Search - Fafa De Belem :: Coracao Brasileiro

A brilliant effort by one of Brasil's best singers

David Kaminsky | Edmonton, Alberta Canada | 05/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fafa de Belem has had a long and interesting career, beginning with the gorgeous, subtle single "Foi assim" in 1973. She is far more than just a voice of Belem, the steaming coastal city in equatorial Brasil, she is one of the great voices in Brasilian music. The first single, "Coração Brasileiro," is an instant classic. It was co-written by Michael Sullivan, who also co-wrote the earlier, torchy "Abandonada." The single "Coração Brasileiro," which was HUGE in Brasil in 1999, recaptures some of the magic of "Vermelho," her biggest-selling single so far. The second single, "Eternamente," is slow and somber, a great vehicle to express the sadness and wisdom of this great voice. "Mar de estrelas" is more upbeat, driven by samba-tinged percussion, as is "Pirilampo," the fourth song. "Lamento de raça," a duet of sorts with David Assayag e Grupo Garantiado, evokes the spirit of Clara Nunes' stirring, provocative "Canto das tres raças." "Mais e mais," another Michael Sullivan song, is light, lovely sertanejo, and "Volta pra casa meu nego" is similarly wistful and with an outdoorsy feel (like American country & western music). The chorus in the latter is very emotional and Fafa's in fine voice. "Dom de passarinho" is upbeat and, again, with touches of samba all over it. Her cover of Carlinhos Brown's "Margarida perfumada" is inspired, heavy on the percussion and the social realism. The Fabio Jr-penned "Pai" is a quiet, loving tribute to fathers, and Fafa's voice is deep and emotional. The eleventh track, "Pout-pourri," is like a fast-paced medley, and the CD closes with the Spanish version of the beautiful ballad "Eternamente." Not a wasted moment nor false note on this album, which is the mark of a classic. I am proudly Canadian but, considering my deep love for Brasilian culture, food, people, and music, I feel like I have um coração brasileiro."