Very few artists can make each and every release sound totally unique, or rather thematic to their current music endeavors. MARO manages to exceed at this with each and every single release she puts out, while still holding on to a particular style that is only possessed by MARO alone. This is especially the case with ‘saudade, saudade’, her newest single, that brings so many elements of MARO’s previous music in a new direction.

The song is built around a gentle, relaxing multi-layered plucked guitar chord progression. MARO’s silky, breathy voice navigates through a relaxing melody, with a peculiar way of attacking the notes that is extremely well executed. Once the chorus introduces itself, rhythm comes in barging, with harmony highlighting the very catchy melody. There’s a very world-pop approach to the way the song is harmonized and the way melody navigates through the guitar loop that’s incredibly endearing. It suits the feel of the tune quite perfectly, especially with the harmonies all being provided by different singers. Though the energy is much higher in the chorus, there’s still a very minimalistic approach to the composition and production of this track, though that doesn’t hinder the excitement and dynamics of the various sections whatsoever. While the song was sung in English up until this point, MARO switches to her native Portuguese or the second verse, where she’s accompanied with many other voices both singing alongside her and accompanying her, especially in the latter of the verse where a totally different guitar part is introduced. That guitar, much brighter than the other, is then brought into the second chorus to bring up the dynamics even more. The song goes back to a final English verse, with nothing but MARO and the guitar loop, just like the song started. The song then comes to a close, letting the soft reverb put the emotions down.

‘Saudade, saudade’ is one of MARO’s greatest offerings. The switch-up between English and Portuguese is especially nice to hear, as her voice shines in both languages. There’s a way both languages mesh with the chords and the rhythm that makes it a perfect fit for their appropriate sections, and especially with the communitive aspect of the track, with all the different voices and worldly approach to songwriting, that packages this whole production into a beautiful gift to us as listeners.

Author: Nicholas Gaudet

Music producer and writer from Dieppe, Canada.