Construção

Chico Buarque's 1971 masterpiece, Construção, is a seminal work in the Brazilian music canon. Composed during the artist's periods of exile in Italy and his return to Brazil, this eighth studio album is a testament to Chico Buarque's innovative spirit and creative genius. The album's 10 tracks, including the iconic title song, weave a rich tapestry of sounds and themes, blending the traditional rhythms of samba and bossa nova with bold, experimental arrangements.

Construção is an album that defies easy categorisation, yet its impact on the development of Música Popular Brasileira (MPB) cannot be overstated. With the help of legendary collaborators like Toquinho, Vinicius de Moraes, and Tom Jobim, Chico Buarque crafted a work that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The album's songs, such as the poignant "Deus Lhe Pague" and the lilting "Valsinha", showcase the artist's remarkable range and emotional depth.

At the heart of the album is the powerful title track, "Construção", a haunting narrative that tells the story of a construction worker's tragic fate. Through its innovative composition and lyrical complexity, this song has become an anthem of Brazilian music, celebrated for its technical brilliance and emotional resonance.

Construção is widely regarded as one of Chico Buarque's finest works, and its influence can still be felt in the music of Brazil today. This 31-minute album is a compact, yet potent, collection of songs that showcase the artist's boundless creativity and his willingness to push the boundaries of traditional Brazilian music. With its release in 1971, Construção marked a turning point in Chico Buarque's career, cementing his reputation as a visionary composer and singer-songwriter.