Bebel Gilberto

Her 2000 debut made a splash by blending electronica and bossa nova, but this intoxicating sequel delivers a different surprise, emphasizing more old-fashioned Brazilian sounds. With programming taking a supporting role, Gilberto creates an elegant dreamland where lilting acoustic guitar provides the heartbeat and her warm, caressing voice is so intimate it's almost unsettling. The lush "Simplesmente" layers strings and percussion to surreal, eerie effect; "Jabuticaba" playfully salutes the tropical fruit of the same name. Alternating between Portuguese and English, she glides above insistent tempos that embody gorgeous melancholy, echoing her father, the legendary singer and guitarist João Gilberto.

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