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Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:

"Atalaia" by Guilherme Coutinho

Guilherme Coutinho was an obscure keyboardist from Belém, in Brazil’s Amazon region. “Atalaia” first appeared in 1978 on Guilherme Coutinho e o Grupo Stalo, released by his hometown radio station’s label. It's a laid-back song with an atmospheric groove driven by Coutinho’s Fender Rhodes, and subtle analog synth lines drift in and out, adding a cosmic, slightly psychedelic feel that bridges Brazilian rhythm with 1970s fusion and ambient soul. Atalaia is a coastal town located in the north, where the river meets the ocean, and is known for its mangroves, dunes, and extreme tides, which are all referenced in the lyrics. Guilherme Coutinho passed away in 1983 at the age of 41, making this a true cult album that has been recently reissued by Mr. Bongo.

Check the song's translation with TranslationSmith.

In episode #89, we discussed some of the best Brazilian albums released in 2025. Among the albums discussed were BaianaSystem, Alberto Continentino, and Seu Jorge, with his first album in 10 years.

We also discussed singer-songwriter Luedji Luna and her two albums released in 2025; the latest album from Jadsa, the psychedelic duo Parque do São; millenial singer songwriter Rubel; and the new album released by Sessa. Follow our updated playlist on Spotify: "⁠Soundtrack: Brazuca Sounds⁠".

Follow our brand new playlist, The Contemporary Music of Brazil, with all the songs we shared in our New Sounds collection since 2020

Similar episodes:

Brazuca Sounds #74: Best Albums of 2024

Brazuca Sounds #49: Best Albums of 2023

Brazuca Sounds #29: New Sounds of 2021

Salve! This is a preview of our bonus episode exclusive for paid ⁠⁠subscribers⁠⁠!

Every episode is a different song. This is the song today:

"Onda" by Cassiano

Released on the third Cassiano album, Cuban Soul-18 Kilates, from 1976, "Onda" was never a big hit in Brazil until it found success through hip-hop samples. Combining Brazilian rhythms with American soul and funk elements, the song created a unique fusion, which now stands as a milestone in Brazilian black music.

It's a psychedelic funk trip of nearly 8 minutes, repetitive vocals, sounds of crashing waves and seagulls, and one of the most beautiful bass lines ever recorded in the country. A genius but troubled figure, Cassiano faced many battles with record labels during his career, and imprecise accounts suggest that in 1978, he lost a lung to tuberculosis.

Check the song translation at TranslationSmith.