The Revola label is on top of its game with their Brazilian reissue CDs (Edu Lobo, Son Imaginario, etc). This is the last album Astrud Gilberto released on Verve, and because of the dynamics of the time (she released 3 albums in 1969, Brazilian craze was dying down), it got buried in the shuffle and has practically earned the "lost" status (you rarely see it on vinyl). What is interesting about this particular album is it finds our songstress departing from her bossa past, and doing the pop-rock-kitsch thing. Purists might scoff, but with that sweet voice and some funky-esque backing, how can you go wrong? "Beginnings(1)" is quite an introduction to the album with its crisp, breakbeaty jazz backing and Astrud's fresh sound. If you're a fan of "Light My Fire" covers, you definitely have to check the version(2) here; it's all about Astrud's delivery. The other upbeat songs here include a surprising cover(3) of the Bee Gee's "Holiday" and "Let's Go(4)," the only track here that hints of bossa. The second half of the album slows down with ballad-esque tracks like the Beatles cover "Here There and Everywhere(5)," the perfectly poppy "Think of Rain(6)," and Nilson's "Don't Leave Me Baby(7)." It gets a little sappy at times, but just imagine Astrud is in your room, and you're straight. 11 tracks in all.

reviewed by the mgmnt