Recorded in 1971 at Chappell Recording Studios in London during his exile, "Transa," Caetano Veloso's sixth studio album, was released in January 1972. The seven-track album was produced by British artist Ralph Mace and featured musical direction by Jards Macalé, who also plays guitar on the track "It's A Long Way."
With a band consisting of Áureo de Souza (drums), Moacyr Albuquerque (bass), Tutty Moreno (percussion), and Jards Macalé (acoustic and electric guitar), the album also features Angela Ro Ro, with 22 years old, who brought her charming harmonica to Caetano Veloso's seductive song, "Nostalgia (That's What Rock'n'Roll Is All About)," the album's closing track. This collaboration on Caetano's album gave the then-newcomer a boost to her musical career. The album has a rock vibe that subtly echoes the artist's other major influences: MPB songs and the sounds of Bahia. Even so, it still retains a touch of the melancholy of his first London album, titled simply "Caetano Veloso," released in 1971.
The project was released with the distinctive triple-fold cover, in which the booklet and cover formed a triangle. The idea was nicknamed "discobjeto" by Bahian actor and theater director Álvaro Guimarães, who created the bold graphic design alongside Aldo Luiz.
