Portugal, a beautiful country planted by the sea, has a rich cultural history. And no, we are not here to talk about football or Cristiano Ronaldo, but about an intangible heritage of humanity: FADO!
Born in 19th-century Lisbon, Fado emerged in popular contexts associated with marginality and transgression. Initially sung in taverns and alleyways, it gained prominence as it was brought to the theater and cinema, as in A Severa (1931). Amália Rodrigues became the great ambassador of the genre, bringing it to international recognition.
With the advent of radio and television, Fado was solidified, blending tradition and innovation. After the 1974 Revolution, it faced challenges. Still, it regained strength in the following decades, with new generations of performers like Mariza and Camané ensuring its place as a symbol of Portuguese culture.
Below, discover our selection of six essential albums for anyone looking to explore and immerse themselves in the wonderful and sentimental world of Fado music.
1. “The Fabulous Marceneiro” by Alfredo Marceneiro
In the old Valentim de Carvalho studios in Costa do Castelo (Lisbon), Alfredo Marceneiro put his feelings on tape, blindfolded, so the light wouldn’t enter the night that his voice revealed. The rest is history. This Portuguese fado singer marked an era with an unmistakable voice that became a landmark of this song genre in Portugal.
Alfredo Marceneiro recorded very little, but The Fabulous Marceneiro from 1960 is one of the absolute classics of fado. It was a miracle to get Alfredo Marceneiro into the studio: the genre was almost a religion sung at night and with an audience, where the guitarist had to stick to serving the voice, and the storyteller was also a teller of the story contained in the lyrics.
2. “Busto” by Amália Rodrigues
The relationship between Amália and Alain Oulman begins here, the man responsible for taking the diva ‘to the operas.’ “Abandono,” “Maria Lisboa,” and “Povo Que Lavas No Rio” are masterpieces performed by a unique voice that elevated Fado to a dimension never before reached.
Alongside Com Que Voz, this album, Busto, released in 1962, is considered by specialized critics as one of the greatest Fado records in Portuguese music history. As always, there is nothing negative to point out regarding the choice of songs, composers, musicians, and the magnificent voice of the performer. Amália is in a state of grace!
3. “Um Homem Na Cidade” by Carlos do Carmo
Released in 1977, Um Homem Na Cidade is a conceptual album featuring a collection of poems about Lisbon by Ary dos Santos. It is a singular album by a man who was born into the tradition of Fado but knew how to set his sights on modernity. “O Amarelo da Carris and “O Homem das Castanhas” can be found here.
4. “O Melhor de Maria Teresa de Noronha” by Maria Teresa de Noronha
Maria Teresa de Noronha, a renowned Portuguese singer of aristocratic lineage, became the Countess of Sabrosa in 1947. Known for her refined style and radio performances, she pioneered “Fado Aristocrático,” integrating Coimbra Fado into her repertoire. Despite few public appearances, her recordings remain iconic.
A lady of Fado who made it clear early on that this way of singing and feeling was not exclusive to the people and taverns but also made sense in the most noble salons. Her voice enchants with “Fado da Defesa” or “Pintadinho.”
5. “Na Linha da Vida” by Camané
Camané’s first contact with Fado happened somewhat by chance during his recovery from a childhood illness. He immersed himself in his parent’s record collection and discovered Fado’s great names: Amália Rodrigues, Alfredo Marceneiro, and Carlos do Carmo.
In 1998, with his second original album, Na Linha da Vida, Camané repeated his partnership with José Mário Branco, who had produced his debut album, Uma Noite de Fados, released three years before. This album is a milestone in Portuguese Fado and marks a desire for renewal that Na Linha da Vida would go on to confirm. Camané is in adult mode, confident and aware of his voice.
6. “Transparente” by Mariza
Mariza took the new generation of fado to the four corners of the world, assuming the ambassadorship of taking the national song to international stages. This culminated in a historic appearance on David Letterman’s Show. The awards confirmed a talent that can be heard in “Meu Fado Meu” or “Medo” ravishingly and with a new flavor.
If you want an experience that will mark you forever, don’t miss the opportunity to watch a Mariza concert on your next visit to Portugal!
