Artist: Chico Buarque Album: Sinal fechado

Year: 1974
Duration: 33:22

Sinal Fechado by Chico Buarque: A Critical Review of the Album

Chico Buarque is a highly celebrated Brazilian singer-songwriter, whose music has captured the hearts of many over the years. His album Sinal fechado is a compelling and thought-provoking record that delivers insightful lyrics and memorable melodies. Today, we will be reviewing this album, giving you a brief history of the artist, delving into the music genre, highlighting the best songs of the album, discussing the most innovative parts, and finally, providing a critical review of the entire album.

Chico Buarque is a renowned music artist in Brazil, known for his unique style that blends different music genres and languages. Born in 1944 in Rio de Janeiro, Buarque's career began in the 1960s when he wrote his first song, Meu Refrao. Throughout his over six-decade music career, Chico Buarque has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Latin Awards and the prestigious Camões Prize for his contribution to literature and music. He remains an influential figure in Brazilian music, and his music has inspired several artists globally.

Sinal Fechado falls under the MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) genre, which is a combination of different musical styles, such as samba, bossa nova, and others. The album was released in 1974, a year when Brazil was under a military dictatorship. The album's title song, Sinal Fechado, which means Closed Sign, was a harsh criticism of the dictatorship, censorship, and the oppression of the working class. Other songs on the album covered themes of poverty, inequality, and love, all delivered in Buarque's unique and compelling style.

The album contains some of Chico Buarque's most iconic songs, including Feijoada Completa, O Meu Amor, and Cálice, the latter being a collaboration with fellow Brazilian singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento. Cálice was considered controversial at the time of its release due to its religious and political connotations. However, it remains a popular and significant song in Brazilian music history.

One of the most innovative parts of Sinal Fechado is the use of different instruments and musical styles on the album. Buarque's music often features traditional Brazilian instruments, such as the berimbau, pandeiro, and surdo, mixed with electric guitars, drums, and synthesizers. This blending of different genres and instruments gives the album a unique and eclectic sound and cements Buarque's place as a music pioneer.

As with any album, Sinal Fechado is not without its flaws. While the album is undoubtedly a masterpiece from an artistic standpoint, some critics argue that it is not accessible enough to average listeners. The songs are lyric-heavy, and Buarque's singing style may be challenging for non-Portuguese speakers to understand. However, these criticisms do not detract from the album's overall quality and significance.

Sinal Fechado is a timeless album that showcases Chico Buarque's unique sound and lyrical mastery. The album's themes of social justice, love, and political commentary are still relevant today. Buarque's blending of different music genres and use of traditional Brazilian instruments makes this album one of the most innovative of its time. However, the album's complex lyrics and musical style may not be for everyone. Nevertheless, Sinal Fechado remains a vital piece of Brazilian music history and an essential album for any lover of MPB.