Severino
Os Paralamas do Sucesso
1994
Why This Album Matters
Released in April 1994, Severino is Os Paralamas do Sucesso's seventh studio album and represents a landmark of artistic courage and experimentation in the band's discography. Moving away from the radio-friendly pop that had consolidated their career, the trio delved into more complex sounds and lyrics with strong sociopolitical themes, which made it an unusual work and, for many, "strange and sombre" on first listen. The work stands out for its profound influences from Brazilian Northeastern culture and music, especially inspired by the poetry of João Cabral de Melo Neto, most notably in "Morte e Vida Severina". The band sought a more radical aesthetic, which many critics compared to the 1960s tropicalista movement, for the way it fused tradition and modernity, combining regional rhythms with experimental and avant-garde rock. The album not only challenged the expectations of fans and the market but also expanded the band's musical horizons, with bold arrangements that included everything from conventional instruments to unusual PVC pipes and power drills.
Context
The album Severino emerged during a period of transition for Os Paralamas do Sucesso and for Brazilian rock. Preceded by the album Os Grãos (1991), which was "misunderstood", and Herbert Vianna's solo album, Ê Batumaré (1992), the band was seeking a new direction. The early 1990s were not particularly favourable for national rock, with the music scene dominated by genres such as sertanejo and axé music. In this context, Os Paralamas opted for a strategic and risky approach, embracing the rich influences of Northeastern music at a time when Bahian axé music was nationally exploding. Furthermore, Brazil was experiencing a turbulent political period, soon after the impeachment of Fernando Collor de Mello, which was reflected in a feeling of bitterness and disillusionment permeating society. The band, already popular in other Latin American countries, saw in Severino an opportunity to position themselves artistically and reclaim a cultural heritage.
Recording
The recording of Severino took place in England, between December 1993 and February 1994, under the direction of renowned producer Phil Manzanera. A former guitarist for the legendary band Roxy Music, Manzanera was known for his experimental approach and his work with diverse artists, and he showed great interest in producing Latin bands for the EMI record label at the time. The choice of Manzanera and the recording location was not by chance, reflecting a "green light" from the record label for the band to explore new sonic frontiers. The international collaboration not only added a global dimension to the project but also allowed Os Paralamas to access production expertise that aligned with the bold and experimental vision that Herbert Vianna, Bi Ribeiro, and João Barone had for the album.
Songs
Severino is a sonic mosaic where the songs reflect a deep connection to Brazilian culture and social reality, with a focus on Northeastern themes and sociopolitical lyrics. The song "O Rio Severino" exemplifies this approach by using irony to expose the contrast between the elite who praise the country and the marginalised population suffering from governmental negligence, addressing issues such as lack of sanitation, illiteracy, and social exclusion. The album is also notable for its collaborations and atypical instrumentation. The track "El Vampiro Bajo el Sol" features the legendary Queen guitarist Brian May on a striking solo, and a collaboration with Argentinian musician Fito Páez. Tropicalista Tom Zé contributes to the authorship of "Músico" and participates vocally in "Navegar Impreciso", alongside Jamaican poet Linton Kwesi Johnson, a track considered "almost unclassifiable" due to its originality. The album cover, in turn, reproduces an embroidered cloak by Sergipean visual artist Arthur Bispo do Rosário, reinforcing the album's aesthetics and message.
Legacy
Commercially, Severino was initially a "failure" in Brazil, selling only 55,000 copies, which contradicted the band's history of expressive sales. However, the album received a much warmer reception in Argentina, where it was released as Dos Margaritas, selling 51,000 copies and ranking among the year's best-selling albums in the country. Critics at the time considered it Os Paralamas' "strangest and most sombre" work, and initial reviews ranged from mixed to negative, given its complexity and lack of obvious hits. Despite its discreet commercial performance in the domestic market, the Severino tour was a success, which ultimately led to the successful live album Vamo Batê Lata (1995) and the subsequent Nove Luas (1996), which reconciled the band with audiences and critics in Brazil. Over time, Severino has been re-evaluated and has gained "cult work" status in Os Paralamas do Sucesso's discography, with All Music Guide, for instance, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars. In recognition of its artistic importance, the album was re-released on LP in September 2019, commemorating its 25th anniversary.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
João Augusto
Mario Ruiz
Phil Manzanera
Chico Neves
Kevin Lamb
Charles Rees, Jamie Johnson, Porl Young
Gringo Cardia
Egeu Laus
Bispo Do Rosário
José Fortes
Mauricio Valladares
Videos
"Severino" - Os Paralamas do Sucesso | Melhores discos brasileiros dos anos 90 | Alta Fidelidade
Alta Fidelidade
João Barone: As histórias de "Os grãos", "Severino" e "Vamo batê lata" | Entrevista |Alta Fidelidade
Alta Fidelidade
Films
Books
1,2,3,4! Contando o tempo com Os Paralamas do Sucesso
João Barone · 2024
A história de uma das bandas mais importantes do rock e da música brasileira, Os Paralamas do Sucesso, é narrada de um ponto de vista único e privilegiado: o do baterista João Barone. Os mais de 40 anos de estrada do grupo são contados com sinceridade e detalhes, proporcionando uma visão aprofundada da trajetória da banda, o que certamente inclui o álbum 'Severino', lançado em 1994.
The 500 Greatest Brazilian Albums of All Time
Ricardo Alexandre · 2022
The election was spearheaded by journalist Ricardo Alexandre, creator of the Discoteca Básica podcast. Ricardo consulted 162 specialists including journalists, YouTubers, podcasters, musicians, record-shop owners and producers. The result was published as a 200-page hardcover book, with graphic design by Fernando Pires.
Analyses
Severino – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Os Paralamas do Sucesso: 30 anos de "Severino"
bcfblogculturaefutebol.blogspot.com
Com um trabalho repleto de melodias incomuns para os discos do grupo, "Severino", na época, foi mal recebido, tanto por críticos e parte dos fãs, o que fez dele um fracasso comercial.
Paralamas: gravadora disponibiliza em primeira mão, o clássico ...
tmjbrazil.com.br
Lançado em 1994, o sétimo disco d' Os Paralamas do Sucesso entregava suas influências já no nome: Severino.
Severino - Os Paralamas do Sucesso - 1994
banzai.substack.com
É um álbum que se posiciona sobre vários dos problemas estruturais do Brasil. A luta de classes e o abismo social explicitados na faixa inicial "Não me Estrague o Dia" e o grito dos desesperados e dos revoltados em "O Rio Severino" são as críticas políticas mais óbvias.
Os Paralamas do Sucesso - Severino (1994)
musicasdonordeste.net
Lançado em 1994, o sétimo disco d'Os Paralamas do Sucesso entregava suas influências já no nome: "Severino".
Discogs
Severino – Discogs
discogs.com