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Está entre nós, CONFESSIONS II, sequência de Confessions on a Dance Floor, álbum de 2005 de uma das maiores lendas da música, Madonna. Lançado nesta sexta-feira (03), o disco nos presenteia com uma excelente atmosfera disco e clubber com uma produção fenomenal que parece repetir um mantra: "If your dance floor feels dead, maybe you're playing the wrong music."


Woman in pink-red stage lighting poses on the floor, mirrored in a double exposure, with long blonde hair and a sultry mood.
Madonna para o álbum 'CONFESSIONS II'.

Com 16 faixas, o álbum nos leva para dentro de uma discoteca e de todos os sentimentos que cabem nela: da chegada até o momento em que a pista esvazia e a festa termina. Com uma sonoridade majoritariamente dance e eletrônica, Madonna nos convida para uma produção coassinada por Stuart Price, produtor que também participou da gravação e da composição do álbum original no começo dos anos 2000. O projeto ainda reúne participações de nomes de diferentes gerações, como Martin Garrix, Sabrina Carpenter, Feid, Stromae e sua filha mais velha, Lola Leon.


Na coletiva de imprensa após o anúncio do álbum, a Rainha do Pop se reuniu com Stuart Price e explicou como queria que essa obra fosse recebida pelo público e qual era sua visão para a continuação de um dos discos mais aclamados de sua carreira.


"Precisamos dançar, celebrar e rezar com os nossos corpos. Essas são coisas que fazemos há milhares de anos, elas são realmente práticas espirituais. Afinal, a pista de dança é um espaço ritualístico. É um lugar onde você se conecta com as suas feridas, com a sua fragilidade. Festejar em raves é uma arte. É sobre testar os seus limites e se conectar com uma comunidade de pessoas na mesma sintonia. O som, a luz e a vibração remodelam as nossas percepções, nos levando a um estado de transe. A repetição dos graves nós não apenas ouvimos mas sentimos, alterando a nossa consciência e dissolvendo o ego e o tempo."

Woman in a sheer pink veil sits on a speaker box against a purple backdrop, creating a dreamy, mysterious mood.
Madonna para a capa do 'CONFESSIONS II'.

A introdução do álbum, I Feel So Free, resgata uma Madonna que fala com liberdade sobre seu legado na pista de dança, fazendo um aceno claro a Bedtime Story (1994). Durante a faixa, você sente como se estivesse entrando em uma boate: os corpos encontrando o ritmo, o brilho das luzes e os primeiros olhares entre aqueles que não querem que a noite acabe.


Uma das características mais marcantes, tanto do primeiro Confessions quanto desta sequência, é a transição entre as faixas, fazendo com que sua estrutura sonora se aproxime de um DJ set das principais baladas de Nova York. Isso reforça sua identidade e mostra que Madonna conhece não apenas os fãs do álbum original, mas também a cultura clubber que viveu nos anos 80 e 90. Em seguida, Good For The Soul resgata a mensagem de Impressive Instant, do álbum Music (2000), compartilhando o mesmo estado de transe e utilizando metáforas cósmicas para descrever a transcendência provocada pela dança e pelo amor, mesmo 26 anos depois.


Na terceira faixa, One Step Away, é notável a mudança de humor e tonalidade do álbum. É como se o corpo já estivesse completamente adaptado à pista e estivesse, literalmente, "a um passo" de transcender naquele espaço. Essa transformação acontece na faixa seguinte, Bring Your Love, lead single do álbum em parceria com Sabrina Carpenter. O encontro de gerações é um dos grandes acertos da música e mostra que esse universo criado por Madonna continua vivo e seguro nas próximas gerações. Mais do que manter seu legado, ela continua sendo vista com respeito pelos artistas mais novos. A faixa também aborda o desafio de lidar com o julgamento externo e com as métricas algorítmicas da indústria musical, tema cada vez mais presente nas discussões sobre música atualmente.


Two blonde performers on a dark concert stage point outward, one in white lace bodysuit and wings, the other in purple outfit.
Madonna e Sabrina Carpenter durante o Coachella 2026.

Na quinta faixa, Danceteria — ouso dizer uma das melhores do álbum e uma espécie de Vogue para a década de 2020, pelas inúmeras referências a figuras da cena —, tudo funciona. É empolgante, intensa e desperta aquela vontade de tomar um drink forte e suar na pista colado na pessoa que você quer beijar a noite inteira. A música também faz referência à Danceteria, lendária boate de Nova York do início dos anos 1980, onde a carreira da Rainha do Pop começou. Mantendo essa energia, Madonna se aventura no espanhol em Read My Lips, parceria com Feid que incorpora elementos mais orgânicos, uma base levemente acústica e toques de reggaeton, funcionando como uma clara homenagem a Medellín, do Madame X.


Nas faixas seguintes, fica evidente a narrativa da noite que Madonna quer que você viva por meio da música. Primeiro, ela reafirma sua própria força (Everything). Depois, apresenta a libertação através de um amor especial (Love Sensation e Love Without Words). Em seguida, mostra um amor estranho e intenso (Bizarre). E, por fim, responde a quem insiste em lhe ensinar aquilo que ela já sabe (School). A sonoridade desse bloco traduz exatamente a intensidade que ela quer provocar: pelo corpo, pela boca e pelo sexo, características que inevitavelmente remetem ao seu polêmico livro Sex, de 1992.


Close-up of a woman with eyes closed, her face striped by pink and purple light against a soft magenta studio background.
Madonna para o álbum 'CONFESSIONS II'.

Entrando no último ato de CONFESSIONS II, as cinco faixas finais nos levam a um lugar mais emotivo e sentimental, criando a sensação de que a festa está terminando e o sol logo vai nascer. Fragile — que, na minha opinião, é um grande tributo a Ray of Light — fala sobre sua espiritualidade e sobre como a mente se torna frágil quando está abalada. A música também funciona como uma homenagem ao seu irmão, Christopher Ciccone, e foi descrita por Madonna como "uma forma de catarse" e "um exorcismo".


Em seguida, My Sins Are My Savior mistura espiritualidade e amor para revisitar suas memórias afetivas, sejam elas românticas, familiares, fraternas ou platônicas, conectando diferentes momentos de sua vida ao álbum original e à sua continuação. Logo depois vem Betrayal, momento em que o amor vivido na pista é colocado à prova diante da fé. A faixa mostra uma personagem que, mesmo traída, ainda se sente amada, embora completamente sozinha e deslocada. Ela continua dançando, mas nunca esquece aquilo que viveu.


"And now we're dancing, yes, we're dancing. We're together forever. You betrayed me, you enslaved me. We're together 'til the end."

Two glamorous women pose closely in a nightclub, hugging in front of a blue wall with champagne glasses and a bottle behind them.
Madonna e sua filha, Lola Lean.

Perto do fim, Madonna nos leva ao seu lado mais sensível com The Test, emocionante parceria com Lola Leon, que ganha ainda mais significado ao saber que foi a própria filha quem propôs escrever uma música juntas como forma de ajudar a curar a relação entre mãe e filha.


Para fechar a pista de dança e finalmente ir embora, temos a impecável L.E.S Girl. Relembrando um passado que já desaparecia antes mesmo do álbum original existir, a faixa conta a história de uma garota do Lower East Side — a própria Madonna — descobrindo a maioridade, a vida adulta e o amor pelas ruas de Nova York, cidade onde criou sua identidade artística, experimentou a liberdade e construiu sua carreira.


Blonde woman in blue dress stands before four men at urinals in a tiled restroom, posing with a bold pop-star look.
Madonna em 'Confessions II - The Film', disponível no Youtube

Com esse conjunto de faixas, CONFESSIONS II se transforma em uma grande celebração de Madonna a si mesma. Não porque ela apenas permaneceu no topo, mas porque foi ela quem ajudou a construir esse lugar. Um espaço que pertence a poucas pessoas e que abriu caminho para inúmeros artistas de sua geração e das seguintes brilharem.


Se um dia a pista de dança morrer, saibam que Madonna não estará mais entre nós. Porque, enquanto estiver viva, existe uma certeza: ela continuará mantendo a pista, a música, o brilho e a sensualidade vivos.


Isso é legado. Isso são confissões. Essa é a Madonna. Bravo, bravo, bravo!


(5/5)

Você também pode ler este Guia de Viagem em Português clicando aqui.


It’s a fact: every trip is defined by its biggest clichés. I will always look back fondly on the mix of feelings I had when I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time—and how I almost maxed out my phone’s storage just posing in front of it. But even after that initial experience, Paris remains one of my favorite places on Earth, though for different reasons now. The food, the art, the culture, the traditions, and even the language itself (which seems to evolve differently here than in the rest of the country) are what truly enchant me. Regardless of where I am, they always will.


My favorite restaurant is definitely marked by the experience of having such a privileged view of the Tower, but that doesn't define it. The food itself is what brings back the most incredible memories of the city. If they opened the same restaurant in some random alley or a hidden backyard, it would still be my favorite because of the cuisine, the service, and the atmosphere inside (even if it takes some nearly impossible mental gymnastics to pretend the glass windows aren't there showing the illuminated city at night).


I created the concept of the New Mean 4u Travel Guides to share a bit of the magic of this perspective—one I discover and rediscover around the world—with you. I want these Guides to be updated whenever I revisit a place or find a new one. But for this first selection, I’ve brought you 3 recommendations for each of the things I love doing most in the cities I visit: eat, grab a coffee (or for me, specifically a matcha), visit exhibitions, drink, and dance.


TO DINE OUT


Café du Trocadero, Alfred e Le Mirabeau - Where to eat in Paris?

Café du Trocadero

It’s no news to anyone that Café du Trocadero (which, despite the name, isn’t just a café) is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Besides the breathtaking view—day or night—the food is impeccable, and the menu always features the restaurant's striking signature dishes.


Alfred

When I remember that food is also art, the first restaurant name that pops into my head is, without a doubt, Alfred. Paris is an intense city when it comes to beauty, and this is the perfect place to bring that concept right to your table.


Le Mirabeau

A Parisian classic, though my experience with Le Mirabeau is more recent. In 2025, I had the chance to try a few dishes from the menu, and every single one was extremely impeccable—one of those experiences you look back on with a lot of affection. I have to confess, though, a major heads-up here is the bathroom hahaha, it’s a work of art in itself.



TO GRAB A COFFEE (OR MATCHA)


Café Nuances, Inform Café and Juni - Coffee Shop in Paris

Café Nuances

If you love coffee and you’re headed to Paris, you’ve definitely heard this name. Despite my track record with "hyped" spots that end up delivering average quality, Café Nuances delivers everything it promises in taste and even more in the experience of visiting one of their locations in the city. And if you, like me, eat with your eyes first, their official Instagram profile is definitely worth a scroll.


Inform Café

I must confess my palate isn’t a huge fan of Eggs Benedict, but it was at Inform Café that I actually enjoyed one for the first time. Even though the space reminds me a lot of summer, the view remains beautiful in other seasons, and it’s absolutely worth a visit anytime you’re in Paris.


Juni

I’m a marketing student, and if there’s one thing I appreciate alongside my matcha, it’s well-done branding. Juni is the official café for those who hate bad chain coffee (cough cough) and they even serve up a nice little DJ set every now and then. It’s an experience to be lived, for sure. If your time in the city is short but you get lucky enough to catch a special event happening, it’s worth skipping something else just to live this moment.



TO DRINK


Haze, Serpent À Plume and Rojo - Nice places to night out and drink in Paris

Haze

Honestly, I never thought I’d find a place that made me feel like I was inside Gossip Girl quite like Haze. Intimate atmosphere, mysterious and sexy vibe, and drinks that will mark your memory in the most positive way imaginable. It’s a great spot to wear the best outfit in your suitcase and channel your inner Blair Waldorf, Serena, or whatever character is your life inspiration. Every sip here is like literally tasting the best Paris has to offer.


Serpent A Plume

To be honest, I’m starting this brief description of Serpent À Plume without knowing what to say because it feels like there are no words in the world that can describe what this place is. It’s definitely not for everyone, but everyone should have the opportunity to experience what it has to offer. A quick look at their Instagram should give you an overview of what awaits, but if I can spoil it with my own words in this specifically opinion-light review, I’d say it’s everything you don’t expect but need to experience. Just so I don't leave you completely in the dark: the drinks are classic, the music is usually Jazz (which suits the city at night perfectly), and the memories, you can be sure, will be striking.


Rojo

The space itself is definitely the game-changer here. Rojo is a great environment to sip wine with friends (or even on a date) while discussing the more philosophical nuances of life. The art in the place is phenomenal, starting with the entrance sign itself, which is a great—but not spoiler-heavy—introduction to the venue. I confess that regarding the cocktails, I want to hear about your experiences in our community; the mood of the place screamed "late night, wine" to me, and I listened. But my tourist sixth sense for cocktails assures me the experience will be just as good for those who go down that path.



TO VISIT


Fondation Louis Vuitton, Galliera Museum and Saint Sulpice Church - Places and museums to visit in Paris

Fondation Louis Vuitton

This visit surprised me, mostly due to my own carelessness. I wasn't expecting the level of artistic exhibition the Louis Vuitton Foundation delivered because I was mentally prepared for just "another brand's Dior Gallery." Anyone interested in the subject probably already knows this, but for those at risk of being caught off guard like me: heads up, it is truly a museum. The building itself is the first work of art you'll encounter on this itinerary, and at the risk of missing out on what's inside, the view from the outside is already worth the effort of the visit.


Musée Galliera

Paris is the city of love, but it’s also one of the fashion capitals, and not without reason. The Palais Galliera Fashion Museum gathers everything any fashion lover probably wants to know. I visited with a specific friend in mind because she would absolutely love the experience, but even if you (or whoever is with you) aren't super into that universe—which I find hard to believe if you’re reading me—it’s still a swoon-worthy visit just for the beauty of what human creativity can create.


Saint Sulpice

I’m not religious, but no one in the world can disagree (or would dare to) that Catholic churches are always an exhibition of architectural art. Obviously, an ancient city like Paris has many churches to visit, starting with Notre Dame itself, but I’m going to intervene and say that Église Saint-Sulpice is the visit that will make the trip worthwhile. I unpretentiously walked into the church while coming back from the Luxembourg Museum, and everything about it is enchanting: the paintings, the architecture, the history, everything you can imagine. Don’t go to Paris and miss this opportunity; plus, you hit two tourist spots in one go, and you won’t regret it.



TO DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY


Bonnie Club, Spootnik and Caveau de La Huchette - Parties in Paris

Bonnie Club

Ever imagined spending the night on a rooftop enjoying good music while also having a privileged view of the Eiffel Tower? If so, you can turn what was once just imagination into reality. Bonnie Club is THE perfect find for a person who, like me, loves to enjoy the night, dance with friends, and stay out until sunrise. The drinks are good, the energy is contagious, and you’ll very likely enjoy an entire set without complaining about a single song or wanting to stop to rest.


Spootnik

Want to live the most surreal experience of your life but with one condition? Spootnik is the right place. The culture here is really the strong point and the differentiator; it’s about really dancing and forgetting the night has an end. There isn't always a "party" happening per se, and in those cases, the bar stays open and the experience is still totally worth it. It’s a bit more competitive to get in, and the prices are great, which might increase the competition even more. For the next available date as of this publication, February 27, 2026, tickets are already on sale. Oh, the condition to live the most surreal experience of your life? No phones allowed!


Caveau de la Huchette

Here we keep the concept of dancing but drastically lower the clubber culture levels. Caveau de la Huchette is the ideal hangout you don’t find in every city all year round, so it’s worth experiencing while you’re traveling. It’s live music with more classic instruments, and it’s also a cool experience to have when you’re there and remember that someone was also there back in 1946. It’s about living, dancing, enjoying, and soaking up the history of the city’s life.



Well, Paris is a city full of incredible surprises. Every time you visit, you're bound to find new things to do and see the city through fresh eyes. That’s the beauty of life and big cities: they change just like we do, surprising us just as much as life itself. Heraclitus used to say that no man ever steps in the same river twice... for it's not the same river, and he's not the same man. The same goes for Paris.


So, what about you? What are your experiences in the city, your recommendations, and discoveries you can share with me? Join the conversation on our Instagram and add this Travel Guide to your Maps to make visiting these spots easier—and to start customizing your own guide with your top picks.




While we wait for the last week of January to arrive with our official 2026 Obsessions List, I decided to bring our tradition of picking favorites from the previous year to our official site, which debuted last year.


I’m so happy to have created this space because I feel it allows me to add more depth to the discussions we’re already having on our socials. I am fully aware that an "Obsessions List" is inherently about consumer behavior—something we always need to question and understand the "why" behind. With the freedom to write longer texts and explore unlimited narratives here, I feel this platform helps us tackle that dilemma head-on.


Now, without further ado, welcome to my official selection of favorites from the 2025 Obsessions List. Before we dive in, I want to highlight that these are the items that surprised me the most or impacted me in ways that went beyond my usual expectations when curating these lists. These are truly THE favorites. Here, you can check out my reasoning for each pick and share your own experiences—not just with these, but with every item on the full official list.


Now, for real,


The Favorites:


PartyPlug - Alpine

PARTYPLUG

Alpine

At this point, y’all have probably already figured out that I’m a party boy. Well, if not: I am. But I also care about my health, and that involves my hearing. Since parties are usually places with loud sounds, vibrations, and little noises that “ick” our ears, I decided to include this item in our last year's obsessions, already thinking about the long-term benefits.


I want to see my grandchildren party too! I want to listen to what they’ll be listening to when they’re my age, and for that, I need to save my ears hahaha.


The PartyPlug is surreal. You can still enjoy the party entirely, listening to everything AND everyone—it’s amazing and unbelievable, almost like magic. The price is really fair since you’re going to reuse it, and if you take care of it properly, you probably won’t need to buy another pair. I got mine in clear/transparent, but it’s available in other colors. You can buy it on their official website or a trusted online marketplace like Amazon (where I got mine).


Drunk Elephant, Rosi Drops, Rose Drops, Skincare

O-BLOOS ROSI DROPS

Drunk Elephant

It wouldn’t be a true obsession list without Drunk Elephant—it’s basically tradition at this point. I have to confess: this product was a total game changer for me. Even though it went viral more as a makeup hack than actual skincare, I’m kinda proud to say I "called it" before the hype hahaha.


With the rise of men’s makeup and skincare-makeup hybrids, this product delivers the perfect finish for literally everyone. I personally mix it with my moisturizer for an all-over glow, while my friends use it as a liquid blush for early morning classes. Either way, you get that healthy, treated skin look thanks to the power of this serum. Definitely a must-have!!!


 

Kanken Backpack, Fox Backpack, Fjallraven

KÅNKEN BACKPACK

Fjällräven

Okay, I admit it: I only put this backpack on the 2025 Obsessions List because I fell in love with it after seeing Charlie Spring (played by the incredible Joe Locke) wearing the yellow version in Heartstopper. After seeing it on TV for the first time, I went to the site, discovered the 'Sky Blue' variant, and the obsession hit harder than the Stanley Quencher from our 2024 list.


Even though I’m more of a handbag/tote person these days, the charming and simple design of this backpack won me over in a unique way (and that’s me speaking regardless of the color, leaving my "blue obsessed" side out of the chat). But what surprised me the most was the comfort on the shoulders—which is always a major point for me—and, of course, the durability.


The color doesn't fade, the stitching doesn't come undone, the fox logo remains intact, and there isn't a single sign of it falling apart. If my parents knew about this brand when I was a kid, I probably wouldn't have fulfilled my childhood dream of getting a brand-new backpack every single school year.


 

Boca Rosa, Boca Rosa Beauty, Máscara para Sobrancelhas

BOCA ROSA EYE BROW MASCARA

Boca Rosa

In case you didn't know, I'm a Brazilian guy. That said, I feel genuinely proud to see Brazilian cosmetic brands—ones I watched grow from the ground up—starting to conquer the world. Sol de Janeiro, Granado (okay, I didn't see that one being born hahaha), Bruna Tavares, or any other Brazilian brand that reached international spotlight this year made me cheer—not for myself, but for the world having the opportunity to discover such incredible brands.


Speech over, let’s focus on what matters for our conversation: the surreal Eye Brow Mascara by Boca Rosa.


A quick backstory: Boca Rosa (Beauty) is a makeup brand founded by a Brazilian influencer named Bianca Andrade (@bianca on Instagram). Initially launched in 2018 in partnership with PAYOT, the brand was always a phenomenon in Brazil and sold like crazy. In 2023/2024, Bianca ended her contract with PAYOT to turn Boca Rosa Beauty into an independent brand under the holding company Boca Rosa Company. She took over the entire operation: formula, packaging, logistics, and distribution.


Among the new products that came with Boca Rosa's TOTAL rebranding, the Eye Brow Mascara came to my attention. And for someone like me—who never actually wore makeup and limited myself to just understanding and knowing the industry—I gave in and went on a mission to secure mine.


It is an impeccable product with insanely surreal durability. Besides not leaving that white cast, wet look, or artificial feel (like some international brands sometimes do), it offers great value for money since just one unity of it goes a long way.


 

Arizona Birkenstock, Birken, Sandals

ARIZONA

Birkenstock

Going in the opposite direction of the other favorites on our 2025 list, the decision to include the Arizona came from a completely unpretentious place. It was an item that caught my eye after seeing so many people wearing it during trips in 2023. Surprisingly, in 2024, I saw the hype not only stick but also start reaching entirely new audiences.


Visually, it looks like anything but comfortable—I have to admit that. But when I walked into a Birkenstock store and tried on a pair for the first time, I was visibly shocked at how comfortable they were and how they fit my foot like Cinderella’s glass slipper.


Even though the official pick for this list is Light Blue and I’m still completely in love with that color ('blue obsessed' strikes again), the pair I actually wear daily is the classic Taupe/Light Brown. And, breaking several social norms, they go with me everywhere: morning college lectures, Tuesday night drinks with friends, family dinners, the walk to yoga class, and recently, even to a party or two amidst the chaos of São Paulo.


The fact is, like it or not, the Birkenstock Arizona is a phenomenon that isn't going anywhere anytime soon.


 

Andiamo, Bottega Veneta

ANDIAMO

Bottega Veneta

This might be the biggest splurge on our list from last year, and I admit I went back and forth on whether to include it. But honestly? My obsession with this bag grew to such surprising levels that I just couldn't ignore it.


The Bottega Veneta Andiamo isn't just one of the most stunning bags I’ve ever seen; it is extremely practical and useful. The versatility of its construction and the unique colorways are definitely a major plus. If you pick the large size, it works as the perfect daily driver. I know you might think I'm crazy because 'it's too big,' but trust me, it’s also a stunning piece that instantly upgrades any outfit, especially the casual fits for work or college. It holds a laptop, a journal, a toiletry bag, and all your random bits and bobs without looking bulky or losing its style.


I was obsessed with this bag in 2025, and I’ll stay obsessed for years to come (and apparently, I’m not alone, seeing as this item from our list also went viral...).


 

Mexico 66, Onitsuka Tiger, Onitsuka Tiger Green

MEXICO 66

Onitsuka Tiger

Sneakers and shoes in general are almost always my favorite part of our annual lists, but I have to confess: I didn't expect THIS much from a single pair like the Mexico 66 delivered.


First things first: Onitsuka Tiger is a Japanese brand, and that alone speaks volumes about the product quality. But if it wasn't clear: yes, Onitsuka Tiger is a brand of extremely, absurdly, and incomparably high quality.


Discovering the Mexico 66 opened the doors to a whole new world of footwear for me, and I’ll be eternally grateful for that. But not as grateful as I am for the complete transformation these shoes bring to an outfit.


Even though the color is a bit "out there" and the design is more complex than what we're used to (Golden Goose, Adidas, Nike, etc.), these shoes simply go with EVERYTHING. I love pairing them with grey jeans and an oversized green button-down, but honestly? I can wear any outfit, and even though the shoes are GREEN, they complete the fit perfectly, make their presence known, and still keep everything harmonious and effortless. Beyond the aesthetics, I need to talk about comfort: Unreal. And honest truth: to secure the colorway I wanted, I had to size up, and the performance is still flawless.


 


If you haven't seen the full 2025 Obsessions List yet, you can check it out by clicking the link below to visit our official Instagram post from last year.



Now, tell me in the comments or over on our socials: what was your favorite item from the 2025 list?

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