Mais 5 / Portugal / 2022 / LP, Gatefold
José Afonso's album, produced in France under the direction of José Mário Branco, marked a turning point in his career with enhanced production quality at Strawberry Studios and a philosophy of music as vibrant and celebratory. Branco, exiled in Paris for opposing Portugal's dictatorship, prioritized the harmony of lyrics and music, moving away from earlier melancholic tones. Featuring an innovative blend of traditional and modern instruments, the album showcases advanced arrangements by talented musicians like Michel Delaporte and Christian Padovan. Widely regarded as Afonso's best-sounding work, it remains a milestone in Portuguese music.