It’s smooth, hip, sharp. Chilled not cold. It is pop without the bullshit. This is Bebel Gilberto’s Tanto Tempo Remixes album. For some, the name Gilberto might ring a bell, but this isn’t her daddy’s music. Gilberto was born into a musical family, being the daughter of Brazilian singers and performers Miucha and Joao Gilberto. The songstress cut her chops early, with a performance at Carnegie Hall alongside Brazilian legend Stan Getz, and even appeared on her mother’s solo album, Miucha, at the age of nine. She was
destined for the stage.

But some might wonder why I would write about an album that is six years old, and from a foreign artist, instead of exploring something more “recent” and local. Truth be told quality never gets old. This album is worth a pick up. Bebel’s voice is smooth. It hits in the right place. It’s not overbearing and it allows for the music that accompanies her to really develop as the album progresses. The production value on the tracks are in itself something worth nothing. Remix albums are a tough sell. For those who are music lovers, they get used to the original sounds of the album and to create a new base sound that can fit into the mold of the first album is tough. But the producers of this album broke that mold and did so in the way that allowed the album to shine as if it were an original creation. The beats flow naturally, allowing the listener to play all the tracks without the dreaded, “skip that song.”

The bossa nova laced tracks, mixed with pop, rock and electronic grooves develop nicely throughout the L. Songs of merit are Sem Contencao, Close Your Eyes and Samba de Bencao. Put the sunglasses on. Get the suntan lotion ready. Put the LP on repeat and meet
me at Ipanema. I’ll be waiting there.