Bebel Gilberto, All In One

By Ann Clarke

I am fully aware of Bebel Gilberto’s namesake, and the fact that she’s been around for awhile. . . but I can honestly say, I’d never heard anything by her. I knew she was a Brazilian musician and her parents were famous musicians (João Gilberto and Miúcha), but that’s about it. So in essence, I can’t compare Bebel’s new album, All In One, to any of her previous works, since I don’t know them. I can say this: I was interested in reviewing this album, because I am willing to listen to foreign vocals without hesitation.

I don’t care what the lyrics are, I’m just interested in what it sounds like! There are so many shitty lyrics in English, that frankly, it’s almost a relief in not being able to understand the words! I also have an new found interest in music with Portuguese roots, and Brazilians speak Portuguese, so. . . a + b = c!

With that said, I am not totally in love with this album, but the songs I like. . . I really like! Ironically, most of those songs I do like are in English or bilingual mixed with Portuguese. I really do like Bebel’s voice. It’s not that it’s groundbreaking, but its delicate and smooth. . . and doesn’t deviate out of her range. She has good control over her talents, and it seems she knows her limits. There’s nothing wrong with that; it’s just that I can’t say that it’s particularly exciting. It is, however very pleasant and soft on the ears,. good when you’re not in the mood for jarring sounds, but you still want to listen to something that isn’t overplayed bullshit from the charts.

One of my favorite tracks is actually “Sun Is Shining,” which was written by Bob Marley. It’s upbeat, with intricate Latin percussion laced with subtle and complementary sound effects. Gilberto switches the languages up verse-by-verse, which gives it a nice, personal touch.

Another great moment on this record is her cover of Carmen Miranda’s “Chica Chica Boom Chic.” It’s a rare event in the history of resurrecting a classic: doing it justice! It’s truly awesome and I’ve often played it on repeat (which is something I rarely do).

The best song on the album is “The Real Thing,” which was written by Stevie Wonder, but originally recorded by Sergio Mendes. It is truly a kick-ass cover! The backing band on this track are the stupendous Dap-Kings (of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings). This rendition is truly groovy through and through!

A few other enjoyable moments on the album: “Ela (On my Way),” “All in One,” “Forever,” and “Secret (Secredo).” These didn’t quite stand out as much as the other tracks I mentioned, but were songs I can see growing on me after more listens, especially “Secret (Secredo).” That track is particularly sexy, yet organic. The music builds slowly, and Gilberto’s voice is breathy: lusty without being explicit and overall, classy.

Bebel Gilberto is a classy vocalist. She’s not too revealing, nor is she a prick tease. She’s not a dreadful chanteuse, either; there’s far more personality to her songs. She sort of reminds me of another singer named Vanessa Daou, yet less sultry, more exotic and demure. . . but still accessible and actually quite happy.

All In One was released on September 29. Ms. Gilberto is currently touring the United States; her next appearance is at Park West in Chicago, IL on December 2. For tour dates and other information, please check out her Official Site or MySpace page.