Reviews (page 6 of 7)
Very muzak with some weird asides. Why is this here? 2 for being inoffensive
Classique de bossa nova. Merci à @Mathémusique pour m’avoir appris à reproduire un rythme bossa nova sous la forme de rythme euclidien. À part ça, pas vraiment passionnant. Ça s’écoute bien quand on fait ses courses à Franprix.
La "Fille d'Ipanema" est de retour dans mes oreilles, et franchement, je ne sais pas si je dois en rire ou pleurer. On l’avait laissée dans le sillage de Stan Getz et de son ex-mari João, où sa voix de petite fille perdue sur une plage de Rio faisait office de décoration exotique plutôt réussie. Mais là, en 1967, la voici en solo, censée "mûrir" et s'affirmer comme une styliste à part entière. Enfin, ça, c'est ce que prétend le bouquin que je m’efforce de suivre. Pour moi, c'est surtout le moment où le rêve tropical commence sérieusement à ressembler à un cauchemar. Entrons dans le vif du sujet avec celui qui fâche : le mixage. C’est une horreur absolue, une aberration acoustique. Sur les premiers morceaux, la voix d’Astrud est d’une agressivité qui frise l’insulte. On nous la présente souvent comme une chanteuse à la "livraison sensuelle", mais ici, elle n'est pas mixée avec les instruments ; elle les surplombe de toute sa majesté, comme si elle chantait depuis une autre dimension ou, plus probablement, depuis une cabine isolée à mille lieues du studio où les musiciens s'escrimaient. Ce décalage crée une sensation de malaise permanent. On a l'impression d'écouter une piste de karaoké de luxe où la voix aurait été collée à la va-vite avec de la colle de mauvaise qualité. L'album tente de mélanger des thèmes brésiliens avec de la Pop-Folk américaine passée à la moulinette Bossa ou Samba. Sur le papier, c'est sympa mais dans la réalité, c’est très inégal. Certes, il y a des moments « agréables » (le mot est faible, on frôle l'anecdote). La présence du flûtiste Hubert Laws apporte bien quelques étincelles ici et là, et l'arrangement de Don Sebesky sur « Misty Roses » de Tim Hardin est une pièce de travail correcte avec ses cors français et sa harpe. Mais est-ce que ça « casse trois pattes à un canard » ? Absolument pas. On reste dans un entre-deux mou, une musique d'ascenseur qui se prend pour de l'art. Et puis, il y a ce moment, ce moment où l'on atteint le sommet du "mignon" et qui donne envie de se taper la tête contre les enceintes : le duo avec son fils de six ans, Marcello, sur « You Didn't Have To Be So Nice ». C’est sans doute « mignon » pour la réunion de famille des Gilberto, mais pour un mec comme moi, ce fût le coup de grâce. C’est le genre de remplissage sirupeux qui n'a rien à faire dans une liste d'albums « à entendre avant de mourir ». Honnêtement, la présence de ce disque dans la liste de Robert Dimery pose irrémédiablement question. Pourquoi lui ? Pourquoi cet album spécifiquement, alors que c'est du "Easy-Listening" pur jus, sans aucune aspérité, sans réel danger ? Quitte à préférer un album féminin de la même époque, un truc qui a du chien, du style, une vraie identité visuelle et sonore, je préfère mille fois me replonger dans un album de The Girl From St Tropez. Oui, je parle de Brigitte Bardot. Je sais, je suis chauvin, et alors ? Au moins, chez B.B., il y a une insolence, un truc qui pétille, une French Touch qui ne s'excuse pas d'exister. Ici, Astrud semble s'excuser d'être là, tout en criant trop fort dans le micro à cause d'un ingénieur du son qui devait avoir un sérieux problème de retour de casque. Pendant mes années en magasin de disques, j'en ai vu passer des compilations de Bossa Nova pour bobos en quête d'exotisme de supermarché. Beach Samba est l'archétype de ce genre de produit : c'est propret, c'est lisse, c'est inoffensif. C'est le disque que tu mets en fond quand tu ne veux pas écouter de musique. Mais pour moi, la musique doit être une expérience qui doit me bousculer et ici, je m'ennuie. Je m'ennuie poliment sur la moitié des morceaux, et je m'agace sur l'autre moitié à cause de cette voix déconnectée du reste de l'orchestre. En résumé, si vous voulez de la vraie Bossa, retournez au Getz/Gilberto original. Si vous voulez de la sensualité, écoutez Chelsea Girl de Nico (sorti la même année, et là on parle de vraie présence vocale, même si c'est austère). Mais ce Beach Samba ? C'est une erreur de casting dans cette liste. Une curiosité de collectionneur pour ceux qui veulent posséder toute la discographie de Verve, rien de plus. Je lui colle un 2 sur 5, et encore, je suis d'une indulgence coupable parce que c'est Astrud et que j'aime bien le design des pochettes de l'époque. Mais ne vous y trompez pas : c'est loin, très loin d'être un indispensable.
I expected a lot from this album, but I actually found it rather plain and boring. I only really enjoyed the track "Misty Roses." 2.5/5
2/5
I’d be happy having this on in the background at a beachside bar or restaurant but not my thing otherwise.
This was getting a three with a “it didn’t grab me but I don’t think it’s bad” until I got to the godawful duet with a child Nobody wants to hear children singing
You go, Astrud! And let’s throw a bone to the samba while we’re at it. Unfortunately, Beach Samba doesn’t hold up well 60 years later, but not an unpleasant listen. First and last songs are the best, slumps through the middle. But it’s a short one at 28 minutes so that’s good. (2.3*s) A little surprised Beach Samba made the 1001 Must Hear List. Please explain.
I really had some high hopes that this was going to be a nice and slick bossa nova album, but it was actually pretty bland. Yea, there's nothing really bad here. The vocals are good, the music is good, it's just not that interested.
Why? Why is this here? Why does anyone need to listen to it? It's pretty uninspiring, boring, not very good, and an okayish voice. Yawn. 1.5, maybe I'll round it up to 2 tomorrow since it isn't as gut-wrenchingly bad as a 1.
Overall: 4/10 I appreciate Astrud's voice on The Girl from Ipanema, but this album is very lackluster to me. Very boring and uninteresting. Fav Song: Beach Samba
Yesterday, I was recommended an album by Bebel Gilberto. Today, I am recommended one by Astrud Gilberto. A few months ago, it was an album by Getz/Gilberto. Turns out Astrud was married to Joao Gilberto, the father of Bebel and the named party on Getz/Gilberto. Small world, I guess. Honestly, I haven't loved any of their albums. This one was pleasant but not really inspiring. It just kinda flowed along in a way that didn't catch my interest. I think I just found it mostly boring. There were a couple tracks I didn't care for and I'd say were less than good (really, You Didn't Have To Be So Mean... you didn't have to be so bad). And it looks like Astrud didn't write any of the songs herself, which also loses some points for me. I won't say the whole thing was bad, but I wouldn't call it good, either. For me, it's no more than fine at best. Maybe give me a pause on the Gilberto albums for a bit, list. Overall: 2.2/5
This sounds like the soundtrack to a lightweight 1960s caper movie.
a mixed bag. i liked the jazz elements across the album and enjoyed the summer vibe of misty roses and my foolish heart but hated the parade song and you didnt have to be so nice.
it sounds like elevator music
Pleasant in a boring way. She has a lovely voice but there isn't really anything to bring me back to it.
Pretty boring. I don’t dislike bossa nova, but I find it very Muzak adjacent.
I'm confused about how much Brazilian music is in this 1001 best album list - this was not good. Part samba, part soundtrack from a 60's rom-com b-movie, part Mary Poppins tribute, part oompah. No thanks.
Whimsical. Not for me… this is a period piece
It's fine. Slight bastardization of true, brazilcell bossa.
0/12 bekannt 4/10 Beste Songs: misty roses, oba oba, the face I love (erinnert mich an Olaf 3DS Spiel)
Ay tatlı bir vibe’ı var
«Easy listening-samba»… It kind of feels like I’m on hold, waiting for support to help me with my internet connection. It’s not totally horrible, but it’s quite boring. Actually, the song «You didn’t have to be so nice» a duet with a tonedeaf child is horrible. Favourite songs: none
I enjoy bossa nova and samba a lot, but this one didn't really stand out to me. Pleasant listening but nothing extraordinary
Something a bit different and a few really enjoyable tracks, but not one I would comeback to.
60s bossa nova should be a bit more up my alley, but this got tedious real quick
Listening Notes Surprised this made the list, feel like 'Getz/Gilberto' and "The Girl from Ipanema" would be sufficient enough of a representation Standout Tracks N/a First time? Yes Will it go into your rotation? Not this specifically but more bossa nova in general
didn’t feel so beachy , surprised was in english
Made a nice little change to usual listening habits but not something I’d go back to.
Background music. Pleasant enough but nothing more. Sleepy.
I can’t understand how or why this would be deemed essential. Perhaps for the “Parade” song that is so bonkers and out of place that I will likely play it for people for years to come?
It was pretty albeit a bit delicate for my taste until the track with the literal child on it? I hated that
Niet mijn ding
2 feels a little stingy because this is better than that, but damn if it didn’t almost put me to sleep.
blatant american exploitation propaganda. very sad, because it sounds pretty calminig sometimes
Fun album, first bossa nova. Solid 5/10
Not my vibe
Some songs were good, others not so much. Not really my cup of tea.
This is elevator music.
Good. A bit weird. I just don't have tropicalia ears -
strong first half and the second was just meh
Fine little record with some cool sounds, though don't feel this is very important nor interesting to warrant being on this list. Feels like the author has a very rudimentary knowledge of Bossa Nova, and winged it in their inclusions of these albums. This album doesn't show anything exceptional to be included in this list - mostly covering a selection of western standards. Best Tracks: - My Foolish Heart Worst Tracks: - Parade (A Banda) Rating: 3.5/10
I’ve never heard of Astrud Gilberto before, but I could always go for some bossa nova music, so this should be a fun listen. As much as I thought I would enjoy this album, I really didn’t care for it that much. I thought that Astrud Gilberto’s voice was very good, and I enjoyed the fun rhythms on this album, but overall, I found Beach Samba pretty bland. The arrangements on this album were fine, but once I’d heard the first couple of songs, I felt like the rest of the album didn’t do anything different or add anything important. On top of that, “The Face I Love” and “Parade” felt goofy and out of place on this album, especially after two songs that leaned hard into the bossa nova sound. I also didn’t care for the child singing with Astrud on “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice.” I didn’t have a favorite song on this album, but I did really enjoy the vibraphone when it was used. When it comes to Brazilian music, I don’t think I’d come back to anything by Astrud Gilberto.
Inoffensive, uninspired and bland. Too much «dabababa»
Beach Samba is the seventh solo album from Astrud Gilberto, the singer who became famous internationally for her vocals in "the Girl from Ipanema." Gilberto had a fantastic voice that helped her find success throughout her career. This album is a collection of "easy listening" samba songs; they all sound very much like the "smooth jazz" of the sixties.
This is the kind of crap my grandparents liked. And not my nice grandparents, but my rubbish grandparents - you know, my dad’s parents. Quite shit.
Pleasant, if a little bit dull. The one dud track was the one where a young child did some vocals.
I thought it wld be better, a bit disappointed.
Big Samba fan, Dimery? Yeah, I noticed. This doesn't even have "The Girl from Ipanema" on it. That's the essential Astrud Gilberto Samba tune. And what's with the little kid singing the duet on "You Didn't Have to Be So Nice"? Save that stuff for "Sesame Street", alright?
La bossa nova por lo general me encanta siempre, aunque me he encontrado este disco un poco flojo al no ser tan puro, tiene alguna mezcla circense que no me ha molado nada, me da miedo. Y canta con un niño que desafina.
Do not like
Much of this album is pretty half baked. It is often short and concise at the cost of feeling complete. Many instrumentals felt like generic soundtracks to a cheesy film from the 60s. The singing is plain and only serves to compliment the uninspired instrumentals. Still, the album was a nice, easy listening experience. The overall vibe is elegant and serene with a couple of decent tracks and another couple of bad ones.
Nothing really stood out. It was like good background music though.
One of the most annoying albums in quite a long time. At the first song I wanted to turn it off immediately. Fortunately the whole album is very short. The Voice itself is quite good. Therefore 2 points.
It was unremarkable but also jolly
Her voice really started to get annoying at some point.
This feels like elevator music for people who really love elevators. The songs just sort of exist without doing anything interesting. It’s a slog to get through, and my attention drifted away immediately. She's kind of a bad singer too. Why listen to this when you could listen to silence? It’s the musical equivalent of lukewarm tap water. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - My Foolish Heart - Tristeza
Seems well produced but a lil boring
It’s pretty at times! I just think it reminds me too much of mall loud speakers and shopping. It’s so agreeable. Really designed for consumption in a way that urks me. There’s so much better Brazilian music, no?
Background/Elevator music. Nothing special.
It as fine.
I know it says 12 songs …. But it’s really just one sound alike song with lyric changes
Total cash grab album. I don't understand why this specific LP of hers made the list, and I have listened to Astrud Gilberto for YEARS and consider myself a fan of the Bossa Nova sound. Too much cheese for my taste. "I Had The Craziest Dream" is my favourite on the list but even now, I'm forgetting it.
Nice Bossa Nova, not really my cup of tea but it’s pleasant as background music. I don’t find a bunch of significance in this album but I’m not upset that I listened to it.
Another day of video game OST music.
Fine
Brazilian Samba. Not my thing, but not totally unpleasant to listen to.
wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.
Meh. Music is boring and singing is often weak and a bit out of tune. Seems uninspired. 2/5
Who doesn’t like a samba on the beach! Not so keen on this album though.
Not much to get excited about here. This album gives 50cents in the thrift store bin with the nana muskourri and a torn outersleeve energy. Pretty generic samba pop elevator music. I know verve is a good label and ms. Gilberto .ade some great music but this aint it. Sounds phoned in tbh. The second to last track, featuring a duet with a young boy is definitely bizarre. The last track sung in Portuguese verses into decent territory but never ascends.
Best Song: Tristeza. This song had the most upbeat, forward-leaning energy on the album, so it was much needed. Worst Song: Parade (A Banda). Outside of viewing an actual parade, I'm not sure I ever really want to hear parade music. Overall: Alternation between quietly pleasant, albeit overly weepy, songs and then just straight up annoyingly "cute" songs. I don't need to listen to a duet with a child, telling them how good a job they're doing. Needed more teeth in the editing phase.
I had high hopes but this just kinda wears thin pretty quickly. Not bad in bite sized bits, though.
I kind of don’t know what to do with this album. I really dig it, but is it important? Astrud Gilberto's becoming famous is an amazing story. She went with her musician father to the U.S. to act as his interpreter because he only spoke Portuguese. He’d been invited to record an album. At one point, they wanted English lyrics sung on a song called The Girl From Ipanema and boom, Astrud became a global superstar. You may think you’ve never heard the song, but you’ve heard the song. Anyway, she went on to record several albums, of which Beach Samba was one. The album came out in 1967 and really didn’t make a splash. In fact, one review said it was one of Gilberto’s “less impressive albums.” So, here we are, listening to this album in 2025, and truth be told, I love samba and bossa nova music. It’s the groove. I listened to Henry Mancini’s Mr. Lucky Goes Latin for months on repeat. It’s just good stuff. So, as I listen to Astrud, I think I’ve taught myself to chair samba, but I’m not sure I’d say you have to hear this album before you die. Now, Mr. Lucky Goes Latin? Yes, listen to it. Especially if you’re a fan of The Big Lebowski or a certain Seinfeld episode featuring the bro or the manssiere as some may call it. There is a song called, You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice, on Beach Samaba that Astrud sings with a little girl, which is just about the cutest thing you’ll ever hear. The rest of the songs are good. So if you like The Girl From Ipanema, you’ll love Beach Samba. Also, if you’re looking to switch up your makeout music, except for the duet with the little girl, the rest of the music is prime Latin baby-making music.
I felt like the title wrote cheques that the music couldn't always cash, but there were a few fun beach-ready tunes at least. Loses credit because every track's a cover, or at least penned by someone else. 2.5
I was really bored by this one.
Boring. The bossa nova/samba records previously gotten were more interesting than this. She has a nice voice but isn’t the best singer. The Parade and child songs, ugh. The rest of it isn’t bad but is also nothing special. This is one of those albums that feels like it’s just taking up space on this list.
"You Don't Have to be So Nice" threw me off so much that it bumped it down an entire star.
Maso
I don’t know why this is on here
Interesting listen and classic sound. Has that Nico style low voice and copa cabana type beats. Short album but had fun hearing it. Ready for a new sound now.
Lovely but weird
It’s fine. I always picture listening to this at some sort of a beach bar. Wait a minute… I think I saw James Bond walking by
This was perfectly inoffensive. I could go into detail about the style, the performance and the composition, but... Meh. It was fine. One of those albums I'm not sure really belongs on this list, because I see no need for the average person to have listened to it before they die.
Feel like I was listening to dinner music at some high end restaurant. Nothing very inspiring or exciting, but nothing offensive either. I see it came out in 1967. I'd consider that a very good year. All I got for this one. 2
Inoffensive background music. Forgot it was playing.
Me dio sueño.
Not what I consider jazz. Not very interesting either.
Ok but I wouldnt listen to it again
I really like the Jobim and Getz bossa nova albums featuring Astrud. Those seem like works of art, crafted for timeless listening, and Beach Samba seems more accessible and of its time. This was reminiscent of Francois Hardy, with one or two really killer, moody, timeless songs that can still haunt and send chills down the spine- but the rest of the album after is kitschy sixties daytime TV price is right bullshit. How many parades CAN you list, Astrud? Jezus. Now that that’s out of the way, I will say that for the most part, Beach Samba is pleasant and sometimes the backing music is surprising and complex. Astrud is sweet on here, and the album does its job, whatever that job is. In other words, I didn’t hate this, but I probably won’t pick it up again, not over ‘The Girl from Impanema.’
Easy enough listen. Arguably good if you're into this sort of thing. Unfortunately I'm not.
its nice, but nothing more tbh avalanches sample though! (of a different version of oba oba but still cool)
Not unpleasant but I wouldn’t reach for it again, somewhat unremarkable. A couple of songs particularly painful.
Inconsequential 2 star album.
Okay elevator music, but I've heard better.
WHY IS THERE A MARCHING BAND?????????
The most notable thing about this album is that it was featured in this book.
Nope. Not a fan. Bossa Nova is cool but her voice grates my nerves worse than Fran Dreschers laugh on the Nanny
Me sorprendí para mal con este álbum. Esperaba escuchar otra gran obra de Gilberto, y por el contrario me encontré con un álbum molesto, ecléctico, poco inspirado y extraño. Me da mucha lástima porque se podrían haber elegido mejores álbumes que representen mejor al músico o incluso al estilo, pero claramente hable de la pobre capacidad de selección que tiene el autor de esta lista cuando se trata de diversificar el repertorio de álbumes. No me parece un álbum horrible, pero no es un álbum que le haga justicia a la obra general de Gilberto o de la corriente de bossa nova de la época.
I like this music...but what's wrong with something thats actually in Portuguese, rather than English covers?
Usually surprises on here are pleasant, this is the opposite. Thought I’d like it, but it’s too Muzak-y. Whatever the Portuguese word is for Muzak.
dreamy, I`m love now, also pregnant
Outdated and boring
Jeez. I was thinking of adding a star because it was so short, but it was so annoying by the end, it felt twice as long. No star for you!
I think this is nice music to fall asleep to.
Not to my taste
Bland 60s pop
Parade was an interesting switch-up. I thought the 20th Century Fox logo would appear.
The 60s had too much joy
I went in expecting some real Latin style music with maybe beach vibes. It wasn’t really that. It was more just jazzy stuff which wasn’t terrible but it was pretty generic.
4.5/10 An extremely mixed bag for me. Suuuuuper kitsch and of its time. It feels like they said “let’s make an easy listening album (think Bacharach) but Brazilian!”. That sometimes works, often doesn’t. Duetting with her child was not a good idea. Best: I had the Craziest Dream
Parents were a fan.
2.5 - ok a bit boring
This was good for what it is. But it’s very specific genre. 2.75
Didn’t really care for this. I know the whole album isn’t in Spanish, however, I’m not the kind to really enjoy Spanish music. “My foolish heart” was an alright song.
Don’t love it. I think this is the third or fourth of this type of album and it’s unnecessary.
Artiste inconnue. Quelques chorus intéressants (+1), mais ... trop de chant, et je ne trouve pas sa voix très intéressante. Et je ne parle même pas de son accent quand elle chante en anglais. L'accompagnement ne m'a pas non plus marqué. Bref, pas de seconde écoute pour moi ! =>2/5
Love the more bossa nova parts of this album. The songs in Portuguese are much better than the English ones oddly.
This was ok. I really liked the vibe of some of the songs. Almost like a loungey, chill, Caribbean thing. But there were other tracks that were just straight corny. Very hit and miss, but the good songs were cool.
Uh findi ehner langwielig
“Tall and tanned and young and lovely, The girl from Ipanema goes walking. And when she passes, each one she passes goes, ‘ahhh’.” Norman Gimbel translated the Portuguese lyrics into English. He went on to compose the theme tune for the television show Happy Days (which has not made it into this list).
So much Gilberto on this list. I get it - I too want to be stuck on a beach with a sexy Brazilian singing in Portuguese. But after like 25 of these records it’s just a fucking tease.
Not my genre
Enjoyable if I was making dinner or a cocktail and just being around the house. Would have been perfect if it was all in French.
This could’ve been so good. Some beachy bossa nova was just what I needed. Sadly this fell short. Cheesy production, lame lyrics, mediocre really.
Ik was meteen enthousiast, het is 30 graden; The Girl from Ipanema is een prachtnummer! Dit móet wel top zijn! Maar jezus; Parade is een zwaar nummer om te luisteren hoor... En eerlijk? Waar ik jazz samba en albums van Gilberto juist prijs om hun relaxte vibe, voelt dit toch nog meer als lift muziek. Astrud lift, haha, mee op haar man Joao Gilberto. En eigenlijk is haar stem gewoon niet sterk genoeg om een heel album te dragen. Integendeel; de interessantste nummers van dit album zijn de laatste paar, met het Walter Wanderley trio. Dáár hoor je weer een beetje de relaxte vibe terug, dat zijn nummers die instrumentaal gewoon veel beter uit de verf komen. Aan het weer kan het echt niet liggen, maar ik voel dit album gewoon totaal niet. Ontzettend jammer, maar dit is voor mij 2 sterren, het slaat zo dood als een glas bier dat je in de zon laat staan.
A chill vibe, but not a lot of substance.
Inoffensive but Bossa Nova isn't my cup of tea.
This cotton candy fluff gave me cavities
Perfectly fine, well sung etc Just not remotely my thing Fine 2/5
A short, easy listen. Hardly groundbreaking and more background music. There’s good vibes in places but not something I’d listen to again.
Samba is not my thing
Everyone involved in this album aside from Astrud did Astrud dirty
A bit sexy A bit background A bit boring It was ok compared so some of the shite I have had to listen to this week!
Geen slechte band, maar de zangeres is voor hedendaagse standaarden gewoon niet goed genoeg
It was fine, nothing spectacular or overly amazing but it was pretty and had some beauty. Overall it was flat though, nothing stirring or making me want to immerse myself into the music.
Very 60's loungey. Not really that innovative or super interesting. My favorite is Tristeza and that's mostly because of the jumping organ. Astrud has a lovely voice but it's all kind of the same vibe.
So I guess this is just her covering songs that I wasn't familiar with, and the songs aren't that great. This might be ok to sit in a hotel lounge and listen to, but it wasn't very interesting to me. I'd prefer to hear one of her later albums with her own music on them.
So I thought Astrud Gilberto was THE Gilberto on Getz / Gilberto. She is the vocalist on the opening track, so that makes sense, and that lead me to believe that his would be on the same tier as that album. But I just couldn't hang with this one. I had high hopes. (Her then-husband was the titular Gilberto on that album, as it turns out)
It's hard to believe this isn't a joke.
It was noted in a review that "Beach Samba" was "one of Gilberto's less impressive '60s Verve outings, primarily due to the more pop-oriented song selection." Easy listening folk-pop from '67 that sounds like early 60s - barely bossa nova. I'd like to retroactively add a star to Bebel Gilberto's "Tanto Tempo," because I found it much more interesting than this.
I am sure it's good...for someone else. Not my cup of tea.
That parade song was … something. It’s strangely unsatisfying to listen to an album where nearly every song sounds kinda like Girl from Ipanema, but none of them are Girl from Ipanema.
Wow I’m impressed the original girl from Ipanema or so I believe? As I have said before when receiving similar picks, this seems a tick box exercise and a nod by the 1001 Gods to lesser known stuff to ensure fairness. Not a bad thing I suppose but just because we are highlighting minorities doesn’t mean to say we all should shout hallelujah and rejoice at sounds hardly heard to our ears. If I was drinking cocktails on the Copacabana and this album was on in the background that would be fine. But on a drizzling grey day in West Yorkshire it just doesn’t cut it. 2/5 28/5/25
Astrud sings unengaged like a toaster. Lousy interpretation and arrangement.
It’s fine
Really cool Hispanic inspired jazz.
As much as I love Samba, this is pretty forgettable
I generally really dislike songs with children singing in them. Here we have two such songs, "Banda (A Parade)" and "You Didn't Have to Be So Nice." "Banda" particularly blew the mood because it's a circus march, totally unlike the mellow groove that Samba is known for. This is not her best.
Stay // I Think Of You //
Funky and forgettable, chill music but didn't rise above the background.
Chill, good vocals, not really my jam but I appreciate it.
Gear: Dunu SA6 Artwork: 👩🏻🦱💋💍 Production: 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🏖️🌞🇧🇷 Rating: 🍋🟩🍋🟩/5
Kinda basic, but I loved the backing music. Most of the songs sounded the same from one to another - not much variation. I was also put off by the fact that there were 12 songs and it was only a 27 minute album. That’s a little above 2 minutes a song. I am fine with shorter pieces, but I think that just contributed to all the songs sounding the same. I could put the album on again if I’m looking for a vibe, but it’s definitely not anything in my tops.
Huge pile of meh
I’m sure my parents dug it, but it’s a no for me, Dawg.
Meh
The opening to Stay hooked me right away. The more I listened to the album the more I thought it was starting to get corny. And then the more I listened the more enamored I became with it. I’m not familiar with the genre so I have no frame of reference to rate it against. Overall I kind of enjoyed the whole thing, some songs more than others. And at only 27 minutes or so, it wasn’t terribly bothersome. I will definitely check out some more Samba down the road.
No. I don't like this at all. The music is not terribly engaging, and the vocals are bland. Agreed, I'm not a Samba listener to begin with, but I look forward to stretching my exposure through this project. This was a miss.
Pretty weak, Girl from Ipanema singer
I very much appreciated the shortness to this album. Overall, I think that it was too monotone and bleh for me. It sounded boring and didn't contribute much to me as a person. I think I sorta(?) get the influence, but not a huge amount. I don't know- I feel like there are a lot more albums I would put ahead of this one.
Am I on hold with my credit card company?
not for me thanks
This one had me on all fours, moaning for hours.
Background music.
Thoughts before listening: 60s rock from Brazil. Maybe its a little psychedelic but also inspired by traditional Brazilian music. I know Astrud Gilberto gets a lot of praise, but I don't know his music. In general the 60s and 70s Brazilian albums I have listened to on here have been fine, but nothing that blows me away. Review: Oops...this is the Brazilian bossa nova singer that sang "Girl From Ipanema" and not part of the tropicalia movement i.e. Os Mutantes. Astrud has a nice voice, but this is fairly standard sounding lounge jazz. Nice background music for sitting by a pool but not something that I am going to naturally gravitate to. 2-stars
The same song over and over again
Some of the swing was pretty cool. Not quite my cup of tea but nothing abrasive here. 4.5/10
Yawn. Competently and inoffensively same-y throughout.
If I heard the odd track, I'd be thinking this is great, bossa nova summertime vibes! But an album's worth is way too samey. 2.5
Not for me at all
Is this what they call twee? It’s all a bit disengaged sounding if you ask me, the vocals and the instruments. Plus ‘Call Me’ makes me think of Phoenix Nights. ‘Corned Beef, with chips or with salad it’s corned beef…’. Best thing about this if I’m honest
Of all the great samba music out there, you had to pick the most gringo washed one. Where is Tom Ze? Gal Costa? Where is Chico Buarque??!? The genre deserves better. Brazil deserves better.
2.3 Just a bit of a waste of 27 minutes really. The voice isn't that fantastic, which judging by the standard of the backing track seems to be the focal point of the record. It's not terribly offensive so doesn't score too low but it's just a bit of an empty shell. My view of music or the world itself hasn't changed, I just feel slightly more bored than I did before.
I was really excited for this one and it just disappointed me. Musically it was alright but the vocals just did not help, especially the song with the child singing
Someone accused me of playing elevator music in the office
meh 2/5
This was fine, very pretty and decent vocal quality. Just repetitive and honestly boring after awhile (and so long). Great for background music, not much to keep me here as primary listening music though. Stay was the best track with the additional accompaniment interest.
MPB em inglês não dá.
Cute but not gorgeous..
elevator vibes
Aw jeez. No.
Easy listening, but not really my thing
Love Astrud but this is not my fav.
I have a theory. And I won't check if it's true because this is how internet is supposed to work. I think that someone wanted samba music but for white people. Looks the same but is bland and uninteresting but I want to believe that samba music has something more to offer.
This is an okay jazz-y album, a bit slow and very similar-sounding throughout, but there were a couple of nice jams. It is definitely alright as a background listen.
In a nutshell: would make fun hold music. It's not as engaging as Getz/Gilberto, but it's fine Overall: 4/10
It's fine. Nothing much more than that
If I was on vacation at a tiki bar or just chillin at a dimly lit cigar bar, I would not leave the establishment. That said I would never put reached for this intentionally. 2.5/5
This was a decent dose of serenity, I guess. Can confidently say I’ll never hear this album again.
It’s fine. Not overly offensive. But just kinda there. A little too close to Muzak for my refined musical palette.
Rating: 5/10 Meh.
amreriikka aemeriikka english elnglish.. 2min biisejä woo woo... sylkii esi-isien haudoille. joka päivä menee ennen kun töihin menee hautausmalle sylkimään syljemään... ei näin. ei näin. turhanpäivästä hoilatusta, menetetty kaikki sielu + sydän tässä. popmusiikkia turhanpäiväiseen kuluttamiseen. kuola lipoo suupieltä lampailla, aaahhh.. lisää sanovat.. lisää, lisää.. kuola hipoo leukapäätä drip drip drip osuu pömppömahaan kuola... aaaaaaahhhhhhhh lisää.. lisää sanovat.. terv. kaikki beach samba fanit. tollasia ne on hehheh naurattaa vaan pikkase, pikkusenvaa vähän härnäystä ei tarvi.. jahas ja taas itketään.. niinnii.. obaboab
I live on the beach. This does not remind me of the beach at all. This makes me yearn for sweet relief from the boredom. Plus, the little kid singing? My word. I wasn’t a fan of this at all. 2/5
First listen.
bom pra dormir
Exactly what you’d expect.
If you liked Girl from Ipanema then this album is for you. It sounds nice but the talk singing isn’t very special.
Reminds me of the sims buy music. Idk why same kinda feel maybe. All i got lol 2/5
Nah. Not for me. This is music for happy people who don't hate their existence every single day.
először nagyon utáltam, de aztán esti tennivalókhoz háttérzenének nem volt kellemetlen, szóval nem egyes :D
And labor days a parade and Mardi Gras a parade and the macys parade and the other parade
Ok. Very middle of the road. Easy listening.
It's a nice listen, perfect background music for a cafe or bar. There's no reel shift in pace from one song to the next, it's great advantage is it's short length. Definitely an album with a certain vibe to it that grew on me, however it's probably only worth 2 stars as it didn't really have any songs that blew me away either
These type of albums I don't hate just find boring so I'll usually rate them a 3 but I don't like her voice that much so it goes down to a 2.
yeah sorry they laid on the twee a bit thick
chill but a bit of a snooze
"Mr. Powers will be with you soon. Relax, have a cigarette & listen to some of his favourite songs to get you in the mood".
Bossa-nova.
It is fine musically but the lyrics are actual bad enough to be distracting and it brings down the listening experience.
astrud I love you always but this is a snoozefest
Oh this is pleasant, nice sound, mmm samba. Sorry, can I squeeze past, this is my floor.
Sounded like 1950's Disney in Brazil
I … I don’t know what this was. Mostly cheesy tunes, and then that’s parade song was a bridge too far. The music is fine, I guess, but the lyrics are suspect. At least it’s under 30 minutes. 2/5
Cool vibes but not interested
Easy Listening for sure.
28 minutes of just meh really
Not my thing, but she could sing pretty well. 2.5/5
B U M B A B A B U M B A Y A B A Y A
VERY not for me. not so bad that it was painful tho, which is my rubric for one-star ratings. 1.5
This was mostly pleasant but I don't know about the Parade song and the song with the child. I enjoyed listening to the artist's profile on streaming more, so it's kind of weird that this is the album selected?
Decent sound. Not my preferred genre overall
Brunch vid polen i Havanna vibbisar, helt skönt att lyssna på men inget speciellt
New album for me. There is an irritation factor, but it could be worse.
This was quite weird collection of songs, none of which really worked for me. The samba/bossanova tunes were okay to listen to, but Gilberto's vocals are not convincing enough to enjoy the album overall.
Relaxed sound but rather flat and some tracks (e.g., Parade) are toe curling.
This album just doesn't really do anything, it's hard to hate it but it's completely devoid of any personality.
felt like a elevator ride to the 1001 floor...
This album faded so far into the background for me that I didn't even notice it loop back and play the first four tracks again (why did you make this a feature, Spotify?!)
60’d Latin sound. Not bad music.
Easy listening background music 2/5
Its like The Girl From Ipanema went on for 17 songs. Pleasant enough background music.
More like Beach Snore-ba, this one's a snooze fest. Sounds like Nancy Sinatra on xanax.
Not my cup of tea. Background music. Too aged.
It's got a fine sound to it but it's just alright overall. The song with the kid was pretty bad.
She has an excellent voice for elevator music
a must listen to..... I think not. Take nothing away from her beautiful voice but it's not a must listen
Her voice is always good but there is some lack of flare in the production making it sound like muzak.
Not really feeling it.
2.5 Meh. I expected to like this more than I did. Nice voice, generally pleasant instrumentation, colossally boring. Would have enjoyed a single track (not that any one stood out in particular) but not 17.
boooooooring
I feel like even in 67 this album seemed dated.
Koffor ikkje Astrid
Fine background listening…nothing particularly interesting here. Pleasant wallpaper music.
Astrud Gilberto always sounds great but the music she is singing over does not always hold up (e.g. Parade). Overall, the album is not seriously bad but I was disappointed.
Well, I’m not sorry that I gave this a listen. It’s lovely, pleasant stuff. But I don’t know enough about this style of music to understand what might differentiate this album from others of the genre or era. I also want really in the mood for this, I think. I might pick a track for an interlude as part of a radio show. Would be great background or soundtrack music for a party or film going after a certain vibe. Perhaps just wasn’t the right soundtrack for me on the day I gave it a listen.
Surprisingly bad. This feels like the a direct-to-video album. It’s cashing in on Girl From Ipanema without much real backbone of its home. It’s not outright horrible (though the parade song and the song with the kid are), but it could be so much more.
Light, breezy. Perfect for lying on a beach.
Very alright, but I feel like her other work outshines.
Lacks the appeal of her work on Getz/Gilberto. That was genius, this is just meh
Pretty boring. Smooth though.
It was okay
Easy listening enough. The nonchalant vocals grew on me.
General culture
Apparently not one of her best albums; she was better known for her version of "The Girl from Ipanema" which isn't on this album, so it makes me wonder why this album was chosen and whether we can expect to see another Astrud Gilberto album in this list. The album is pleasant, but sounds so dated now, reminds me of watching some 1960's foreign-language movie on BBC 2.
Chill, but absolutely nothing special. Why is this on this list??
This is the album Megan Draper would have recorded if Zou Bisou Bisou was an actually hit and not just some performance she did for her husband's birthday. She'd try to win points with her step daughter by saying, "Hey Sally, I have a great idea. How about you duet with me on a Loving Spoonful song. No, not 'Summer In The City'. Another Spoonful song. It'll be great!" Astrud seems a little too full of herself, or at least believes she had been blessed with the voice of an angel. Linda Ronstadt, she wasn't. She got her moment with a version of "The Girl From Iponema" and apparently tried to milk it. And she was a pretty face to put on an album cover. Looks fade, honey.
Zo, dit album was al gedateerd toen het uitkwam. Na 5 minuten heb ik mijn oordeel al wel: saai! Dat het ze zelf ook wel door, want er komt ineens een heel circus langs. Dat is dan wel weer een soort jaren '60 grol. Goed, ik ben goed wakker. Néé, direct daarna komt letterlijk een inslaap-speeldoos-geluidje. Wat wil ze nou? Muzikaal schiet het af en toe plots een rare richting op. (Moet dat kind echt?) Maar zelfs dat voorkomt niet dat het geheel eentonig blijft. Ze heeft één manier van zingen. En die is niet bepaald enerverend.
De dag die je wist dat zou komen. De Joni van Andre, Astrud Gilberto. Ik ga er even goed voor zitten. Want dit wil ik al meer dan een jaar meemaken. Het begint eigenlijk als een soort schijtlollige filmmuziek, voor een romantisch niemendalletje uit de jaren 50. Of voor een Disney film. Met wat blazers en violen, en Astrud die er net niet helemaal loepzuiver overheen zingt. Het brengt wel een bepaald gevoel over in ieder geval. Nog geen gevoel van onbehagen van mijn kant, maar track 4 moet je naar de dark side trekken. De parade is simpelweg lachwekkend. Omdat Andre dit zo haat, zoals ik Joni haat, moet ik dus nu keihard hierom lachen. Het is inderdaad echt teringslecht. En als dit in je irritatiezone gaat zitten, dan komt het er echt never nooit meer uit. Haar stem zit bij mij niet zo in die irritatiezone als Joni kan zitten, maar ome Gilberto aan het draaiorgel of het synthesizer pianootje op track 7 zit daar meer in. Af en toe gooit Astrud er een octaafje hoger tegenaan op het einde, als een soort klapstuk, als een hoogtepunt. Dat had ze beter niet kunnen doen, want dat kan ze niet. Ze kan eigenlijk alleen maar op 1 toonhoogte zingen, of die nu bij de muziek past of niet. Net als dat jengelende kind op track 11. Prachtig om dit mee te maken. Genieten. Voor de ervaring zou ik het een 5 kunnen geven, maar objectief gezien is dit gewoon kutmuziek, want ik zou dit nooit meer uit vrije wil opzetten. Blijft de vraag over, of ik dit liever luister dan Frans Bauer. En dat vind ik toch wel, vanwege de associatie met oude films hou ik het op een vrolijke doch lachwekkende 2.
I usually enjoy some chill samba music, but the covers on this album are rough!
This is a catchy album that definitely feels like the early 60s. I wasn’t living then but judging by the music, it was a real wild time baby. It’s a good album for what it is, but it’s definitely a one pony. Well nostalgic and interesting. Get pretty old pretty quick. 2 1/2 out of five.
Albums like this are one my favourite things about this list. There is a very low chance I would have ever listened to this otherwise and I am not sure how long it would have took me to start listening to Bossa nova. That being said it doesn't mean I love these albums. It is an easy listen an interesting listen but it is not a great album. Another thing where I would rather just listen to a Bossa nova playlist instead of the 12 songs on this album. Some of the songs stand out but come the end of the album you realise that is mainly sounds the same and I would rather have heard just the best ones. I think it is a nice album and I don;t enjoy rating these albums low but I just don't think it has held up in time. The production is not too clear and from I know of Bossa nova this isn't exactly anything ground breaking so although it is a nice easy listen it isn't an ideal album. Fell bad but it is only 2/5. Stand out songs: Stay Beach Samba Dia Dos Rosas
Very easy listening folly bossa nova. At times I got a Joni Mitchell feel but other times, I got this loungey feel. Pretty sleepy album. Probably wouldn't listen to again. But it was interesting none the less.
I'm not a big fan of vocal albums with strings or with that jazzy lounge vibe but this was a smooth and easy listen. I didn't dislike it but there's nothing here that I need to hear again.
Just kinda boring elevator and Christmas sounding music, not great
couldn't understand it, would make for great music in an epilepsy surveillance hall
elevator music
What's up with that parade march song? Takes a hard left turn after a few relatively smooth bossa nova songs. Truly a nothing album. You put it on and it's over before you know it. Not a single memorable song except for the bad ones. It's not all bad though so I can't fault it too much.
Don't know if i could say anything particularly bad about it, but it really just flew by without making a single impression on me. Like the epitome of background music.
This is interesting, sounds like the background music in the restaurant of an all-inclusive resort. A Banda Parade - now we have marching band music? Lol Pretty chill, some songs are almost classic Disney-esque.
If you are in the mood for some bossa nova this was a nice album. The vocals have a nice and cozy timbre. Something is slightly off with the vocals though like thye are not exactly in key. Probably just me. Anyway not a great fan of Bossa Nova and nothing really stood out so giving it a strong 2. Not bad just a bit bland.
interesting; cool piano. never really listened to samba before.
Nyeh
Couldn’t get through this one. I guess I prefer Joao plus Astrud than Astrud solo.
This was inoffensive enough at first but got really boring and by the end I wanted to claw my eyes out.
This is pleasant enough but I don’t quite see what’s so remarkable about it.
If you want a tiki lounge party, here ya go.
A couple songs were good for movie soundtracks but I don't think at this point of my life I'm ever going to be making a movie
It's a little bit too pleasant, sweet, and sleepy for me, I'm afraid. My Foolish Heart was a nice listen, but otherwise I'm gonna have to pass on ever listening to this record again.
Some nice tunes but ultimately descended into the very definition of elevator music.
Not as strong as the Getz/Gilberto album, which I assume will be somewhere on this list.
Meh. Myz. Men bra?
Behaglig bakgrundsmusik men för min del kan det inte bli så mycket mer än så.
Not bad background music but wasnt much more interesting than that. Standout Songs: Parade I think of you
A fun listen, not totally my thing but a welcome change of pace.
One or two OK songs, pretty mediocre
Well, package this into the realm of music I heard my parents listen to when I was a kid. Happy reminiscent memory of that time kinda music.. I'd add this to a playlist of memory songs from childhood. Ok that's all.
I thought I'd love this, but didn't find it very cohesive. Some high points. A very laid-back singing style which at times soothed, and at other times maybe needed another "take"!
I love Astrud but I didn't love Parade and the whole album didn't feel like her best work.
Not particularly memorable. Some songs were downright sappy. Not sure I needed to listen to this album before I die.
Not a bad little album. I don't resonate with all the songs on it, and I think I prefer some of her other stuff over what is on this particular album, but overall not a bad album.
I’m not really very fond of bossa nova as a genre. That being said, this album was okay. Enjoyable enough, but nothing special and I doubt I’ll listen to it again. I liked that it was short.
It's pleasant enough to listen to, but hasn't aged that well. It now sounds like a cross between waiting room music, and the kind of background music used for a montage in the middle of a boring movie.
Tolerable listening, best in right environment/situation.
Kind of wanted to like this but I found it twee and boring
Listened to a few— you don’t have to be so nice, I had the craziest dream, beach samba… and am I wrong to say this feels like elevator music a bit? Or something that would play over a montage in a 50s/60s film? Don’t know anything at all about this genre so don’t feel like I can rate it accurately
Not a big fan of pure classic Bosa Nova music. A bit too lush for me. The constant voice's reverb is a weird mixing choice even it works. Orchestra writing is great with good ideas. I'm not sure that I will listen this record again, not bad but there is so many better things like Nascimento.
Bossa-nova.
“The Girl From Ipanema” sold five million copies and Stan Getz made sure that Astrud Gilberto only got $120 for her contribution to it (Getz was a monster who swindled and sexually assaulted his way across America in the 60’s). Gilberto’s husband cheated on her and she was so desperate for money because of their break-up that she toured with Getz and reportedly slept with him. Astrud Gilberto was one of the countless talented women who the music industry used, abused and discarded. And now that I have listened to “Beach Samba”, I feel the karmic scales are somewhat balanced. I guess the idea is that if she sounded good backed by some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time that she’d sound just as good with the most generic Muzak they could find in the background? This album is a waste of Astrud Gilberto’s beautiful voice. I had to go home and listen to “Getz Gilberto” just to get the taste of this album out of my mouth.
I don't mind Samba music but the songs blend into each other by the 4th song, you could have put the girl from ipanema in halfway through and I wouldn't have noticed. Nice to play on a lazy Sunday afternoon I guess but not something I would actively listen to. Nao Bate O Corocao was probably my favorite. High 2.