Um Só Ideal

Um Só Ideal formed in Rio de Janeiro in 1970, with Paulo Ramalho on vocals and guitar, Marcos Vale on bass, Getúlio Côrtes on keyboards, and Nelson Jr. on drums. Their name translates to "One Single Ideal," which hinted at the group's shared purpose from the start. They released their self-titled debut album in 1971, followed by records like 1972's "A Vida Traz Um Novo Amor" and 1974's "O Amor É Um Ideal."

Their music mixed Brazilian rhythms like samba and bossa nova with pop and rock touches. Songs such as "Volta Pra Mim," "Passou da Hora," and "Porque" carried the melodic, heartfelt quality that became their hallmark. "A Vida Traz Um Novo Amor" in particular found a wide audience and stayed in rotation on Brazilian radio.

The band sometimes faced pushback for speaking out on social issues, but they kept at it, building a dedicated following along the way. They put out a live album in 1980 and left behind a handful of records that still get played when people want that particular blend of Rio melody and gentle conviction.