Ainda
Madredeus · 1995
41 min · 10 tracks · world music
A delicate blend of traditional Portuguese fado and contemporary influences, weaving haunting melodies with intricate instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Guitarra — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its evocative guitar work and vocal harmonies, introducing listeners to Madredeus's signature style.
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Céu da Mouraria — The song captures the essence of Lisbon's soulful atmosphere through its lyrical imagery and poignant melody, embodying the spirit of fado.
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Ainda — The title track features a hauntingly beautiful arrangement that showcases both vocal prowess and instrumental depth, making it a centerpiece of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Ainda showcases intricate arrangements and a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds, marking its significance in world music.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a solo guitar piece that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that gradually introduce layered instrumentation.
- Vocals often intertwine with strings and percussion, creating a rich tapestry of sound that emphasizes both melody and rhythm.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing the music to breathe and develop before returning to vocal lines.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- soulful afternoon reflective moments
- delicate harmonies for quiet spaces
- intimate gatherings with friends
- patient unfolding of melodies
- evocative soundscapes for daydreaming
Maybe skip if you
- need for fast-paced energy
- prefer high-intensity listening
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1995, Ainda is Madredeus's third album and marks a pivotal moment in their career as they transitioned from local acclaim to international recognition. Following the success of their previous albums, this release further solidified their unique fusion of classical and folk elements, showcasing their artistic evolution.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lusine· Dead Can Dance· Tinariwen
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Guitarra 3:47
- 2 Milagre 4:19
- 3 Céu da Mouraria 3:43
- 4 Miradouro de Santa Catarina 4:09
- 5 A cidade e os campos 3:33
- 6 O Tejo 4:13
- 7 Viagens interditas 2:53
- 8 Alfama 3:31
- 9 Ainda 7:27
- 10 Maio maduro maio 4:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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