Album Information Section

Album Title: Abre-Te Sésamo

Artist: Raul Seixas

Original Release Date: 1980

Label: Sony Music

Genres: Brazilian Rock, MPB (Música Popular Brasileira)

Track Listing

• 1. Abre-te Sésamo (2:32)
• 2. Aluga-se (2:38)
• 3. Anos 80 (2:48)
• 4. Angela (2:41)
• 5. Conversa Pra Boi Dormir (2:28)
• 6. Minha Viola (2:55)
• 7. Rock Das “Aranha” (1:50)
• 8. O Conto Do Sábio Chinês (1:51)
• 9. Só Pra Variar (2:39)
• 10. Baby (3:02)
• 11. Ê Meu Pai (3:43)
• 12. A Beira Do Pantanal (2:43)

Recording Information

The album “Abre-Te Sésamo” was recorded at the famous Estúdio Transamérica, located in São Paulo, Brazil. The recording sessions took place in 1980, a pivotal year for Raul Seixas as he sought to expand his musical horizons and incorporate a wider range of influences into his work.

This project was produced by Seixas himself in collaboration with the esteemed producer, Marco Mazzola. The engineering team focused on capturing the raw energy of Seixas’s live performances, utilizing both analog recording techniques and early digital equipment to create a sound that was both vibrant and authentic.

One notable aspect of the production was the extensive use of layering in the vocal tracks, allowing Seixas to showcase his unique vocal style. The integration of traditional Brazilian instruments alongside electric guitars and synthesizers exemplified the fusion of genres that characterized his work during this period. Additionally, the album’s title track, “Abre-te Sésamo,” is known for its playful, narrative style, which reflects Seixas’s penchant for storytelling through music.

Band Context

At the time of the album’s release, Raul Seixas was a prominent figure in the Brazilian music scene, known for his eclectic style that blended rock and roll with elements of Brazilian folk music. He had already established a cult following, but “Abre-Te Sésamo” marked a significant moment in his career, as it solidified his status as a revolutionary artist in Brazil.

The lineup during the recording of “Abre-Te Sésamo” included Seixas on vocals and guitar, along with a talented group of musicians who contributed to the album’s rich sound. This included his long-time collaborator, keyboardist and arranger, Ricardo Fuchs, who played a crucial role in shaping the album’s sonic landscape.

In the years leading up to the album, Seixas dealt with various personal and professional challenges, including his battles with mental health and the pressures of fame. These experiences deeply influenced the lyrical content of his music, as he often explored themes of existentialism, societal critique, and personal introspection.

During the recording of this album, Raul Seixas faced the challenge of maintaining his artistic integrity in a rapidly evolving musical landscape, yet he managed to produce a work that resonated with both his existing fans and a new generation of listeners.

Track Commentary

The opening track, “Abre-te Sésamo,” sets the tone for the album with its catchy hooks and storytelling lyrics, reminiscent of the tales from “One Thousand and One Nights.” This song, along with others like “Angela” and “Baby,” showcases Seixas’s ability to blend rock rhythms with Brazilian musical elements, creating a style that is distinctly his own.

Tracks such as “Conversa Pra Boi Dormir” and “Minha Viola” reflect Seixas’s roots in Brazilian culture, incorporating traditional themes and melodies that resonate with the folk music traditions of Brazil. The juxtaposition of these tracks with more contemporary sounds, like “Rock Das ‘Aranha’,” highlights Seixas’s innovative approach to music.

Critics have praised the album for its coherence and the way it captures the spirit of its time. The single “Ê Meu Pai” is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects on personal relationships and societal expectations, embodying the introspective nature of Seixas’s songwriting. Over the years, “Abre-Te Sésamo” has maintained its relevance, regarded as a classic in Brazilian rock music, influencing countless artists and continuing to be celebrated for its creative depth and musical innovation.