Lado B Lado A cover

Lado B Lado A

O Rappa · 1999

56 min · 12 tracks · reggae

A vibrant fusion of reggae, rock, and Brazilian rhythms crafts a sonic landscape that pulses with social commentary and cultural pride.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Me deixa — This track showcases the band's signature blend of reggae rhythms and rock influences, encapsulating themes of love and freedom with an infectious energy.
  • →
    Homem amarelo — With its poignant lyrics addressing racial identity and societal struggles, this song stands out as a critical reflection on contemporary Brazilian life.
  • →
    Minha alma (A paz que eu não quero) — This deeply introspective track combines haunting melodies with weighty lyrics about personal and collective conflict, representing a high point in the album's emotional depth.

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 reggae and Brazilian rhythms with socially conscious lyrics, making it distinctive and impactful.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong rhythmic pulse in 'Tribunal de rua', establishing a consistent reggae groove that persists through most tracks.
  • Several songs feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel and engaging listeners directly.
  • The instrumentation blends electric guitars with traditional Brazilian percussion, creating a layered sound that shifts between rock and reggae influences.
  • Lyrically, the album addresses social issues, with tracks like 'Homem amarelo' and 'Favela' incorporating vivid imagery and storytelling.
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

  • dynamic progression with emotional peaks
  • poignant storytelling for reflective moments
  • vibrant rhythms for social gatherings
  • wave-like pacing for immersive listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek straightforward single experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1999, Lado B Lado A is O Rappa's third studio album, coming after their successful self-titled debut in 1994 and the critically acclaimed O Rappa in 1996. At this point, the band was solidifying their position as a prominent voice in Brazilian music, blending genres while addressing pressing social issues.
Stylistic neighbors
Natiruts· Skank· Pato Banton

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Tribunal de rua 4:21
  • 2 Me deixa 4:08
  • 3 Cristo e Oxalá 4:26
  • 4 O que sobrou do céu 3:53
  • 5 Se não avisar o bicho pega 5:15
  • 6 Minha alma (A paz que eu não quero) 5:04
  • 7 LadoB LadoA 5:05
  • 8 Favela 3:21
  • 9 Homem amarelo 4:17
  • 10 Nó de fumaça 3:45
  • 11 A todas as comunidades do Engenho Novo 6:18
  • 12 Na palma da mão 7:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata