Chico Buarque - Chico Buarque de Hollanda, Volume 3

"Chico Buarque de Hollanda, Volume 3" was released in 1968, marking the consolidation of his signature sound: samba-canção, MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), and solo songwriting. Released on the RGE label, this 11-track album lasts 33 minutes and 12 seconds. It sits between two other volumes, following Chico Buarque de Hollanda (1966) and preceding Chico Buarque de Hollanda, Nº 4 (1970). The album ranks 54th among the best albums of 1968 and 4584th among the best albums of all time. Classified as Samba-canção, MPB, and Singer-Songwriter, the album validates the artist's maturity, prioritizing the density of the project, where every credit is important. The cover, with artistic direction by Julio Nagib, offers a strong image, while the production is handled by Benil Santos, and the arrangements and orchestral direction are overseen by Lindolpho Gaya.

Chico Buarque in transition: a solidified samba-canção, MPB, and solo sound in 1968

The album presents itself as a reflection of a musician undergoing a period of significant change, offering a precise snapshot of their work at this particular point in their career. It is a record that immediately demonstrates its historical significance, validated by its chart performance and lasting presence on leading music websites. The album's structure, opening with Feijoada Completa and closing with Apesar De Você, creates a dense narrative arc that spans the entire duration. The album is not just a collection of songs; it weaves together a cohesive sound that allows the artist to explore both the Ballade doucereuse and the Samba-canção with a classic style, while also opening the door to a rich collaborative dimension. From the opening track to the conclusion, the album leaves no stone unturned, with each track adding another layer to this distinctive sound that crystallized in 1968.

Enduring legacy: Ranked #54 in 1968 and a landmark in the artist's discography

The significance of this volume is evident in its ranking and its presence in music archives. Ranked as the 54th best album of 1968 and the 4584th best album of all time, it confirms Chico Buarque's place in the musical landscape. The Italian version of Lucio Dalla's song 4 marzo 1943, which reached number 1 on the Italian charts in 1971, is a notable fact that demonstrates the author's influence over time, without confusing the dates. The album, available on rateyourmusic.com, senscritica.com (10244939), and sputnikmusic.com (143165), provides a solid foundation for understanding the historical context of the work. The review concludes with an observation of the narrative density between the tracks, where the album version is available on multiple sites, and the Wikipedia article is described as an outline. This third volume is therefore a pivotal step where Chico Buarque solidifies his artistic trinity. Between the 1966 and 1970 volumes, this 1968 album offers a precise image of the artist, a production where each collaborator, from Milton Nascimento to Zizi Possi, has a role to play. The conclusion of this portrait rests on the validity of the credits and the clarity of the tracklist, without any embellishment.

Technical specifications

- Release Date: 1968 - Label: RGE - Tracks: 11 (33 minutes 12 seconds) - Opening/Closing: Feijoada Completa / Apesar De Você - Guest Artists: Milton Nascimento, Marieta Severo, Elba Ramalho, Zizi Possi, MPB4, Quarteto Em Cy