Noites do Norte (lit.'Nights of the North') is a studio album by Brazilian singer, songwriter, and guitarist Caetano Veloso, released in December 2000 on the record label Mercury. Inspired by writer Joaquim Nabuco, it addresses the theme of slavery in Brazil, incorporating these influences with Veloso's perspective, including a mix of unreleased songs and old hits by the singer, such as "Nosso Estranho Amor", "Tigresa" and "Menino do Rio".[1] In 2001, the album earned Veloso a Latin Grammy Award, winning the Best MPB Album, in addition to nominating for the Best Engineered Album.[a]
Background
Veloso's inspiration for Noites do Norte came from a book given to him by a friend. He was handed Minha Formação (lit.'My Formation'), the memoir of 19th-century Brazilian abolitionist Joaquim Nabuco.[2] As Veloso read the book, he became deeply engrossed in Nabuco's reflections on slavery and race, which reignited his interest in Brazil's racial history. Subsequently, Veloso proclaims: "I wanted other people to listen to what he had written. Because in fact what we need to talk about in Brazil is a second abolition [of slavery], and he was one of the first people to see this."[3]
The opening track, "Zera a Reza", exemplifies a refined fusion of minimalism and groove, incorporating hip-hop-inspired beats with bossa nova guitar elements.[15] The album's title track, "Noites do Norte", whose lyrics are taken directly from Nabuco's writings, mixes classical and Brazilian folk—including Veloso's tenor—to make a larger, generational statement.[16] "13 De Maio" is a composition based on the day slavery was abolished in Brazil on 13 May 1888. Described as a "tasty seventies samba-funk" track,[17] his son Moreno Veloso helps to produce the composition.[18]
"Zumbi" is a tribute of négritude and cover of a song released by Jorge Ben in 1974.[13] "Rock 'n' Raul" is a homage after Brazilian rock singer Raul Seixas, which blends traditional Brazilian rhythms from Veloso and with Seixas' rock influences.[19] "Michelangelo Antonioni" is a symphonic poem written in Italian by Veloso, which also incorporates elements of both Brazilian and Italian musical traditions, being a tribute to the Italian filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni.[20][21]
Tracks 7–12
"Cantiga De Boi" is a criticism of the theme of bumba meu boi, making reference to the sacrificial theme, which was formulated in a systematic and inaugural way in Brazilian criticism.[22] "Cobra Coral" sets a poem by Waly Salomão that reflects on themes of transformation and the rhythms of Brazilian life.[23] "Ia" explores the theme of sentimental exiles, characterized by a "nervous and noisy bossa" style.[17] "Meu Rio" is a reminiscence of personal memories about the city of Rio de Janeiro, with the use of instruments such as cavaquinho, tambourine and ganzá.[17]
"Sou Seu Sabiá", a song Veloso wrote for Marisa Monte, odes to the comforting presence and healing power of love.[24] In the place of "Sou Seu Sabiá", he almost sang "Você Não Gosta de Mim," which Gal Costa recorded.[18] "Tempestades Solares" is a breakup song of amorous drama, addressed to those who provoked him "with the poisonous mucous membranes of his woman's soul", causing solar storms within his affected heart.[2]
Noites do Norte was met with mostly positive acclaim from various music critics. Chris Nickson gave the album a score of three out of five on AllMusic, noticing the artist's continued boundary-pushing in both lyrics and music. Nickson noted that while Veloso, nearly 60, once drew inspiration from British and American rock, his current focus is inward, exploring Brazilian influences and historical themes. Nickson also praised the album's experimentation with genres, such as the hip-hop drumming on "Zera a Reza" and the psychedelic soundscape of "Ia", showcasing Veloso's refusal to repeat past successes and his commitment to innovation.[25] Pedro Alexandre Sanches, writing for Folha de S.Paulo, rated the album a three out of five stars, describing Noites do Norte as "delicate and, in several passages, insecure", centering on the theme of "temporal exile". Sanches noted that the album's thematic cohesion falters midway, concluding that Veloso's artistry shines in its contradictions but falters when it leans into "dogmas and schematicism".[17]
Don Heckman at Los Angeles Times gave the album three and a half out of four stars and described it as a "stunning new album" inspired by the writings of 19th-century abolitionist Joaquim Nabuco. He praised the "subtle interface of words and music" in tracks such as the title song "Noites do Norte", "13 De Maio", and Jorge Ben's "Zumbi", which explore the complexities of race in the New World.[26] Joe Tangari, reviewing for Pitchfork, rated the album 8.1 and praised its thematic depth and vibrant music, describing it as "a record that absolutely deserves to be heard by all." While acknowledging that Veloso's previous album Livro (1998) might be stronger, he celebrated the album's arrangements, from stripped and warm to rich orchestral tapestries, emphasizing songs like "13 de Maio" and "Zumbi" for their emotional resonance and historical storytelling.[7] Writing for G1, music critic and journalist Mauro Ferreira ranked the track "Rock 'n' Raul" from the album in 69th place on his list of the top 80 "songs that expose the roots and antennae of Caetano Veloso's work".[27]
^The Latin Grammy nominations were shared with Caetano Veloso alongside the producers Jaques Morelenbaum and Moreno Veloso, the engineer Fernando Fishgold and the mixer Marcelo Sabóia.
References
^Francisco, Luiz (6 August 2001). "Caetano comemora 59 anos com show" [Caetano celebrates 59 years with a show]. Folha de S.Paulo (in Brazilian Portuguese). 34.511 (103). ISSN1414-5723. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
^Serra, José (13 March 2005). "Igualdade à flor da pele" [Equality to the core]. Folha de S.Paulo (in Brazilian Portuguese). 34.511 (103). ISSN1414-5723. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
^Ribeiro, Lúcio (13 December 2000). "John Lennon ou Caetano Veloso?" [John Lennon or Caetano Veloso?]. Folha de S.Paulo (in Brazilian Portuguese). 34.511 (103). ISSN1414-5723. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
^Nakahara, Jin (13 May 2021). "［2001.03］カエターノ、新作『ノイチス・ド・ノルチ』を語る ３年ぶりに届いた、「啓示」そして「暗示」" [[2001.03] Caetano talks about his new work "Noites do Norte - for the first time in three years, "Revelation" and "Suggestion"]. e-magazine LATINA (in Japanese). Retrieved 12 January 2025.
^Sanches, Pedro Alexandre (11 May 2000). "A dança da solidão" [The dance of loneliness]. Folha de S.Paulo (in Brazilian Portuguese). 34.511 (103). ISSN1414-5723. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
