Momento
Bebel Gilberto V2
Bebel Gilberto was practically baptised in the gene pool of Brazilian music. Her father, the guitarist João Gilberto, is described by many as the inventor of bossa nova and her mother, Miúcha, a celebrated singer, is a sister of the singer-songwriter Chico Buarque. So it is no surprise that Bebel worked with a range of leading musicians from David Byrne to Stan Getz before striking out on her own.
It was her stunning 2000 solo debut, Tanto Tempo, however, that really put her on the musical map. Its scratchy electronica and languid vocals drew a huge audience. But there was much debate as to how far it owed its success to the brilliant Serbian producer Suba, who died in a fire at his studio allegedly trying to save the master tapes.
Momento, Gilberto's third release, is sadly not a patch on that glittering first record. Although she has enlisted the help of a top production team, including Madonna's little helper Guy Sigsworth, the album is disappointingly bland. Gentle as it is, the opening title track is pretty forgettable. Although seductive, "Bring Back the Love", which follows it, isn't much to write home about - in fact, its only real idea is expressed in the song's title. Would the music get better if she did, I wonder?
The selection of cover versions is more encouraging. "Caçada", a song written and performed by her uncle Chico, is great, and her performance gives it a compelling edge. Her take on the Cole Porter standard "Night and Day" is also unusual, an ethereal sunrise with wafting saxes and wispy vocals. Even so, it's not quite enough to salvage this record. "Words, I need some words," Gilberto sings as she closes the album. No she doesn't; she just needs some better songs.
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