Bebel Gilberto - Momento (Music CD)

Only Bebel Gilberto's third album in seven years, Momento is a fusion of the bossa nova sound popularized by her father, João Gilberto, with cool, dancefloor electronica and sweet pop melodies. The overall effect of the chilly electronic beats, mellow acoustic guitars, and Gilberto's warm, inviting vocals (with lyrics in both Portuguese and English) is strongly reminiscent of the British duo Everything But the Girl, especially on Gilberto's overtly bossa nova-inspired take on Cole Porter's "Night and Day," which takes some cues from the duo's extremely similar arrangement of the tune. Another highlight is the pulsing dance-pop of "Bring Back the Love," which has the epic sweep of an early disco hit, thanks to guest stars the Brazilian Girls. ~ Charity Stafford