For those who don’t know her, Rita Lee Jones is a Brazilian singer and composer. She started her career in 1966 and always sang Rock music. Rita was a member of “Os Mutantes” and others groups before she began to sing and play alone. Her role in Brazilian music is very outstanding and she is recognized until nowadays, although she doesn’t play concerts anymore.
Now I´ve decided to talk about one of Rita´s albums, because she is very special and means a lot to the Brazilian culture, as well as to me and I think it wouldn’t be unfair to say that this album is her masterpiece! Considered a Brazilian rock classic, “Fruto Proibido” was composed and recorded along with the band Tutti Frutti, who accompanied Rita between 1973 and 1978. Most tracks were written by herself, but some had collaborations of other singers and writers.
It contains two of her most famous songs, “Ovelha Negra” and “Agora só falta você”, both with lyrics that were unusual in the time they were released. "Agora só falta você" is a song that talks about a woman breaking free from relationships that weren‘t good for her. “Ovelha negra” is about a girl leaving her house to live her own life.
They are unusual, but also power- and meaningful. When we listen to this album we can say that Rita was very inspired and open hearted, because she tells a lot of her life and story in it.
Therefore, “Fruto Proibido” is an important album and means a lot to the Brazilian rock history. It has sold 150,000 copies, which is a record for Brazilian rock bands, and has become an icon that opened many doors for the rise of national rock. Everything about it is great and I dare to say that the work Rita has done in this album will never be forgotten!
I give this album five stars!
by Gabriela Centioli de Oliveira
A Masterpiece of Rock Music
- The HoneyThe art in Rupi
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Fruto Proibido: The album cover
Artwork by: Gabriela Oliveira
Photo by: Gabriela Oliveira