Hein?

Released in 2009, Hein? is the second studio album by Ana Cañas and represents a pivotal moment in her career where she refined her 'smoky' vocal identity. Produced by Liminha, a legendary figure in Brazilian music, the album moved away from the more traditional jazz leanings of her debut toward a contemporary R&B and pop-rock sound. The record features a notable collaboration with Arnaldo Antunes on the track 'Esconderijo,' which became one of her most enduring hits. Critically, the album was praised for its sophisticated arrangements and Cañas's ability to bridge the gap between MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) and international soul influences. It positioned her as a leading voice in the 'New MPB' scene of the late 2000s, characterized by independent spirits and a willingness to incorporate rock and blues elements into the Brazilian songbook. The album's title, an informal Portuguese interjection meaning 'Huh?' or 'What?', reflects the questioning, searching nature of the lyrical content.