Declare Guerra cover

Released 40 years ago

Declare Guerra

Barão Vermelho · 1986

36 min · 11 tracks · Brazilian rock

A vibrant blend of Brazilian rock with sharp lyrics that challenge societal norms and express youthful rebellion.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Um dia na vida Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Declare guerra — The title track serves as a rallying cry against oppression, encapsulating the album's themes of resistance and urgency through dynamic instrumentation and passionate vocals.
  • →
    Desabrigado — This track highlights the struggles of the marginalized, using vivid imagery and poignant lyrics to create a sense of empathy that drives the album's message of social justice.
  • →
    Não quero seu perdão — Here, the emotional rawness of Cazuza's delivery shines through, exploring themes of regret and defiance with an infectious melody that captures the listener's attention.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album combines engaging lyrics with strong musicianship, marking it as a significant entry in Brazilian rock.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track that sets a rebellious tone, followed by a series of songs that maintain a similar energy level.
  • Several tracks feature intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts in instrumentation, particularly in 'Bumerangue blues' which includes a notable guitar solo.
  • Lyrically, the songs often employ sharp, metaphorical language that critiques societal norms, demanding active engagement from the listener.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo engagement
  • vibrant energy for social reflection
  • poetic lyricism for thoughtful listening
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • participatory sing-along moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Barão Vermelho's reputation in Brazilian rock, reflecting cultural impact.
Themes
social justice struggle· oppressive regimes
Career context
Released in 1986, Declare Guerra was Barão Vermelho's third studio album, following the successful albums Barão Vermelho (1982) and Maioridade (1984). At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation in the Brazilian rock scene, blending influences from rock and MPB while showcasing lead singer Cazuza's impactful songwriting.

Tracklist

  • 1 Um dia na vida Start here 2:42
  • 2 Desabrigado 3:27
  • 3 Torre de Babel 3:06
  • 4 Bagatelas 3:20
  • 5 Não quero seu perdão 2:40
  • 6 Bumerangue blues 2:49
  • 7 Declare guerra 3:55
  • 8 Linda e burra 3:23
  • 9 Maioridade 3:35
  • 10 Que o Deus venha 3:48
  • 11 Eu tô feliz 3:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata