Released in 1990, O Papa é Pop is one of the most iconic songs by Brazilian rock band Engenheiros do Hawaii, and it quickly cemented itself as a classic in Brazil’s rock scene. Featured on the album of the same name, the track achieved massive radio success and remains a staple of the band’s live shows. Written by the band’s frontman Humberto Gessinger and guitarist Augusto Licks, this song blends social commentary with catchy pop-rock elements.
While the track didn’t top international charts, it became a cultural phenomenon in Brazil. The album O Papa é Pop sold over 250,000 copies, earning a Gold certification by Pro-Música Brasil and making it one of the band’s most successful releases. No international superstars contributed to the song directly, but the refined production and arrangement elevate its lasting appeal.
A Brief History of Engenheiros do Hawaii
Formed in 1984 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Engenheiros do Hawaii started as a university band and quickly evolved into a national powerhouse during the 1980s and 1990s. The group’s sound is a unique mix of progressive rock, post-punk, and Brazilian pop-rock, often featuring poetic and ironic lyrics.
Led by the charismatic Humberto Gessinger, who has remained the band’s backbone since its inception, the group gained a cult following thanks to their intellectual lyrics and layered soundscapes. O Papa é Pop came during their peak creative period and is widely seen as a critique of media sensationalism and celebrity worship in modern culture.
Their thoughtful lyrics and introspective themes often explore issues like politics, religion, and identity, giving them a distinct voice in the Brazilian music landscape.
Behind the Scenes of the “O Papa é Pop” Videoclip
The official video for O Papa é Pop captures the spirit of Brazil in the early ’90s — blending surrealism, satire, and performance art. Directed by José Luiz Villamarim, who later became a celebrated Brazilian TV director, the video was produced as part of the album’s visual campaign.
The video features conceptual imagery: televisions stacked on top of one another, pop culture symbols, and the band’s own performance shots in subdued lighting. Although no high-profile choreographers or dancers are credited, the artistic framing and political undertones in the visuals give the song even more weight.
There’s minimal information available about the dancers or crew, typical for music videos from this era in Brazil, but the use of urban aesthetics and irony reflect the song’s deeper message: in a world obsessed with fame and spectacle, even the Pope becomes pop.
Talk Nerdy to Me: Music Theory in “O Papa é Pop”
Musically, O Papa é Pop is deceptively simple but carries clever compositional elements:
- Key Signature: Primarily in A major, the song uses a straightforward diatonic progression that allows the lyrics to shine.
- Rhythm: The track features a straight 4/4 beat, but with subtle syncopations in the bassline that give it an off-kilter, reflective mood.
- Chord Progression: It primarily uses I-IV-V progressions, a classic in pop-rock music, but the insertion of occasional modal interchange chords gives the song depth and unpredictability.
- Lyrics and Meter: Gessinger’s lyrics follow trochaic meter, which emphasizes the rhythm of Portuguese speech and gives the verses a chant-like quality.
One particularly nerdy detail: the guitar riff plays around with pedal tones, where one note (often the root) is sustained or repeated against changing harmonies — a trick often used in classical music and borrowed here to anchor the song’s energy.
More from Engenheiros do Hawaii
If O Papa é Pop hooked you, there’s much more to explore from Engenheiros do Hawaii’s discography:
Notable Songs:
- “Infinita Highway”: A sprawling existential road song and one of their biggest hits.
- “Era Um Garoto Que Como Eu Amava os Beatles e os Rolling Stones”: A politically charged cover of the Italian protest song.
- “Terra de Gigantes”: A thoughtful look at Brazilian society through poetic lyricism.
YouTube Shows and Performances:
- Engenheiros do Hawaii – MTV ao Vivo (2004): A full-length live performance capturing the band’s energy and stage presence.
- Acústico MTV: The band’s acoustic set gives a new life to their electric hits.
Their YouTube presence keeps growing, and many of their classic songs have been remastered or rereleased to cater to newer generations rediscovering Brazilian rock.
