Caetano Veloso

Caetano Veloso is the third self-titled album by Caetano Veloso. It was recorded in England, when the artist was in an exile imposed by the Brazilian military dictatorship for being subversive. It is mostly sung in English and portrays a sad tone throughout, reflecting his feelings about homesickness and the absence of his family and friends. It was released first in Europe, and then in Brazil, in 1971. Background Between 1969 and 1971, Veloso lived in Chelsea, downtown London, as a consequence of the exile imposed on him by the Brazilian military dictatorship. The musician shared a home with his fellow exilé and friend Gilberto Gil, their respective wives and their manager. The latter arrived first in Europe and was tasked with searching for a place for them to stay. Lisbon and Madrid were soon rejected due to the dictatorships that Portugal and Spain were subjected to back then. Paris, the French capital, was also ruled out because its music scene was deemed "boring", according to Gil. London was considered by them the best city for a musician to live. Veloso spent the first year of his exile feeling depressed and homesick, although he and Gil actively participated in the local musical scene, watching The Rolling Stones shows, jamming with fellow musicians and having their first contact with reggae. One day, Caetano was approached by local producer Ralph Mace, who had just left Philips Records (Veloso's former label in Brazil), and was offered the possibility of recording an album in English. Soon, Lou Reizner, Mace's American colleague, joined the project, but left it near its completion due to some disagreements. Despite that, he was still credited as the album's co-producer.