Bebel Gilberto

Advantages Relaxing, refreshing
Disadvantages in portuguese

...I first heard of Bebel Gilberto at a friend of mine. Whilst popping in for a drink, the CD was playing as background music and since they had just returned from an eventful 7 month travelling around the world, I thought that it was one of their findings. Enquiring about it, it had been bought in the local music shop - HMV. I am always on the lookout for different style and style that suits me. I am sometimes disappointed by what is in the charts and do not often find my happiness with what is played on the radio. The CD is a collection self written songs - for the most part - and a couple of oldie worldlie ones. The lot makes a beautiful CD full of emotions, gentleness and talent. Her voice is simply exceptional. It is the best thing after a long day, sipping a glass of your favourite poison, relaxing, unwinding, and Bebel Gilberto... Read review

Advantages good number of songs, some up tempo to balance slow jazzy songs.
Disadvantages Absolutely none.

...For those that don't speak Portuguese, you will find this album summery, silky, soothing and refreshing. Her voice is velvety, quite like a Brasilian version of Sade. The sound is Languid and lazy. Something to listen to for that laid-back, feel-good sensation. For those that do speak Portuguese, the same applies, though you will find her songs filled with nostaligia, love, samba and dreams of 'places far beyond' as sung in English in her 'August Day Song'. Most of the songs are sung in Portuguese, however, she does on one or two occasions break into a few lines of English in that very exotic accent of hers. An album to get you in a chilled out good mood. Well worth it!... Read review

Advantages Upbeat and some fresh new ideas.
Disadvantages May not appeal to everyone.

..., and soulful, to Gwen Stefani from the days of No doubt, which is altogether different in sound, excruciating-melody, but in a wonderful way. The style of her album is not a single one but varies between Ballads such as i'm like a bird her new single, and Hey,man, both of which contain incredible rhythms and undeniabley enchanting chorus'. the album also ends with three very latin bais tunes that simply ooze with intelligent writing and are evidence of her deep latin roots. The remainder of the albums is hip hop or verging on powerfully emotive slow rhumba like tunes comparible to Bebel Gilberto's debut release, 'tanto tempo'. there is no question that this is an excellent album, but for a debut it deserves reverence! I recommend this album to anyone who appreciates intricately formed latin beats but also anyone whose head is turned by the sound... Read review