Saudade do Brasil
Elis Regina
1980
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Released in 1980, Saudade do Brasil is an emblematic double album in Elis Regina's discography, representing the studio recording of her acclaimed eponymous show at Canecão. This work is not merely a document of Elis's electrifying performance, but a profound artistic statement, which solidified her position as one of the greatest voices and interpreters of Música Popular Brasileira. The record exalts the traditions of MPB in a constantly changing musical landscape, highlighting the vocal mastery and interpretative intensity that made her legendary. Saudade do Brasil is a testament to the peak of an already brilliant career, presenting Elis as a superstar and an innovative artist. The selection of its repertoire is notable, addressing timeless social themes such as economic crisis, urban violence, environmental issues, and hope, which resonate deeply even decades after its release. Elis's ability to infuse each song with a passion and relevance that transcend time is one of the pillars that make this album an indispensable landmark in Brazilian culture.
Context
The release of "Saudade do Brasil" in 1980 occurred during a crucial period in Brazilian history, when the military dictatorship was already showing signs of weakening and the country was moving towards redemocratisation. Elis Regina, an artist notoriously critical of the regime, used this show and, consequently, the album, as a platform to rekindle a sense of belonging and national pride, rescuing Brazilian symbols that had been appropriated and distorted by the authoritarian rhetoric of the dictatorship. The project arose from Elis's perception that Brazil had lost touch with its own identity, and she sought to awaken a dormant feeling in the people. It was her first major show since "Transversal do Tempo" (1978), and Elis's political engagement was evident, including her affiliation with the Workers' Party in the same year. "Saudade do Brasil" captured the spirit of a country searching for its essence, becoming a powerful expression of hope and resistance.
Recording
Although the album Saudade do Brasil is the studio recording of the magnificent show presented at Canecão, its conception was meticulously planned to capture the essence of the live performance, but with the precision of a recording environment. The double album, recorded in April 1980, was carefully produced by Guti and César Camargo Mariano. César, in addition to being a producer, was the musical director and arranger for all tracks, exerting a decisive influence on the album's sound. The show that inspired the album was ambitious, featuring elaborate costumes and sets, an orchestra of thirteen musicians, and a cast of eleven dancers who also acted and performed backing vocals. This scenic and musical richness was transposed to the studio, resulting in a work of "unquestionable high calibre" in terms of recording, arrangements, and performances. Initially, the double LP was released in a special print run of only 25,000 copies, reflecting its artistic importance and making it a rare item. A more compact version, with 12 tracks, was also made available.
Songs
The repertoire of "Saudade do Brasil" is a celebration of the richness of Brazilian music, with Elis Regina interpreting works by a vast array of renowned composers, many of whom she herself helped to launch. The album fluidly transitions between vibrant numbers like "Terra de Ninguém", "Maria, Maria" and "Agora Tá!", and deeply intimate interpretations of songs such as "Conversando no Bar", "Onze Fitas" and "Aos Nossos Filhos". The choice of songs, which includes names like Milton Nascimento, Gonzaguinha, Fátima Guedes, Sueli Costa, Ivan Lins, Tom Jobim, Ary Barroso and even Rita Lee and Juca Chaves, demonstrates Elis's boldness and innovative mind. Through each track, such as "Alô, Alô Marciano" or "Redescobrir", she not only sings but narrates the country's recent history and reflects on Brazilian identity, addressing social issues with an intensity that makes the lyrics resonate with passion and relevance. The premise of the show and the album was "saudade for something that is alive", a longing for a present Brazil that could be reconquered, and not for something lost.
Legacy
"Saudade do Brasil" is widely recognised as a watershed moment in Elis Regina's career and in Brazilian popular music. Released less than two years before her premature death, the album became one of her last great works and consolidated her artistic legacy. The special edition of the double LP, limited to 25,000 copies, bestowed upon it a status of rarity and cult classic among collectors. More than a commercial success, "Saudade do Brasil" was a significant political and cultural act in the context of Brazil's redemocratisation. The show and the record aimed to rescue the national identity and symbols of the country that had been co-opted by the military dictatorship, offering a "delusional fantasy of living a democracy in the tropics". The excellence of the performances and arrangements, under the direction of César Camargo Mariano, ensured that the album remained an undeniable favourite among fans and critics, perpetuating the memory of "Pimentinha" as a visionary who, through her art, launched and interpreted songs that shaped the careers of many great Brazilian composers.
Tracks
Credits
César Camargo Mariano
César Camargo Mariano, Guti Carvalho
Gregorio Gomes Nogueira, Rogerio Costa
Albino Saré, Brasília, Carlos Nabarrete, Jorge Bueno, Jorge Deffune, Luiz Antonio Marigo, Orlando Barros, Regina Machado, Rosaly Papadol, Serjão, Waltinho
Kzam
Sagica
Paulo Garfunkel
Chiquinho Brandão
Natan Marques
Sergio Henriques
Chacal
Carlos Vergara, Ruth Freihof
Lino Simão
Octavio Bangla
Bocato
Claudio Faria, Nonô Camargo
José Sartori
Vitor Farias
César Camargo Mariano, Guti Carvalho, Vitor Farias
Carlos Vergara
Paulo Vasconcellos
Podcasts
Vinilteca · José Ono Junior e Guilherme Colpani
Em 1980, Elis Regina esteve em cartaz no Canecão com o show Saudade do Brasil. O espetáculo gerou um disco duplo, gravado em estúdio, com 20 canções. Relembramos mais esse marco da carreira discográfica de uma das maiores vozes femininas do Brasil. A Vinilteca é um projeto que nasceu no YouTube em 2016 e migrou para o rádio e para o podcast, com apresentação dos atores e colecionadores de discos
Videos
"Saudade do Brasil" - Elis Regina | Melhores discos brasileiros dos anos 80 | Alta Fidelidade
Alta Fidelidade
Films
Furacão Elis
Furacão Elis
1985
Documentary about Elis Regina, presented by Marília Gabriela.
Elis & Eu
Elis & Eu
Based on the book 'Elis and I: 11 years, 6 months and 19 days with my mother', written by João Marcello Bôscoli, the film seeks to deconstruct the myth and reveal Elis as a woman, mother and professional.
Elis
2016
The film tells the story of the energetic and pulsating singer Elis Regina since her arrival in Rio de Janeiro at age 19 until her tragic and early death. Despite all the difficulties, success comes fulminant and the life of Elis Regina gained national and international recognition, becoming undoubtedly considered today the greatest Brazilian singer of all time.
Elis Regina: Doce de Pimenta
2007
She mesmerised the crowd. The first sight would rapidly disappear and anyone who would get closer would also be surprised. It is not known if she did it for "beauty or precision", as Guimarães Rosa used to say. But the truth is that stereotypes would be destroyed as soon as she would fetch her followers. And revelations would unfold. Behind her suavely acute and toned voice, there was a deep tone that only few could reach. Behind her humble upbringing, there was an uncommon sensibility and intelligence. Her disguise was her irrepressible technique. Elis was pure emotion. And singing was not her final objective, she really wanted to make people happy. This film honours Elis and creates a singular portrait of Brazil's biggest star.
Elis Regina: Falso Brilhante
2007
Elis was complete, she had all the attributes which differentiated simple artists from stars. She could enchant crowds in her albums, concerts and in video. Her music was always associated to the stage, site she mastered with brilliance. Throughout her career, these stages would open to her, from the radio days to the Montreux Jazz Festival. This film shows her magic relationship with stage and audience. And also the Bandeirantes theatre, her last stronghold. There she shone in life with her greatest success in theater, the show 'Falso Brilhante', which is also presented and entitles this film. There her body was veiled and her audience went to meet her for the last time, now for a farewell.
Books
Os 500 Maiores Álbuns Brasileiros de Todos os Tempos
Ricardo Alexandre · 2022
The largest Brazilian music election ever conducted: 162 specialists, spanning journalists, critics, musicians, producers and podcasters, each nominated 50 essential albums, supported by a masterlist of more than 2,000 works. Led by Ricardo Alexandre with tabulation by Sérgio Jomori, it was published in December 2022 as a 200-page hardcover book with graphic design by Fernando Pires.
Elis Regina: Nada Será Como Antes
Julio Maria · 2015
“Elis Regina: Nada Será Como Antes” is a detailed and acclaimed biography of the life and career of the Brazilian singer Elis Regina, written by journalist Julio Maria. Published in 2015, the book offers an in-depth insight into her artistic trajectory, including analyses of her albums and performances, and will certainly address 'Saudade do Brasil' as part of her final and impactful discography, being considered one of the most complete and updated biographical works on the artist.
Analyses
Saudade do Brasil – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
MUSICA&SOM: "Saudade do Brasil" (Warner, 1980), Elis Regina
tabernanovostempos.blogspot.com
Composed by Rita Lee and Roberto de Carvalho especially for Elis Regina, the song humorously and mockingly critiques social, political, and economic crises, highlighting the decline of the elite (high society) amidst the chaos and disorder sweeping across the Earth.
40 anos do álbum "Saudade do Brasil", de Elis Regina - GZH
gauchazh.clicrbs.com.br
It was far from being merely a 'protest album' against the dictatorship; rather, it could be called a conceptual album, with transitions in mood and humour that portray facets of a country and its people.
No dia dos 80 anos de Elis Regina, eis 80 gravações que atestam ... - G1
g1.globo.com
♫ Here are 80 recordings that attest to the greatness of Elis Regina's immortal singing, with the song titles, the names of the respective composers, and the years in which the tracks were presented on the...
Cliquemusic : Disco : SAUDADE DO BRASIL
cliquemusic.com.br
Elis Regina (1980) 1980 Elektra/WEA Tracks 1 Abertura (César Camargo Mariano) Arrastão (Edu Lobo-Vinicius de Moraes) Lapinha (Baden Powell-Paulo César Pinheiro) 2 Terra de ninguém (Paulo Sergio Valle, Marcos Valle) 3 Maria, Maria (Milton Nascimento, Fernando Brant) 4 Agora tá (Sergio Natureza, Tunai) 5 Alô, alô Marciano (Roberto de ...
