Bebel Gilberto - Momento

When talking about Bebel Gilberto (daughter of the legendary João Gilberto), one should keep in mind the following formula: bossa nova + chilled out electronics + Bebel = good songs! How about that?

In 2004 I first discovered Bebel, thanks to her second studio album Bebel Gilberto. It wasn't her first album (in 2000, her debut Tanto Tempo was released), but definitely her best one. Now, please give a warm welcome to Momento! On her new album, Bebel immediately proves she still knows how to wrap you up in a warm blanket of sound ("Momento", "Night and Day", "Azul" etc.). The songs on "Momento" generally sound very laid-back. I've never actually been in Brazil, but Bebel Gilberto's songs make me feel as if I were chilling out on some Brazilian sunny beach (which, after a few intense weeks of exams, I could really use!). Anyway, to keep the listener's attention, a small number of more danceable tracks (e.g. "Caçada", "Tranquilo") were included. No real floor fillers, but dreamy songs that will perhaps make you gently shake your head, or even your hips, while lying in your hammock. Make sure not to knock over your caipirinha though!

Unfortunately, Bebel's English hasn't improved since her self-titled album from 2004, but the songs in English are just as good as the Portuguese ones. Actually, one of the best tracks on the album is the English "Night and Day", Bebel's interpretation of a song composed by Cole Porter. She maintains the jazzy character of the song (that saxophone towards the end!), but gracefully adds her own Brazilian touch to it.

Nevertheless, I couldn't help comparing this album with the exquisite Bebel Gilberto, and conclude that Momento is slightly inferior to it. It's just that, in my opinion, Bebel hasn't really added anything new to her music on this album, which causes it to sound a little bit too smooth at times. But hey, as I said at the beginning of this post: Bebel just stands for good, relaxing music, and that still hasn't changed!

Bebel Gilberto - Night and Day mp3 buy@iTunes buy@Amazon

Bebel Gilberto - Momento