Before releasing this album, Edu attempted to enter the English-speaking market with Sergio Mendes Presents Edu Lobo, a collection of his hits sung in English. This album offered the market a chance to experience a new Brazilian sound. Confident in his talent, Edu returned to Brazil to create an album that emphasized the importance of free will. He focused on his unique Nordeste sound and showcased his exceptional arranging skills rooted in Brazil's folkloric and regional traditions. He moved beyond the generic mainstream jazz-influenced bossa nova sound, aiming to represent the pinnacle of the post-bossa nova sound.