Album Review: A Volta Da Asa Branca by Sérgio Reis – A Country-Folk Gem from Brazil
Alright, let’s talk about A Volta Da Asa Branca by Sérgio Reis. This 2000 release is one of those albums that kinda sneaks up on you. At first glance, it's just another slice of Brazilian Sertanejo and country vibes, but man, once you dive into it, there’s a whole lot to unpack. With genres like Folk, World, and Country all mashed together, this record feels like sitting around a campfire with your buddies, y’know? It’s got heart, grit, and some serious storytelling chops.
First off, can we talk about “Assum Preto”? That track hits different. The melody sticks in your head like gum under a table—annoyingly good. You don’t even realize you’re humming it while brushing your teeth or whatever. It’s got this raw, emotional pull that makes you wanna call your mom and apologize for something you probably didn’t do wrong. And then there’s “Último Pau de Arara,” which might as well come with a warning label: "May cause uncontrollable foot-tapping." Something about the rhythm just grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. Plus, the lyrics have this old-school charm that reminds you how much life has changed since 2000—and not always for the better.
Now, I gotta say, the album does repeat itself a bit. Tracks like “Vendi Os Bois” and “Estrada De Canindé” show up twice (with slightly different titles), so if you're someone who hates redundancy, you might raise an eyebrow. But honestly, hearing them again feels more like running into an old friend than listening to the same song over. They’re comforting, like that pair of jeans you refuse to throw out even though they’ve got holes in weird places.
Sérgio Reis knows what he’s doing here. He’s keeping traditions alive without making it feel like a history lesson. The production is clean enough to sound modern but still lets the soul of the music shine through. BMG Brasil and RCA did right by him with this one. It’s not flashy—it’s real. Like, you could totally picture these songs playing at a small-town bar where everyone knows each other’s secrets.
What really struck me though, was how nostalgic it felt. Not because I lived through any of the stories in the songs, but because the vibe is universal. It’s about longing, moving forward, and remembering where you came from—all wrapped up in twangy guitars and heartfelt vocals.
So yeah, A Volta Da Asa Branca isn’t perfect, but it’s damn close to being exactly what it needs to be. If you’re into country-folk stuff with a Brazilian twist—or just need something to play when you’re feeling reflective—you should give this a spin. Oh, and fun fact: listening to this album somehow made me crave feijoada. Weird, right? Maybe that’s the secret ingredient Sérgio Reis slipped into the mix.