Released 40 years ago
Selvagem?
Os Paralamas do Sucesso · 1986
41 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant fusion of rock, reggae, and ska underscored by socially aware lyrics reflecting Brazil's diverse cultural landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Alagados Start here — This track stands out for its infectious melody and poignant lyrics that address social inequality, capturing the spirit of urban Brazil in the 1980s.
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Teerã — Blending rock with a reggae rhythm, this song showcases the band's versatility while exploring themes of longing and connection to distant places.
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A Dama e o vagabundo — This track offers a unique narrative perspective that intertwines romance with social commentary, highlighting the band's lyrical depth and storytelling prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines diverse musical styles with socially aware themes, making it a notable entry in Brazilian rock.
What we noticed
- The album opens with the hit single 'Alagados', which features a prominent reggae rhythm and socially conscious lyrics, setting a thematic tone for the record.
- Several tracks, such as 'Marujo dub' and 'Teerã dub', experiment with instrumental interludes that emphasize the band's reggae influences while providing a contrast to the vocal tracks.
- 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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5/10
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
- steady mid-tempo groove throughout
- socio-political themes resonate deeply
- inviting sing-along choruses abound
- for vibrant gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
- seek quiet, introspective moments
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified the band's reputation with hit single 'Alagados' and critical acclaim.
- Career context
- Released in 1986, 'Selvagem?' was Os Paralamas do Sucesso's third studio album, following their breakthrough record 'O Passo do Lui' from 1984. At this point, the band was solidifying their place in the Brazilian rock scene while incorporating various musical influences, blending alternative rock with elements of reggae and ska.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Legião Urbana· Titãs· Skank
Tracklist
- 1 Alagados Start here 5:02
- 2 Teerã 4:24
- 3 A novidade 3:09
- 4 Melô do marinheiro 3:28
- 5 Marujo dub 2:47
- 6 Selvagem 4:02
- 7 A Dama e o vagabundo 4:16
- 8 There's a Party 2:27
- 9 O homem 4:05
- 10 Você 3:17
- 11 Teerã dub 4:22
What to play next
D
1987
Continues the fusion of rock and reggae with a more polished sound.
O Passo do Lui
1984
Prepares the listener with similar energetic styles and themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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