Vale Tudo
Sandra Sá
1983

Why This Album Matters
Released in 1983, Vale Tudo established itself as one of the essential Brazilian boogie-funk albums of that decade, often hailed as Sandra Sá's masterpiece. The record delves deeply into the distinctive sound of 80s national boogie and funk, presenting a vibrant fusion of rhythms that defined the era. Sandra Sá's powerful voice and charisma intertwine perfectly with the sophisticated arrangements, creating a captivating auditory experience full of 'suingue'. The exquisite production and the participation of a stellar team of musicians and producers elevate Vale Tudo to a level of excellence, making it an undeniable classic for lovers of Brazilian black music. The album not only solidified Sandra Sá's position as one of the greatest artists of the genre but also represented a crucial moment in the evolution of MPB's sound with international soul and funk influences, yet maintaining an undeniably Brazilian identity.
Context
Sandra Sá's musical trajectory began in the late 1970s, and she had already released her first two studio albums in 1980 and 1982, which featured hits such as "Demônio Colorido" and "Olhos Coloridos", becoming instant classics in Brazilian music. She emerged as one of the most expressive voices of the national soul movement, following in the footsteps of pioneers such as Cassiano and Luiz Melodia. The early 80s period was particularly fertile and productive for Sandra Sá, marking an ascending phase in her career. Vale Tudo, her third work, arrived at a time when the artist had already achieved recognition, but was still seeking to consolidate a sound that would distinguish her, which was masterfully achieved on this record.
Recording
Vale Tudo was conceived with the collaboration of a true 'dream team' of musicians and producers, who were fundamental to the album's distinctive sound. Lincoln Olivetti, a central figure in the architecture of Brazilian boogie and funk sound of the era, played a crucial role in the arrangements, writing, and musical execution of various tracks. In addition to Olivetti, the record featured the prowess of talents such as Robson Jorge, Serginho Trombone, Oberdan Magalhães, Claudio Stevenson, Jamil Joanes (recognised for his work with Banda Black Rio), and Junior Mendes. Banda Vitória Régia acted as the backing band, and arrangements were divided among several names, including Tim Maia himself on the title track, Serginho Trombone on "Trem da Central", and Lincoln Olivetti on tracks such as "Candura" and "Pela Cidade".
Songs
The repertoire of Vale Tudo presents a collection of songs that range from the most danceable funk and boogie to moving ballads. The title track "Vale Tudo", an energetic and fast-paced duet, was written by Tim Maia and featured his special participation, having been composed specifically to be performed by the two icons of Brazilian music. Other tracks stand out, such as the opener "Trem da Central", a composition by Macau, Durval Ferreira, and Sandra de Sá, which offers an 'infectious groove' and became an 'essential dancefloor jam'. "Candura" is notable for its captivating boogie-funk, while "Pela Cidade" evokes comparisons to the sound of Earth, Wind & Fire, highlighting the influence of American R&B on the album's sound. The album also includes compositions by great names such as Cassiano, Guilherme Arantes, and Sandra Sá herself, resulting in a balanced work rich in musical nuances.
Legacy
Vale Tudo is widely recognised as one of the most important albums of Sandra Sá's career and a landmark of boogie-funk in Brazil. The title track, a duet with Tim Maia, achieved great success, featuring at number 28 among the 100 most played songs of 1983. The album's relevance is such that it has been compared to other seminal works of the genre, such as Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti's eponymous 1982 release and Marcos Valle's 1983 album, which includes the song "Estrelar". Its constant rediscovery in the international market and reissues by labels such as Mr Bongo attest to its lasting appeal and its classic status for collectors and lovers of global black music.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Claudio Stevenson, Lincoln Olivetti, Oberdan Magalhães, Reinaldo Arias, Serginho Do Trombone, Tim Maia
Esdras
Durval Ferreira
Banda Vitória Régia
Fernando Souza, Jamil Joanes
Tim Maia
Abóbora, Gastão Lamounier, Junior Mendes, Robson Jorge, Rose Marinho
Mamão, Serginho
Paulinho Braga
Claudio Stevenson
Robson Jorge
Lincoln Olivetti, Reinaldo Arias
Pi
Serginho Do Trombone
Ohana, Sidinho Moreira
Macau
Leo Gandelman, Oberdan Magalhães, Zé Carlos
Barrozinho, Bidinho, Marcio Montarroyos, Paulinho Martins
Andy Mills, Felipe Nery
Guta
Sandra De Sá
Ivan Klingen
Podcasts
Brazuca Sounds on Patreon · Leandro Vignoli
Salve! This is another bonus episode of Brazuca Sounds!Every episode is a different song.This is the song today:"Vale Tudo" by Sandra Sá featuring Tim Maia from Vale Tudo (1983)The album's back cover made a point of including a picture of Tim MaiaOne may argue that "Vale Tudo" is the most popular Brazilian song from the 1980s. Tim Maia wrote it exclusively for Sandra Sá, who initially thought it w
Books
Analyses
Vale Tudo – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
ClyBlog: Sandra Sá - "Vale Tudo" (1983)
cly-blog.blogspot.com
Em "Vale Tudo", terceiro e último trabalho pela gravadora RGE, Sandra repetia as parcerias e já estava pronta para sua grande obra, a qual completa 40 anos de lançamento em 2023. O precioso repertório de "Vale Tudo" une músicas de autores consagrados e da nova geração, que passava a se firmar.
Sandra Sá - Vale Tudo (1983) | Toque Musical
toque-musicall.com
Aquilo me chamou a atenção, lembrei que tenho este disco e por acaso nunca postei aqui no Toque Musical. Para minha infelicidade, em meio a uma centena de discos, acabei não o encontrando.
Saciricando: SANDRA SÁ - sacipererebrasil.blogspot.com
sacipererebrasil.blogspot.com
7.10.2023 SANDRA SÁ VALE TUDO (1983, álbum) LP Vinil Mr. Bongo 2021 DISCOTECA SANDRA DE SÁ (1986) LP Vinil RCA 1986 DISCOTECA SANDRA! (1990) CD RCA 1990 DISCOTECA
Discogs
Vale Tudo – Discogs
discogs.com
