Por Morrer uma Andorinha
Carlos do Carmo · 1970
34 min · 12 tracks · fado
Traditional fado melodies intertwine with poetic lyricism, evoking deep emotions and the essence of Portuguese culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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Por morrer uma andorinha — This title track encapsulates the core themes of longing and melancholy that define fado, showcasing do Carmo's emotive vocal delivery and lyrical depth.
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Há festa na Mouraria — This lively track contrasts with the somberness typically associated with fado, celebrating community and festivity, reflecting the vibrant culture of Lisbon's Mouraria neighborhood.
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A rua do desencanto — This song profoundly illustrates feelings of disenchantment and loss through its poignant lyrics, highlighting do Carmo's ability to convey complex emotions within traditional musical structures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively captures traditional fado while showcasing do Carmo's emotive vocal style, making it a significant work in the genre.
What we noticed
- The album features traditional fado structures, with each track typically centered around a solo vocal performance accompanied by guitar.
- Lyrical themes revolve around longing, love, and the struggles of life, often employing poetic imagery that resonates with Portuguese culture.
- Several tracks utilize a call-and-response format between the vocalist and instrumentalists, enhancing the emotional delivery of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- melancholic reflections on love
- short tracks for quick listens
- nostalgic themes of longing
- poignant storytelling through lyrics
- for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeks high-energy soundscapes
- prefers lengthy epic albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1970, 'Por Morrer uma Andorinha' was Carlos do Carmo's debut album that marked his emergence as a prominent voice in fado. This album came at a time when do Carmo was transitioning from local performances to national recognition, establishing him as a key figure in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Amália Rodrigues· Mariza· Ana Moura
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Por morrer uma andorinha 2:57
- 2 Há festa na Mouraria 3:06
- 3 Um dia 2:19
- 4 Fica-te mesmo a matar 2:33
- 5 Quadras soltas 2:38
- 6 Júlia Florista 2:52
- 7 Padre nosso 2:48
- 8 A rua do desencanto 3:08
- 9 Dá tempo ao tempo 3:19
- 10 Aquela feia 3:27
- 11 Quadras de amor 2:12
- 12 Vestida de madrugada 2:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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