Album Review: Amor Sem Fantasia Como Eu Me Enganei by Maria Aparecida
Alright, let me tell ya—this album? It’s a vibe. Like, it sneaks up on you when you least expect it and just wraps itself around your soul. Maria Aparecida isn’t messing around here; she blends Latin rhythms, bluesy undertones, jazz vibes, and that funky MPB style so effortlessly that you almost forget how complex it all is. Almost. Released under Tapecar in Brazil, this record feels like sitting in a smoky café somewhere in Rio, except instead of coffee, they’re serving heartbreak with a side of hope.
Now, I gotta talk about two tracks because if I don’t, I’ll regret it later. First up: “Amor Sem Fantasia.” Man, this song hits different. The melody is smooth as butter but tinged with this bittersweet ache that makes you wanna stare out the window while pretending life has meaning. There’s something raw about how Maria sings—it’s not polished perfection, thank God. Her voice cracks slightly at points, like she’s lived every word she’s singing. And honestly? That imperfection sticks with you long after the track ends. You find yourself humming it randomly during mundane moments, like brushing your teeth or waiting for the bus. It’s annoyingly catchy in the best way possible.
Then there’s “Como Eu Me Enganei,” which might as well be my new anthem for self-sabotage. This one leans heavier into funk and soul territory, with groovy basslines that make your feet tap even though your brain wants to cry. Lyrically, it’s brutal—like, “how did I not see this coming?” brutal. But instead of wallowing too hard, Maria gives it this playful edge. It’s like she’s saying, “Yeah, I messed up, but hey, we’re still dancing, right?” By the second chorus, you’re convinced she’s onto something. Heartbreak never sounded so... fun? Weird flex, but okay.
What really gets me about this album is its honesty. It doesn’t try to sugarcoat love or relationships—it lays everything bare. Sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it’s beautiful, and most times it’s both. Listening to these songs feels less like entertainment and more like therapy. Like, who needs a shrink when you’ve got Maria Aparecida pouring her guts out over killer instrumentation?
Here’s the thing: halfway through writing this review, I realized I haven’t listened to much Brazilian music lately. Maybe that’s why this album hit me so hard—it reminded me of what music can do when it stops trying to impress and starts telling the truth. Or maybe it’s just because I had a bad week and needed someone else’s pain to remind me I’m not alone. Either way, Amor Sem Fantasia Como Eu Me Enganei is now permanently stuck in my head—and weirdly enough, I’m okay with that.
Oh, and one last thought: whoever decided to pair blues with funk deserves a medal. Just saying.
