Afinal

Alaíde Costa

1963

Cover of Afinal
Top 100

Why This Album Matters

The album Afinal, released in 1963, marks a significant point in the discography of Alaíde Costa, one of the most singular and stylish voices in Brazilian Popular Music. Recognised for her very distinctive timbre, impeccable pitch, and extremely tasteful repertoire, Alaíde consolidated her artistic identity, already outlined in previous albums, with this work. Her soft and confident voice lends profound interpretation to the romantic and melancholic songs characteristic of her style. The relevance of Afinal also lies in the fact that it is the first album to feature a composition exclusively authored by her, the title track "Afinal", demonstrating her facet as a composer. The album is part of a period of diversification of her repertoire, maintaining the slow cadence and lyricism that became her unmistakable signature in MPB.

Context

Prior to the release of Afinal in 1963, Alaíde Costa had already established a solid career, formally begun in 1955. She was one of the precursors of Bossa Nova, actively participating in the movement's initial meetings and recording with prominent names such as Tom Jobim, João Donato, and Vinicius de Moraes. Her first two LPs, Gosto de Você (1959) and Alaíde Canta Suavemente (1960), already reflected this connection with the new genre. The year 1963, when Afinal was released, also marked the singer's move to São Paulo, following her marriage to announcer Mário Lima. This period represented a phase of artistic maturation and expansion for Alaíde, who began to diversify her repertoire beyond strict Bossa Nova, whilst maintaining the romantic and measured essence that characterised her.

Songs

The main particularity of the album Afinal lies in its title track, "Afinal", which represents the first composition exclusively signed by Alaíde Costa in her discography. This song not only names the album, but also illustrates the artist's authorial facet, as she had already been composing since she was 17. The album's repertoire, generally speaking, aligns with Alaíde Costa's hallmark, prioritising romantic and melancholic songs, delivered with a slow, measured rhythm. Afinal reflects the evolution of her musical choices, diversifying from a predominantly bossa nova focus to include other nuances of Brazilian song, always with the elegance and interpretive depth that are characteristic of her.

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Credits

Vocals

Alaide Costa

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