Mariza cover

Mariza

Mariza · 2018

53 min · 15 tracks · fado

A vibrant blend of traditional fado infused with contemporary sounds, showcasing rich emotional depth and melodic elegance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Quem me dera — This track stands out for its haunting melody and profound lyrical exploration of longing and desire, capturing the essence of fado's emotional core.
  • →
    Amor perfeito — The song features lush instrumentation paired with Mariza's powerful vocals, illustrating a poignant love story that resonates deeply within the fado tradition.
  • →
    Fado Refúgio — As a delicate representation of the fado genre, this track encapsulates themes of nostalgia and refuge, showcasing Mariza’s ability to convey deep emotion through her artistry.

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

Mariza's self-titled album blends traditional fado with contemporary elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and emotional depth.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a lively track that sets an upbeat tone, followed by several slower pieces that explore emotional themes.
  • Each song features traditional fado instrumentation, including guitar and violin, while incorporating modern production techniques.
  • The last three tracks feature a gradual decrease in tempo, creating a reflective conclusion to the album.
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 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • emotive vocal storytelling experiences
  • intimate moments of reflection
  • engaging sing-along opportunities
  • vibrant energy for gatherings
  • short tracks with varied moods

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced instant gratification
  • prefer standalone hits over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2018, Mariza released her self-titled album as her fifth studio effort, following the critically acclaimed 'Mundo' in 2015. This album marked a return to her roots while exploring new sonic landscapes, solidifying her status as a leading figure in modern fado.
Stylistic neighbors
Ana Moura· Cristina Branco· Dulce Pontes

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Oração

    The singer shifts from reflecting on loss to invoking hope, creating a poignant contrast between sorrow and aspiration.

    This structural shift enhances the emotional weight of the song, allowing listeners to feel the complexity of navigating grief while seeking solace.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Trigueirinha 2:39
  • 2 Quem me dera 4:17
  • 3 Amor perfeito 3:41
  • 4 Oração 3:13
  • 5 Sou (Rochedo) 3:30
  • 6 É mentira 2:57
  • 7 Semente viva 3:41
  • 8 Por Tanto Te Amar 4:21
  • 9 Nosso tempo 4:40
  • 10 Verde limão 3:06
  • 11 Quebranto 4:15
  • 12 Oi nha mãe 3:56
  • 13 Fado Errado 3:25
  • 14 Fado Refúgio 3:04
  • 15 Trigueirinha 2:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata