1. Introduction
“O Preço” is one of the standout tracks by the iconic Brazilian rock band Charlie Brown Jr., featured on their 2003 album “Tamo Aí na Atividade”. The album, which marked a more mature phase in the band’s career, was released during a period of personal and artistic transformation. Composed by lead vocalist Chorão, the track is a raw expression of life’s struggles and the cost of staying true to oneself. The song gained critical acclaim and continues to resonate with fans, especially after Chorão’s tragic death in 2013.
The album received a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Portuguese Language Rock Album in 2005, affirming the band’s influence in the Latin American rock scene. The song doesn’t feature guest musicians but is a testament to the chemistry of the original lineup during that era, particularly the synergy between Chorão’s lyrics and the instrumental work of Champignon (bass) and Marcão (guitar).
2. History of Charlie Brown Jr.
Charlie Brown Jr. was formed in Santos, São Paulo, in 1992. The band blended punk rock, rap, reggae, skate culture, and Brazilian urban rhythms to create a distinctive sound. Led by the charismatic and controversial frontman Chorão (Alexandre Magno Abrão), the band quickly rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their lyrics often reflected themes like authenticity, rebellion, urban life, and self-reflection.
“O Preço” emerged during a phase of creative rebirth for the band. In 2003, they were rebuilding after internal conflicts and lineup changes. The song reflects this turbulence, delivering an honest take on fame, loyalty, and the cost of artistic integrity. Chorão’s emotionally charged performance in “O Preço” became a fan favorite, encapsulating the essence of the band’s ethos.
3. On the Videoclip
O preço is a b side underground song from the band and ever gained an official video.
4. Talk Nerdy to Me – Music Theory Trivia
“O Preço” is written in E minor, a key often used to evoke introspection and tension—perfect for a song grappling with inner conflict. The chord progression follows a common i–VI–III–VII pattern (Em–C–G–D), giving it a melancholic but powerful rock backbone.
The track mixes syncopated rhythms with a standard rock beat, and it features subtle reggae-influenced upstrokes on guitar during the verses—a nod to the band’s diverse sonic influences. Chorão’s vocal delivery hovers between spoken-word, rap cadence, and melodic singing, showcasing the band’s genre-blending trademark.
A cool technical aspect is how the bass line (by Champignon) adds depth with funk-inspired slides and fills, driving the emotional tone while still anchoring the track rhythmically.
5. More from Charlie Brown Jr.
If “O Preço” caught your attention, there’s a wealth of content from Charlie Brown Jr. worth diving into. Here are some highlights:
- “Proibida Pra Mim (Grazon)” – One of their earliest hits, showcasing their ska-punk roots.
- “Céu Azul” – A heartfelt posthumous release by Chorão that became a cultural staple in Brazil.
- “Zóio de Lula” – A massive hit with a beach-rock vibe and a killer video.
- There is a full acoustic show available on youtube, you can find it here
