After the critical success of 2002's City of God, producer/director Fernando Meirelles went on to produce a television show with the same actors entitled "City of Men." Now in 2008, with director Paolo Morelli (a collaborator on the television show) Meirelles has produced City of Men, something of a sequel to City of God and a transition from small screen to large screen of the popular show. Staying consistent throughout, composer Antonio Pinto has been involved with all three projects, providing distinct and memorable soundtracks.

His efforts on this soundtrack are especially impressive, though. Clocking in at just over half an hour, the soundtrack for City of Men is no lengthy examination of chords and melodies. The songs average between a minute and a half to two minutes, and though it's clear that there's a general vibe throughout, the genre stylings of the songs are varied and diverse.

Beginning with a brief sound clip from the film (entitled "Madrugadao No Mar"), listeners will already feel the rhythms of Latin America as the dialogue itself seems to flow to an internal beat. This rhythmic tone is immediately augmented by the first musical track "Vietnam A Brasileira," a hip-hop infused beat-driven piece that manages to capture the grit and realism of the violence in the film, while also maintaining a level of artistry that is mirrored in the cinematography of the film.

Tracks like "O Poligamo" feature modernistic moments (like the scratching of a turn-table) combined with an upbeat and quick string instrumentation that carries the piece. Other more percussive tracks, such as "Laranjinha E Acerola" are almost entirely drum-driven, and reminiscent of African drumming in their complicated and expressive percussiveness. Then there are quieter tracks like "Cade O Clayton" that falls somewhere in between the two, utilizing elaborate drumbeats and subdued bass guitar riffs.

The closing theme, "A Cidade Dos Homens (Corpo Fechado)," a solemn duet, throws in elements present throughout the rest of the album, and succeeds in bringing the album to a resonant close. Though thirty minutes isn't the most music ever to be put on a soundtrack, it's quality and not quantity that Pinto is going for here, and he pulls it off brilliantly.

Zach's Rating: A

Perfect For: A rhythmic soundtrack that will move more than just your hips

Stay Away if: You only speak English and want your music to, too

Buy This on Itunes: "Vietnam A Brasileira" - Antonio Pinto and Rappin' Hood