip-hop beat. But the mostly-bare production allows the voice and soul of Jorge to shine through, not too different from a kind of Nick Drake universe.

Jorge was once a homeless kid in a favela (Brazilian slum) outside of Rio de Janeiro. By age ten, Jorge was repairing tires to help support his family. Having spent years turning his energies to music and theater, Jorge landed the part of Knockout Ned in City of God, the film that put an international spotlight on favela life, poverty, and violence. This untainted, street credibility shows through whether Jorge is on screen or on stage.

The song “Eu sou Favela” translates to “I am the Favela,” and is as political as the lyrics get; unless you count “Mania de Peitão,” which rails against the use of silicone breast implants.

While the melody of love song “Tive Razão” make it the stand-out track, some listeners will be drawn to Jorge’s cover of Serge Gainsbourg’s “Chatterton” or Elvis Presley’s “Don’t.”

Seu Jorge will be making a a North American tour in September 2005.

[Buy Cru].