Tanto Tempo

I’ll again take issue with the notion that life is not worth living unless you’ve heard this album. Honestly, I could have heard it thirty times already in a dentist office and not even realized it. And that’s not necessarily an insult! As far as background lobby music goes, I thought this was really pleasant. Having a dinner party for your parents and all their friends? Now you know what to put on at a volume just loud enough to be heard but not intrude. And what a lovely name. Bebel Gilberto. I’ll be saying it in my dreams.

Weird french music

Stylish, cool, elegant, laid back bossa nova embraces modern production with electronic elements to create something beautifully dreamy and quietly glorious.

Listened to this album many many times in grad school. It was a great melding of the bossa nova sound with modern production and some electronic elements. I had no problem giving it another listen and realized I had missed it.

Like me some Spanish music

The first thing I learned about Bebel Gilberto is that she's the daughter of bossa nova pioneer, Joao Gilberto. Joao was heralded as the father of bossa nova, which would make Bebel either its sister, or the genre incarnate. Either way, it's in her blood... and 2000's "Tanto Tempo" proves it track by track.   Raised on bossa nova music her entire life (naturally), Bebel Gilberto had been releasing music for fourteen years by the time "Tanto Tempo" rolled around. It was her third full-length studio album, and saw her become one of the biggest selling Brazilian artists of the 20th century. Despite this, it's extremely difficult to find online in the UK, and I've had to resort to listening to a cover of "Alguem" because there's no trace of it. If I ever finish the rest of the 1001 list, my final regret will be never hearing the original "Alguem". If you're reading this, HELP! "Tanto Tempo" is often billed as bossa-nova meets electronica, but on first listen the electronic elements are scarcely noticeable. At best, they contribute really well to the ambience: some whooshing, whistling synths turn "Mais Feliz" into an elegant beguiling soundscape. A couple of programmed drum beats crop up here and there, but they're subtle enough to not detract from the bossa nova feel. They've just allowed critics ever since to contextualise "Tanto Tempo" vaguely within trip-hop and downtempo. Instead, "Samba de Bencao" typifies the sound of the album: bossa nova guitar rhythm, whispering saxophone and twinkling vibraphone, percussion barely kept above brushes on the snare. There are no crescendos so much as waves gently breaking on the shore. Tying it all together is Gilberto's vocal: velveteen smooth, intimate and casual. Over the course of the album, she slips between Portugese and English (singing both beautifully, but hearing the lyrics in English somehow diluted the album's beauty. Imagine if, instead of birdsong, we heard their actual calls to one another of "Ey up! I done a shit! Fancy a shag and some worms?" Not as lyrical, is it? Anyway, that's my problem, certainly not Bebel's). Once the mood is established in "Samba de Bencao", it remains much the same across the rest of the album- sedate, sultry and smooth- until we reach a couple of surprises. First, "Sem Contencao" livens things up with a light samba, retaining the same instrumentation while upping the tempo a little. I appreciated the change in tempo, but on the whole this didn't quite work for me: too breezy to be exciting, but too energetic to be blissful. Later, "Bananeira" and "Close Your Eyes" are two shocks coming at the eleventh hour: out-and-out drum beats, a full brass section, lively samba. These feel as though they shouldn't work, particularly when the soporific, skeletal "Samba e Amor" sits between them. But, while bossa nova purists may well balk at it, against the odds I found myself grooving away contentedly.  "Tanto Tempo" is not something I'm likely to revisit often (mainly because it's so bloody hard to find), but it's been a relaxing Friday afternoon listening to bossa nova incarnate. And western pop fans rejoice: "So Nice (Summer Samba)" was also covered by Baby Spice herself, Emma Bunton. Hurrah!

Is this progressive samba? whatever it is it’s fucking glorious - 10/10

Great music, enjoyed it while on a long drive.

Im not used to this style, but i loved it

Love impromptu trips to Brazil. Haven’t seen Joao on here yet

Unless it is already playing on the dance floor or in my pretend cabana in Brazil, I’d never choose to listen

Suba, the producer of this smooth, cool, down tempo album died while saving the newly recorded album from a studio fire!!! I mean, I love it, it's sumptuous and sexy but I wouldn't risk my life for it.

Amazing bossa nova

Excellent

Very beautiful abd the instrumentation sounds so damn crisp!!!

Great!

So ein schöner tempowechsel, ich wusste nicht, dass Joao Gilberto eine so talentierte Tochter hat.

Deep sounds of blissful exotic romance.

I didn’t understand most of the words on this album but it didn’t matter! This was a lovely album. Perfect for a summer evening out on the porch. Super chill and relaxing music:

Very nice. Loved the mix of Latin and breakbeat, while still keeping it light and romantic.

Interesting and quite enchanting.

Far exceeded my preliminary album-cover-based expectations. Fans of Stereolab should find something to like on this record.

Pleasant

Loved this

One of my favorites so far, makes me want to go on vacation and eat at a different restaurant every night.

It's always a little exciting to get an artist I've never heard of on this list. The album cover really didn't give any clues what to expect either. I know nothing about this genre of music, so I don't know if this was revolutionary in some way. I also have no idea what most of the songs are about. I do know that it sounds absolutely gorgeous. I enjoyed kicking back on a lazy Sunday afternoon and just letting this wash over me.

pre: no idea who this is, and once again highlighting the 2000-2015ish range when I stopped trying new things Love it. I don't know if it's just Bossa Nova or what, but loved the Seu Jorge-esque guitar. Beautiful voice. Foreign language that's not too distracting. This is going into active work rotation for me (except for the last song, which is in English)

Dreamy bossa nova.

Album was relaxing and great

Smooth. The title track I repeated. I love the samba rhythm.

Outstanding. Felt like I was in an Arrested Development episode at some points, but how is that at all a bad thing? What a tremendous voice and songs overall. A complete delight!

A beautiful exponent of classic Brazilian bossa nova. Bebel’s haunting voice elevates the brilliant music of the time. Her singing in English made the style accessible globally too!

I could listen to this on a sunny lazy day :) and dance by myself and have a cute time

This is a great album. This is one of a handful on the list that I would actually say to someone else that they had to listen to before they die, and not even in a sinister way. 5/5

I think if this album came out today you would find it under a playlist called "Chill Bossa Nova Songs to Vibe to." Great for a slow day and melts your stress away, it makes me want to check out the genre more.

Right up my alley! Perfect music for doing dishes, hanging out after a long day of work, going for a walk/drive, relaxing before bed. This album does it all!

I was not expecting to like this because I read reviews saying it was like elevator music. Well if I heard this in an elevator, I would try to Shazam it right away so I could add this to my playlists!

Good!

She might be a nepo baby but she definitely has the same sauce as both of her parents. Some of the most soothing singing you’ve ever heard over some excellent chilled out and sultry bossa nova. Loved the first track and the whole album. Correction: Astrud is her stepmom but her actual mom is a singer too so I’m sure my first point is still accurate. I’m drunk so why not a 5

Really enjoy the chill vibes of the first track (which samples a Amon Tobin song "nova"). A really good overall blend of modern instrumentation and electronics/at times soft rock/city pop styles with this beautiful traditional bossa nova/salsa/samba (which I need to learn the differences between). Great to have in the background for some general good mood but she's got a great voice and the tracks have the spirit/detail to keep it interesting for a full album.

Her voice is so sweet, whether singing in Portuguese or English. Samba da Bencǎo is familiar as the Eat Pray Love film's serenade. But the simply beautiful August Day Song and the lively, upbeat Sem Contencao should not be overlooked on this gem of an album. It is a Bossa Nova classic that holds up 25 years post-release.

Man, Brazilians really just knew what the fuck was up back in the day. Not saying they don’t now, but either way. Bossa nova is simply one of gods greatest gifts to Earth. It fills my soul with an indescribable amount of joy. And when I saw this artist’s last name, I figured there was no way she couldn’t be related to João Gilberto. And fortunately she is. After listening to this album, it is clear that the father of Bossa nova passed down all of his genius and creativity to his daughter. Except she doesn’t just take her father’s success and make a subpar parody of it. She keeps all of the good parts of the genre, and enhances it with modernized electronic sounds. This album has a particular mysticism to it, due to the addition of a trip-hop inspired sound. And it’s executed perfectly. These two very different sounds are put together seamlessly. The only description I have for the way this album makes me feel is like happening to sit across from the most beautiful girl you’ve ever seen in your life on a train in Europe, Before Sunrise style. I myself have met people who are as beautiful as this music, but they are few and far between. This record just provided me with serenity and security. I feel everything is gonna be alright, and anything I’m having trouble putting past me now will fade into obscurity if I just put this on. And I totally believe it. An experience I think is worthwhile for everyone to have, whether they are familiar with this genre at all. Rating: 9/10

LOVED THISSSSS!!!!

She ate this so hard and she knows it

Vsf Lucas

A delightful album, true to bossa nova with modern touches. I guess if your name is Gilberto, you are inclined to excellent musicianship.

If I had the capacity to reach that stage of enlightenment that enables you to direct your rebirth, I’d do it just to be have the short lived existence of a microbe in her mouth that gets to ride into oblivion on one of the soundwaves coming from her voice.

Beautiful voice, could listen forever. She has the same effortless smoothness as her stepmother, the legendary Astrud. This is the kind of music that makes the world a kinder, mellower place... I think the right word is "Blissful". You can just feel the sun shining 🌞

What an incredible discovery! Such a seductive voice and gorgeous music. Loved it so much that we booked tickets for her next show.

Very nice easy listening. I especially liked "August Day Song"

Bossa Nova always puts me in a good mood, and Bebel is a smooth as bossa gets.

This album is great! I definitely want to listen to it more in the future.

BBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Another album I've loved for over 20 years. Sing to me Bebel

LP

I enjoyed this Brazilian masterpiece.

No doubt that this is a musical family. I’m huge bossa nova fan, but if you would have described a “bossa nova, drum machine, new age” album, I would have been skeptical. All of the elements blend together in a really tasteful way that shows considerable restraint for the time. A treat to listen to.

i have basically no bossa nova knowledge, but this album was really lovely! good vibes all the way through, really enjoyed the use of electronic music

Smooth as silk. Just want to sit back and let all parts of this flutter over me.

Absolutely incredible.

This album was really pretty and very relaxing. I loved it a lot more than I thought I would.

Sumptuous opening track. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Bossa Nova music style. And real music. If you like this just a littel bit, go listen to RED HOT +RIO (a compilation) or the all time classic album that will blow you away "Getz/Gilberto" . This album gives me hope for The List. ....which needs more variegation, World and more Varied (and female) voices, and less rancid rap, garage and punk. But hey, another time we can go down the allmusic ratings, or rolling stone lists, right? And this has been educative so far. Bebel. She was Eva in the film Rio, is a brazilian bossa nova figure, she is NOT descended from Astrid Gilberto, but IS descended from Brazilian guitarist / vocalist João Gilberto (Astrid's ex), and her mother was singer Miúcha. So, maybe we will hear the album "Getz/Gilberto" which has two of my all time favourite tracks. I'm off to Rio now....

Different language but really good chill Jazz

Well, this was a first for me in that there's a song on this album I couldn't find on Spotify nor YouTube. So for now I'll just have to skip it. That song is Alguem. There were a couple of covers on YouTube but I refuse to listen to those as I feel it takes away from what listening to this album should be. However, I can safely say I'll be seeking this out in physical form. This was a beautiful album. A beautiful mix of Bossa Nova, Future Jazz and Downtempo. Even felt a bit of DnB energy from Lonely. Fun, mostly upbeat and tuneful. I wish for a warmer day to review this, quite honestly. Favourite: Lonely

It is very interesting to hear this right after listening to her father. While that record had a staleness to it, this is much more reminiscent of Norah Jones and a soothing coffee shop type record. I liked.

I remember clearly when this album came out. As a fan of bossa nova and her father João Gilberto, I was definitely interested. I read reviews and planned to buy it...and evidently didn't. This was quite a lovely update of the bossa nova into a 21st century feel. It's wonderful to revisit such a great version of "Summer Samba," one of my all time favorite songs. It was quite perfect for a first walk outside on a sunny, crisp day after a long, cold winter. This was lush and lovely.

I can hear Rio’s beaches calling. I think that the listening experience was enhanced by the non-English language lyrics.

Absolutely enchanting. I was enchanted.

There’s noticeable Brazil representation on this list, and I’m for it! This is a lovely listen that was just perfect for my evening. There’s a lot of the classic bossa nova/samba sound with some modern twists nestled in there. It all works wonderfully.

lovely

the jazzy feel was much appreciated, and i love love love this person’s vocals!

Jazzy calm really good vibes. Kinda reminds me of the wild world sound track.

Loved it for chill background vibes. Frenchy cafe

My type of chill music 💯💯💯

Linda voz

Swag af trip-hop infused lounge sounds. Brb gonna blast this from my poolside cabana v

Love me some bossa nova. Such great stuff.

Loved this, smooth, chill, ambient background music.

J'ai vraiment beaucoup aimé. Une voix magnifique, quelques éléments qui rendent le tout un peu plus moderne que ce à quoi je m'attendais, bref une très bonne découverte. 4.5

## In-Depth Review of *Tanto Tempo* by Bebel Gilberto Bebel Gilberto's debut album, *Tanto Tempo*, released in 2000, marks a significant moment in the evolution of bossa nova and Brazilian music. With its blend of traditional bossa nova elements and modern production techniques, the album not only showcases Gilberto's vocal talents but also highlights her innovative approach to music. This review will explore the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of *Tanto Tempo*, along with its pros and cons. ### ****Lyrics The lyrics of *Tanto Tempo* reflect a blend of romanticism and introspection, characteristic of bossa nova. Many songs explore themes of love, longing, and the beauty of nature. The bilingual nature of the album, featuring both Portuguese and English lyrics, allows for a wider audience to connect with its themes. - **Romantic Themes**: Tracks like "So Nice (Summer Samba)" and "Mais Feliz" evoke feelings of love and warmth through poetic imagery. The lyrics often reference nature, creating a serene backdrop that complements the music. - **Introspection**: Songs such as "Lonely" delve into personal emotions and experiences, showcasing Gilberto's ability to convey vulnerability through her lyrics. - **Cultural References**: The lyrics also draw from Brazilian cultural motifs, enhancing the authenticity of the album while appealing to international listeners. ### ****Music Musically, *Tanto Tempo* is a seamless fusion of traditional bossa nova with contemporary sounds. The instrumentation is rich yet understated, allowing Gilberto's voice to take center stage. - **Instrumentation**: The album features a variety of instruments including acoustic guitars, percussion, saxophones, and clarinets. The arrangements are carefully crafted to create a lush soundscape without overwhelming the listener. - **Vocal Style**: Gilberto's vocal delivery is soft and intimate, reminiscent of her father João Gilberto's style. Her ability to convey emotion through subtle nuances in her voice adds depth to each track. - **Rhythmic Diversity**: While rooted in bossa nova, the album incorporates elements from other genres such as jazz and electronic music. Songs like "Bananeira" introduce a funkier rhythm that contrasts with the more traditional tracks. ### ****Production The production of *Tanto Tempo* is noteworthy for its innovative use of technology while maintaining the organic feel of bossa nova. Produced by Mitar Subotić (known as Suba), the album employs sampling and electronic elements without losing its acoustic essence. - **Sampled Sounds**: The use of samples from various instruments adds layers to the music, creating an immersive listening experience. This technique helps bridge the gap between classic bossa nova and modern musical trends. - **Sound Quality**: The engineering quality is exceptional; each instrument is well-balanced in the mix, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricate details in both the vocals and instrumentation. - **Cohesion**: The album flows smoothly from one track to another, with transitions that enhance its overall mood. This cohesion makes it suitable for both casual listening and focused appreciation. ### ****Themes *Tanto Tempo* encapsulates several overarching themes that resonate throughout the album: - **Love and Longing**: Many tracks explore romantic relationships, capturing both the joy and melancholy associated with love. This duality is a hallmark of bossa nova. - **Nature and Serenity**: The lyrics often reference natural imagery, creating a tranquil atmosphere that invites listeners to relax and reflect. - **Cultural Identity**: As a daughter of bossa nova pioneer João Gilberto, Bebel Gilberto embodies a connection to her cultural roots while also pushing boundaries with modern influences. ### ****Influence Bebel Gilberto's *Tanto Tempo* has had a lasting impact on both Brazilian music and international audiences: - **Revitalization of Bossa Nova**: The album played a crucial role in bringing bossa nova back into popular culture at the turn of the millennium. Its contemporary sound attracted new listeners while honoring traditional elements. - **Cross-Cultural Appeal**: By blending English and Portuguese lyrics with diverse musical styles, Gilberto opened doors for Brazilian music on global platforms. This accessibility has inspired many contemporary artists to explore similar fusions. - **Legacy**: The success of *Tanto Tempo* has paved the way for other Brazilian artists to experiment with genres while maintaining their cultural identity. It stands as a testament to how traditional music can evolve without losing its essence. ### ****Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Innovative Fusion**: Successfully blends traditional bossa nova with modern electronic elements. - **Exceptional Production Quality**: High-quality sound engineering enhances the listening experience. - **Emotional Depth**: Lyrics convey relatable themes of love and introspection. - **Cohesive Flow**: Smooth transitions between tracks create an immersive experience. - **Cultural Significance**: Revitalizes interest in bossa nova for new generations. #### Cons - **Pacing Issues**: Some listeners may find certain tracks too slow or laid-back for their taste. - **Predictability**: A few songs may come across as formulaic within the genre. - **Limited Edginess**: While its smoothness is appealing, some may perceive it as lacking in musical edge or experimentation compared to more avant-garde works. ### Conclusion Bebel Gilberto's *Tanto Tempo* is a landmark debut that successfully marries traditional Brazilian sounds with contemporary influences. Its lyrical depth, musical innovation, and high production quality make it an essential listen for fans of bossa nova and world music alike. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its laid-back nature or occasional predictability, its cultural significance and emotional resonance cannot be overstated. As such, *Tanto Tempo* remains a vital piece in understanding both Bebel Gilberto's artistry and the evolution of Brazilian music in the 21st century.

good mix between bossa nova and contemporary music

Oh, this type of thing. Alright: music like this had a grip on much of the world, give or take 25 years ago and some of it had a grip on me so I don't bat an eyelid about its inclusion in an AYMHBYD (there should be others, Amon Tobin comes to mind, but oh well). It's really pleasant, a rather fine example of that music. But here's the problem, sadly. It's just too pleasant, accomodating. It's so much on the easy listening ~Lounge end of things, with nothing standing out, I think I'd rather listen to Gilberto's dad, stepmom or album #85, Suba's "São Paulo Confessions" instead. But as I've learned how the latter was the producer of "Tanto Tempo" and died from rescuing this record from his burning studio, I have to rate it a perfect and absolute ★★★★☆: it's nice. I'm glad it exists.

Surprising and beautiful

Smooth and relaxing. A real shame the full album isn't on Spotify, I'd definitely revisit it if it was.

I enjoyed it, it was very smooth and pleasant. Unfortunately I don't speak Portuguese so I hate to dock it down to four stars for that reason. Otherwise it would be five, but Idk what it's saying.

Beautiful smooth Brazilian bossa nova. Perfect background music for a party or intimate dinner.

"The producer Suba died from smoke inhalation while saving the newly recorded album from a studio fire." Wow aber gotta love me some Latin music

nice variety. English and Portuguese as well

Albumi #85, 21.10.2024 Tanto Tempo on Bossa nova -laulaja Bebel Gilberton varsinainen debyyttialbumi vuodelta 2000. Levy on varsin rauhallinen miellyttävä bossa nova -albumi pienin elektronisin vivahtein. Erittäin hyvä albumi. Bebel Gilberto on João Gilberton tytär.

Lovely! I'm given to like bossa nova and adjacent music so this was a good time for me.

Hell yeah this is what I was hoping for more of from this list. In a genre that seems to mostly be on rails this album bends them in a very pleasing way. Bossa nova is mostly fine but this was really nice to listen to and stood out in a way very little bossa nova ever has to me

this was fun and nice to both listen to and also idly hear in the background

good album, great backing sounds, would like to listen more!

The opening tracks are strong and it lulls towards the middle. I really like this kind of mellow hypnotic music. The style reminded me of one of my favorite albums, Isolation by Kali Uchis. As I was listening I recognized that there is a song on that album that directly samples Lonely from this album. That was pretty cool.

This could have easily stayed safe in the adult contemporary space, but instead this album takes some good chances which I thought was pretty solid and fun.

It appears I like a good Brazilian. All the albums from that country have been excellent so far. This was wonderfully mellow in places, which was interspersed with some slightly more energetic songs. Its great

Vreselijk

lovely listen

I’ve never heard this artist before, but I’m gonna give it a four because it’s so good it doesn’t deserve to be slumming down with some of the trash I gave 3.

This is one of the more contemporary bossa nova albums I've listened to. And that aspect of it certainly makes itself known, with it drawing from the sounds of R&B and trip-hop that were everywhere at the time. I'd say Bebel's reverb vocals play into that R&B vibe, while a song like 'Lonely' really lets those psychedelic down-tempo elements shine. With that said, it's very delicate with its genre fusions and the samba aspects are still at the forefront for the entire record. So what you end up getting is something part intimate, but also very cheery and relaxed as you'd expect out of bossa nova records. I love that melancholic horn that peeps every once in a while on the opener 'Samba Da Bencao' and the funk fusions of 'Bananeira' further demonstrate this album's cross-genre sensibilities. It's also the catchiest song here. A super chill listen and all the crisp, tight, and eclectic production makes this easily the best Bossa Nova album I've heard from this list as of yet. Great stuff.