Album Review: Soothe Me by Marboo Whisnant – A Funky Time Capsule from 1975 Portugal
If you’re into the kind of music that makes your shoulders shimmy and your feet tap without even thinking about it, Soothe Me by Marboo Whisnant might just be your next obsession. Released in 1975 on the Finger label, this Portuguese gem blends Funk, Soul, and a splash of Disco to create an album that feels like stepping into a smoky club where everyone’s dressed to impress.
The opening track, “I Love You,” grabs you right away. It’s got this infectious groove that sneaks up on you—smooth basslines paired with lush horns that feel like sunshine breaking through clouds. The vocals? They’re not perfect, but that’s what makes them stick. There’s a raw honesty here, like Marboo is singing directly to someone special in the room. You can almost picture couples slow-dancing under disco lights, completely lost in the moment. This one stays with you long after the needle lifts off the record.
Then there’s the title track, “Soothe Me.” Man, does this song live up to its name. It starts with a gentle piano riff before easing into a rhythm so laid-back it practically whispers, “Relax, everything’s gonna be alright.” The interplay between the guitar licks and the soft percussion gives it a hypnotic vibe. About halfway through, the backing vocals kick in, adding layers of warmth that wrap around you like a cozy blanket. It’s simple yet effective—a tune that proves sometimes less really is more.
What strikes me most about Soothe Me is how effortlessly it captures the essence of its time while still feeling relevant today. Sure, it doesn’t have the polished production we’ve come to expect from modern albums, but maybe that’s part of its charm. Its imperfections give it character—you know, the kind of thing that streaming playlists often lack these days.
Here’s the kicker though: who would’ve thought Portugal was dropping funky disco vibes back in ’75? Not many people talk about this scene, which makes Soothe Me feel like finding hidden treasure at a thrift store. If you’re lucky enough to stumble across this album, grab it. And hey, if nothing else, it’ll make for some killer dance moves at your next house party.
