Metrô: Brazilian Synthpop of the 80s

Between the sparkle of dance floors and the challenges of a changing Brazil, Metrô not only lit up parties but also left reflections worth revisiting today.

Fábio César

New Times

Being young and stylish in the 1980s meant being into Metrô. The pop-rock band, filled with synthesizers, captured the spirit of the era like few others. Led by the charismatic vocalist Virginie, Metrô became a true icon of Brazilian synthpop, embodying the spirit of a generation eager for freedom and self-expression.

Even in a Brazil undergoing political transition and grappling with economic struggles, the 80s carried a singular youthful vitality—an almost innocent joy.

That feeling was also tied to the possession of electronic gadgets, like the Walkman and the VCR, or to the devotion to electronic fun at arcade hangouts.

It was precisely this lightness that Metrô captured so well in the mid-80s. Their strategy? A full embrace of keyboards woven into a danceable style.

There’s no doubt their songs excite anyone seeking something upbeat. But there’s more in the band’s production. A hit like “Tudo Pode Mudar (No Balanço das Horas)” not only energized teenagers but also offered subtle reflections on the passage of time.

Or “Beat Acelerado”, which pushed against the restrictive patterns society imposed on women. After all, we must remember Brazil was still in a transitional phase, with democracy slowly consolidating after a twenty-year military dictatorship.

Metrô: the Perfect Soundtrack

Fans found in Metrô the ideal soundtrack for parties, mall meetups, and days of stylized jeans and colorful hairstyles.

Today, the band feels unique—especially considering the less romantic times we live in, trapped within the brutal destruction of the planet. As for hits, it almost seems they’ve been replaced by a cult of gadgets rather than musical content itself.

Moreover, contemporary music often seems more focused on questioning social standards than on celebrating the moment.

The fact is, Metrô rode the wave of international synthpop with ease. This was a style that privileged keyboards in melodies and arrangements instead of guitars, which were more tied to hard rock and metal.

The New Wave

Synthpop began emerging in the early 1980s, taking advantage of the decline of progressive rock.

Disco and punk had also faded by the late 70s, which opened the way for New Wave’s rise. This was a cultural movement that encompassed fashion, dance, attitude, and, of course, music. New Wave gave the world groups like The Human League, Visage, Soft Cell, and New Order – he latter reborn from the ashes of Joy Division.

Musically, both New Wave and synthpop embraced synthesizers and drum machines as technological tools to craft a modern, futuristic sound. In doing so, they moved away from heavy guitars and traditional rock structures, rethinking music as a more democratic form of communication — a means of reimagining culture and the world itself.

More than just a musical style, these movements marked a break from the cultural weight of previous decades — particularly the angst and rebellion of punk and the dense experimentation of progressive rock.

Instead, youth embraced lightness and modernity! For many, synthpop offered the perfect soundtrack to explore new forms of expression and celebrate urban life in an increasingly connected and electrified world.

A good example of this aesthetic renewal is Gary Numan’s track “Cars”, which became a true techno-cyber anthem! It was a glimpse of what music aimed to achieve: reflecting the technological reality of the popular masses.

Influence in Brazil

In Brazil, this spirit of renewal found resonance among a generation growing up amidst political transition and eager to leave behind the years of repression. By incorporating elements of synthpop and New Wave, Metrô became not only a reflection of this cultural shift but also a model for a youth eager to dance, dream and express aspirations for a freer, more colorful future.

Vibrant energy, bold colors, exotic haircuts, and party-ready makeup: that was the standard of the international New Wave, transforming the streets into futuristic catwalks!

In Brazil, synthpop became a youthful rebellion against decades of painful conflict. Replacing the weight of struggle with the lightness of curtição — fun increasingly freed from restraints —, the new generations sought new ways of seeing the world. And it is precisely this vibrant mentality that Metrô translated so well in Virginie’s unforgettable voice.

For us today, what remains is the nostalgia of the 80s and of Brazilian retro music in its playful flirts with synthpop.

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In your view, dear reader, what role do 80s pop-rock (or synthpop) bands play in the landscape of Brazilian music? Share your thoughts in the comments, ok?

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Photo: Gratiliano89, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

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Author Credits:
Fábio César earned a degree in Philosophy from Universidade São Judas Tadeu. He was a reporter for Sacred Sound Magazine and part of the culture editorial team at Eclésia Magazine.