Reviews (page 8 of 14)
Gooodd
Favorite song: The Girl from Ipanema Astrud Gilberto has a beautiful voice, I really like the songs that she's in. The cool sax creates a very calming feeling throughout the whole album. I really like jazz.
I really enjoy this...in fact we have some of these tracks on a cocktail lounge mix cd from the 90s. I feel like to thoroughly enjoy it though, you need to be sipping a cocktail in a dark corner with your lover.
With a caipirinha, maybe
One of the all time great nap albums. The LeBron of nap albums. The Abbey Road of shutting your eyes for 30-40 minutes.
Just beautiful! This is the second album in a row that I will actively seek out the next time I go to the record store.
3.0 - Ok
## In-Depth Review: *Getz/Gilberto* by Stan Getz & João Gilberto *Getz/Gilberto* (1964) stands as a landmark album in both jazz and world music, credited with launching the global bossa nova craze and forever altering the landscape of popular music. This review examines the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also weighing its pros and cons. ## **Album Overview** - **Artists:** Stan Getz (tenor saxophone), João Gilberto (guitar, vocals), Antônio Carlos Jobim (piano, composer), Astrud Gilberto (vocals), Milton Banana (drums), Sebastião Neto (bass) - **Producer:** Creed Taylor - **Release Year:** 1964 - **Notable Tracks:** “The Girl from Ipanema,” “Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars),” “Desafinado,” “Só Danço Samba”[1][2][3] ## **Lyrics** The lyrics on *Getz/Gilberto* are understated, poetic, and rooted in the Brazilian tradition of painting vivid, romantic images of Rio de Janeiro and its people. Most tracks feature lyrics in Portuguese, with select verses in English, notably sung by Astrud Gilberto, whose gentle, untrained voice lends an air of intimacy and authenticity[2][1]. - **“The Girl from Ipanema”:** The most famous track, with lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes and English adaptation by Norman Gimbel, tells a simple yet evocative story of a beautiful woman walking by, capturing the bittersweet longing of the observer. The lyrics are direct, painting a scene of idyllic beauty and subtle melancholy. - **“Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)”:** This song offers a vision of tranquility and romantic contentment, with lyrics that evoke peaceful nights and quiet love. - **Other tracks:** Songs like “Desafinado” and “Só Danço Samba” play with themes of love, longing, and the joys and frustrations of romance, all delivered with a light touch and poetic brevity. The lyrics avoid overt political or social commentary, instead focusing on personal emotions and the beauty of everyday life, often through a lens of gentle nostalgia[4]. ## **Music** The music of *Getz/Gilberto* is the album’s most celebrated feature, blending the rhythmic sophistication of Brazilian samba with the harmonic complexity and improvisational flair of jazz[5][2][6]. - **Bossa Nova Rhythms:** The album is a masterclass in bossa nova, characterized by its syncopated, understated rhythms and gentle swing. João Gilberto’s guitar playing is central—his right-hand technique provides a subtle, percussive pulse that is both intricate and relaxed. - **Melodic Simplicity and Chromatic Harmony:** Antônio Carlos Jobim’s compositions are marked by simple, singable melodies set against rich, chromatic harmonies, creating a lush but accessible soundscape[4]. - **Stan Getz’s Saxophone:** Getz’s tenor saxophone is lyrical, breathy, and melodic, weaving effortlessly between the vocals and guitar. His improvisations are restrained, never overwhelming the delicate framework of the songs but adding a layer of emotional depth and jazz sophistication[5][6]. - **Vocals:** João Gilberto’s vocals are soft, almost whispered, embodying the bossa nova ethos of subtlety and cool detachment. Astrud Gilberto’s English vocals, particularly on “The Girl from Ipanema” and “Corcovado,” are unpolished yet captivating, her accent and phrasing becoming an iconic aspect of the album’s sound[2][1]. - **Instrumentation:** The arrangements are minimal, with piano, bass, and light percussion supporting the core trio. This sparseness allows each musical element to breathe, contributing to the album’s intimate atmosphere[6]. ## **Production** Produced by Creed Taylor, *Getz/Gilberto* was recorded in just two days, yet the results are remarkably polished and organic[2][6]. - **Recording Quality:** The production is intimate and transparent, with a natural warmth that highlights the interplay between musicians. The balance is superb—vocals, saxophone, guitar, and rhythm section each occupy their own space without crowding the mix[6]. - **Studio Ambience:** The recording captures the sense of a small room, with close-miked vocals and instruments that make the listener feel present at the session. Subtle details, like the resonance of the bass and the gentle brushwork on drums, are rendered with clarity[6]. - **Minimal Overdubs:** The album’s live-in-the-studio feel is a testament to the musicians’ chemistry and skill, with little need for post-production embellishments. ## **Themes** The album’s themes are rooted in romance, longing, and the everyday beauty of Brazilian life. - **Romantic Idealism:** Most songs explore the nuances of love—unrequited, contented, or wistful. The tone is never melodramatic; instead, it is cool, detached, and quietly passionate[5][4]. - **Idyllic Escapism:** The lyrics and music together evoke an idealized vision of Rio de Janeiro, its beaches, and its people, offering listeners a form of gentle escapism[4]. - **Cultural Fusion:** The collaboration itself is a thematic statement, blending North American jazz with Brazilian bossa nova, symbolizing cross-cultural understanding and artistic unity[2][6]. ## **Influence** *Getz/Gilberto* is arguably the most influential bossa nova album ever released, with impact far beyond its genre[2][3][1]. - **Global Popularization of Bossa Nova:** The album introduced bossa nova to a worldwide audience, sparking a wave of imitations and adaptations by artists as diverse as Frank Sinatra and The Beach Boys[2]. - **Jazz Standardization:** Songs like “The Girl from Ipanema,” “Desafinado,” and “Corcovado” became jazz standards, performed and recorded by countless musicians in the decades since[1]. - **Career Launches:** The album made international stars of Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and especially Astrud Gilberto, whose debut vocal performance became iconic[2][7]. - **Cultural Impact:** The album’s success bridged cultural divides and demonstrated the commercial viability of non-English-language music in the US and Europe. It also provided a template for future cross-genre collaborations[2][6]. - **Awards:** *Getz/Gilberto* won the Grammy for Album of the Year, a rare achievement for a jazz record, and “The Girl from Ipanema” won Record of the Year[7]. ## **Pros and Cons** | Pros | Cons | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Timeless, universally appealing sound[5][1] | Some may find the album’s mood too uniform or subdued | | Lyrical, melodic saxophone playing by Getz[6][5] | Astrud Gilberto’s vocals, while iconic, can sound amateurish to some listeners[2] | | João Gilberto’s subtle, innovative guitar and vocals[1][6] | Lyrics lack depth for those seeking political or social commentary[4] | | Jobim’s masterful songwriting and harmonies[4][1] | The album’s brevity (8 tracks, ~35 minutes) may leave some wanting more | | Impeccable production—warm, intimate, natural[6][2] | The overshadowing fame of “The Girl from Ipanema” can detract from appreciation of others | | Seamless fusion of jazz and Brazilian music[5][2][6] | | | Launched the global bossa nova movement, huge cultural influence[2][3][1] | | ## **Track-by-Track Highlights** - **“The Girl from Ipanema”**: The album’s centerpiece, with Astrud Gilberto’s dreamy vocals and Getz’s lyrical saxophone. The song’s gentle sway and memorable melody made it a global hit[2][1]. - **“Doralice”**: A lively, rhythmically intricate tune showcasing Gilberto’s guitar and vocals. - **“Para Machuchar Meu Coração”**: A more melancholic piece, with plaintive singing and subtle instrumental interplay. - **“Desafinado”**: A classic bossa nova composition with playful lyrics about singing out of tune, featuring a memorable saxophone solo[1]. - **“Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)”**: Another highlight for Astrud Gilberto, whose English vocals convey tranquility and romantic longing[2]. - **“Só Danço Samba”**: Upbeat and danceable, with infectious rhythms and melodic hooks. - **“O Grande Amor”**: A lush, romantic ballad with intricate harmonies. - **“Vivo Sonhando”**: A gentle, optimistic closer, leaving the listener in a state of peaceful reverie. ## **Conclusion** *Getz/Gilberto* is more than just a collection of songs; it is a milestone in music history, representing the perfect marriage of Brazilian bossa nova and American jazz. Its influence is vast, its sound timeless, and its artistry unmatched. The album’s strengths—its subtlety, beauty, and cross-cultural appeal—far outweigh its minor shortcomings. For anyone interested in jazz, world music, or simply the art of the album, *Getz/Gilberto* remains “beyond essential”.
It's a lovely sound, but it's a boring album. I can happily relate to its importance and the role it has in Brazilian music and indeed jazz. It's just not for me.
Forgettable
It's hard to say anything about this album that hasn't been said before. Another MUST LISTEN album for any fan of the genre. -Germoses Good elevator music - SC
A classic album and super enjoyable.
I don’t listen to a lot of foreign language albums. This one really was beautiful. I started out in my car, and I wasn’t quite feeling it. But I put it back on when I was doing some house chores, and it was magical playing in the background. Such a lovely album
Bossa Nova is king. Stan Getz’s work here is just as fantastic and smooth as his name.
Not a huge fan of his voice I like the instrumentals, but the vocals ruin them for me a little ☹️
very nice, liked it a lot
Not my favorite style of music but definitely a very good listen
Loungy and unrushed - smooth jazz but not saccharine - vocals are fantastic
Absolutely love "Girl from Ipenama" but, otherwise, this was pleasant background music for me. Felt like I was in a lounge with cigar smoke everywhere and fans circulating tropical air.
Very pleasant on the ears. I had only heard girl from Ipanema, so most was new to me. Bossa nova is soothing as hell, and I can appreciate this, but I struggled to really distinguish between songs at times, didn't find it super interesting. Would not go so far as to dismiss it as muzak though.
Great
Very enjoyable album , relaxing & soothing.
Unironically good
Maze me wanna have a picnic on the beach 7/10
It was OK. 2/5
Phenomenal Bossa Nova jazz. Really enjoyed the quiet, and the mood they achieved.
I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did.
Classic jazz album, sort of thing they play in a restaurant.
Definitely a good album for this 95° day. Good vibes
perfection. love it.
This is an album that your great grandparents or your grandparents would have put on the record player to create some background music for a cocktail party. The music was okay. I just don’t understand Portuguese though.
Love Stan Getz. Just not crazy about the Samba shit. I realize that this was a hit in 64 when Stan really needed the money but this is not for me.
wonderful, joyous, exquisite
Beautiful jazz by way of Brazil. Great in all the right ways.
Love the vibe. Perfect “easy listening” album”. Great ambience for a lazy weekend day at home, or to put on while doing household chores. Don’t really care for the tone of the sax. Too “windy”. But that’s the only complaint. Warm feeling, perfect for a summer evening. Low-key sounds like the same song repeated 8 times… not a bad thing. Would like a bit more variety in tempo/energy, still a vibe though. Have to be in the “mood” for it, as there’s only one mood. Mood: smooth, calm, warm. Track 6 has the best sax solo. Shorter runtime is a plus. Feeling a strong 4.
Excellent bossa nova example.
Very Hip
This makes me feel good
Peak. Great vibes, smooth, suave, very nice.
As I understand it this is the start of the bossa nova craze and it delivers exactly what I would expect in that regard. Other than that the saxophone parts a really good. While I don't understand the language at all the smooth voices still makes it a good album.
BRAZIL MENTIONED!!! This is probably the most internationally known album from my country, and it is indeed a national treasure. But here's a warning to the gringos: there's much more to our music than you can imagine. We're not just made of bossa nova, soccer and hot womens hahahahaha
I would seek this album out again for its smooth and calming tones. Goid ol' Bossa Nova
Ah, se ela soubesse
What a lovely listen! The jazz wasn't too complex and quite soothing. It made me want to be on a bistro patio.
Listen to this at the airport heading to Chicago So far this is amazing and the right amount of jazz I needed 9/10
The perfect album for a warm summernight with cool cocktails and good company.
Fun.
Love the texture and sound. No electric gizmos and pure talent on show. Some expert playing. Very smooth.
Perfect background music for a romantic dinner
Very pleasant album. I also love seeing artists like Sza being influenced by these types of albums
So hot, it's cool.
Had this on repeat. Great upbeat bossanova.
This album made me fall in love with Bossa Nova. Marvelous and beautiful.
Music genres I didn't think I would like but turns out I love them: Bossa Nova
Magical
Great album that’s easy to listen to and feels cool
not sure I like bossa nova. I like Jazz, but I feel like I need to be either a lovely level of drunk, or at least really high to appreciate it. Not sitting at my email job under florescent lights. That said! I really did enjoy this album, and after doing some research you can see why it is so important, not only to the genre, but to music, generally. For me, it's a 3/5, but a 4/5 wouldn't be crazy.
Not really my type of music so I don't feel I can properly rate it. I enjoyed it enough
Jazz again
I started listening to a lot of Brazilian music this year and while I have been very familiar with The Girl From Ipanema obviously, I haven't gotten a chance to listen to this in full - yet. It's really good!
I mean, it's just the greatest bossa nova record ever, right? João Gilberto's chill guitar sound is to die for. Listened to this on a cold, rainy, Scandinavian summer morning. Just as God intended.
Peak bossa nova. Easy 5.
A flawless blend of relaxed jazz phrasing and the smooth sway of bossa nova. Rather than defining a genre, this album turns it into a feeling. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘐𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘢 became a global sensation, thanks in large part to Astrud Gilberto’s airy, untrained charm — despite her appearing on only two tracks, she instantly became the definitive female voice of bossa nova. João Gilberto’s subtle guitar and Stan Getz’s lyrical saxophone complete the mood: effortless, intimate, and timeless. A quiet revolution in sound.
INCREIBLE
Very enjoyable
Cerramos la semana con EL álbum para compartir una cena con alguien a quien uno quiera cortejar. Ya sea para algo pasajero o algo a largo plazo pero para una cita que nos haga salir de la rutina. Increíble cómo éste álbum me hace bajar un cambio, imaginarme una cita con un vinito rico y en un balcón, mirando la ciudad. No quiero decir que me pasó. No, no. Jamás. Solo lo imagino. Hasta el lunes.
Another jazz album that didn't do a lot for me. I don't think it was bad, I just can't say I enjoyed it all that much. It was subdued and quiet, which I liked better than it being overly jazz-tastic. But, it also just kind of blended into the background. It sounded like something that would be playing at a cafe in the morning. That is good in its niche, but isn't really something I like more than that. I did like Girl from Ipanema, which is obviously a very famous song and I had heard before. I don't know that the other tracks were very memorable. It's also not an album I see myself listening to again. Unfortunately I think this is another casualty of my lack of interest in the genre. For me it was fine, but not all that good. Overall: 2.2/5
Pretty relaxing. Transports you to warmer climates
i should be eating pasta alone in a dimly lit restaurant after the worst heartbreak of my life
the girl from ipanema ain’t tall and tan and young and lovely she gave me malvern jazz band ptsd
Fine. Every tune basically sounds the same to me.
Good album; the blend of jazz and samba on this album is kind of perfect for me. Girl From Ipanema has been done by so many artists, but I think I like this rendition the best.
Listened to this for another list. Gave it a 2/5 there. Listened to it just now and feeling more generous. 2.75/5
Very smooth
Not much for jazz/lounge music
Pretty great jazz album
“The Girl from Ipanema” is good but that may be from familiarity. The album isn’t bad, but I just felt nothing from it. I thought I’d have enjoyed it and found it relaxing. The brass was mixed too closely to the front and was startling at times. I didn’t get it and that’s probably on me
Saxophone!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7/10. Nice samba. :)
At the right setting and moment, this fits perfectly. A warm day on the terrace with a drink would be a nice setting
very lovely work music
Pre-listening thoughts: I’m lowkey excited for this one and I’m not sure why I put it off for so long but! Post/during listening thoughts: this was so smooth and easy I can’t believe it’s not butter! I think that elevators make baby elevators to this music. This is easier than pie, lemon squeezy, and Sunday morning. 6/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: Girl From Ipanema, Corcovado Least fav tracks: n/a
Relaxing to listen to, but the moment you've listened to the first song, you already know the deal here.
An album of chill ipanema-likes. It is perfectly fine jazz music for your winding down activities, but that makes it rather situational.
Good. Can get a little backgroundy but its bracing whenever homegirls vocals come in.
10/10 Bossa Nova, my love…
Very relaxing, I enjoy the instrumentations, the vocals are calming, and even though most of it isn't in English I feel like I know what's going on. It makes me want a cup of coffee in a cozy cafe.
beautiful piece of art
Album art:3
There are two albums my high school band director would always talk about, this one and Kind of Blue by Miles Davis, now I can see why. Definitely one of the better jazz albums I've ever listened to. This feels like a great album to relax to at night. Not to mention all the jazz classics and standards on this album like Corcovado or The Girl From Ipanema.
Not my jam.
music for walking on the beach at 7 PM
Very nice and ready listening jazz! I loved both the male and female vocals.
Portuguese jazz and bosso nova? I did not expect to like this but I did. Good album.
Classic
6.5/10 Fav Song: Corcovado
Favorites: The Girl From Ipanema, Doralice, Corcovado Brilliant stuff. Getz and Gilberto were an excellent pair working towards possibly the best bossa nova project to ever exist. One of those records that I feel you don't even have to like the genre to enjoy. It's just that good!
Classic bossanova
Beautiful
3.5* 81%
I enjoyed this very much, so much so I dusted off my air sax .... good Sunday morning vibe.
Very much my kind of thing, will be on regular rotation
Beautiful classic. I remember this being covered on Channel 4 News when Gilberto died.. I think.
Lovely mellow album, wonderful performances all round, and helped prevent me losing my shit while trying to get Power Bi to work.
Beautiful. This was my first encounter with the amazing voice of Astrud Gilberto, and I have loved her forever.
After yesterday I was looking forward to something different and today’s album really hit that mark. Moving from the noise that was Marilyn Manson to the bossa nova here is, well, I couldn’t have picked something so radically in contrast. With that said, this isn’t really my thing either. I mean, I didn’t skip through it like yesterday and I didn’t find it revoltingly repugnant, but it didn’t really connect. It played in the background and I listened, and I heard, but that’s the extent of it. I wish I had enjoyed it more.
At the start of this project, 3+ years ago for me, I didn't care for bossa nova. This is obviously a masterpiece, but I think time has softened my disdain into enjoyment. I love Astrud Gilberto's voice and I love "The Girl from Ipanema" which this list introduced me to.
LOVED THIS ONE IT'S A SUMMER JAM
🎧
Very nice, and easy listening for a Sunday morning. I enjoyed this a lot
I would expect to hear this music in a black and white movie about a French woman who is lonely. Smoooooooth saxophone pair with calming vocals. Great album
Nice easy going jazz. First time i've sat down and listened to Stan Getz. Nothing outstanding, and on the spectrum of easy listening to experimental, I like jazz a little more zany.
The OG! Put this on. Fix a cocktail. Prep dinner. Have a jazz cigarette. If you don't dig it youre just taking up space
Nah, mostly just singing. 1/5
I can still smell the cardboard sleeve of the vinyl record my folks had. One of my earliest memories of music here and phenomenal album start to finish.
I mean, it's really good but could you identify any of the songs besides girl from Ipanema? That's one of my favorite songs but this is just a good vibe
A great album to wake up tom. I was happy to see this pop up in the morning. Love the Stan Getz sound. Although I prefer jazz samba over this I can't find anything wrong with this, hence the 5 star rating.
Super calm vibes I adore this so much It is great music to chill out to A bit repetitive and a lot of it feels the same but it works in the albums favor.
Kind of samey, but chill and relaxing. Coffee shoppe sort of vibe. Also I don't know Portuguese
Pleasant
Another Getz in the space of a few days! Everything I said about the other one applies to this one too: "Immaculate vibes, but maybe not as much dynamism. That's a small complaint though. This is a lovely listen for any downtime." I mean if you want bossa nova you have to start with this album I suppose! Must-listen #142.
I feel this album in my body. I hate how Getz treated Astrud and screwed her out of royalties for her indelible contribution.
Its fine.
Really wanted to give this a 3.5 but alas I can't. It's nice, I love Girl From Ipanema, and the rest of the album is quite pleasant. But ultimately it's just pleasant and nice to listen to, nothing too exciting beyond that.
Heerlijk, wat is Portugees eigenlijk een mooie taal. Perfect voor zomeravond je, of studiesessie die wat romantiseren nodig heeft...
This album of Brazilian music might have been eye-opening to an international audience in 1964, but because the sound of bossa nova has been absorbed into not only American culture but also other cultures (such as with Japan's Shibuya-kei sound), its capacity to surprise and intrigue is somewhat diminished. The musicianship on this record is solid but everything on this album is played in such a low-key way that on the whole it's more pleasant than truly engaging. (The mix also drains away a potential source of energy by shoving the drummer all the way over to one side and turning his parts way down.) The moments where Getz' saxophone takes center stage are the high points because they inject some much-needed excitement into the songs.
Beautiful bossa nova record. Sun softly glittering off the sea in Rio - bar d'urca, sipping a caipirinha on a hot summer evening, laughter in the background.
Very good
Classy and classic
So smooth
Great tracks, perfect for simple listening, I was working on my laptop and toe tapping along. The classics on this album are really nice.
might bump it up. Bossa can get boring?...
nice jazz
Girl from Ipanema
Very nice background music. 7/10
Extraordinary pleasant. Made me feel very grounded and happy. No notes. Five stars despite Ruth's "elevator music" allegations.
Love this album. If only for The Girl from Impanena. But the rest is great too. One of my favorite jazz albums
Good album, but not great. Relaxing. 3*
Very very good! A consistently chill album of samba/jazz.
Got an evening barbeque event? This is the album for you. Cool as a fresh mojito, but interesting enough to avoid the Muzak accusation. The whole album is great, tho' "Ipanema" suffers slightly from over-familiarity.
Muy bonito y con excelente sonido, me he guardado "The girl from Ipanema" las dos versiones que vienen.
It’s just very pleasant.
Such a lovely album. It made me feel classy, like I was in The Thomas Crown Affair. 3.5⭐️
Makes me want to go hang out on the beach with a pina colada, but I'm stuck in the midwest. At least the sun was out today to give some atmosphere.
Always love hearing familiar songs on here. Bossa nova
Chill. Vibey. Pretty enjoyable.
It feels unfair to rate an album in a language I don't speak, as I imagine there's quite a bit I missed. But, based entirely on the sonic component, it was still very pleasant. Felt great to listen to early morning at my desk doing busy work, with the morning sun beaming through the city buildings on me while enjoying a cup of tea and some sweet biscuits. It was... a mood, very enjoyable, I would listen to this again happily.
Joyful summer dreamy weather, could listen to this all day with the sun above the garden.
Nice
3/5
10/10 Perfekt skrivemusikk. Får lyst å røyke sigg og drikke Grappa. Det e for lite softe blåseinstrument som smaske meg i øyregangane generelt i livet.
It's really pleasant to listen to. On the other hand, I completely missed when my streaming service moved on to somebody else. It's nice but it doesn't stick.
So good, lovely to ease up the end of the day
It was good
Elevator/lounge music but for a real classy joint
Classic. Is it elevatormusic or pure genius? It’s both, a jazz-pop masterpiece!
First response: nice. Warm and sensual, good Summer music. In the end perhaps a bit samey.
So much chill.
Classique de la bossa nova, t'entend les premiers notes, direct t'est transporté, t'est apaisé
Just don't like Jazz, man. 2 stars.
This reminded me of being at a 60s house party.
I always love the warm feeling jazz and bossa nova gives me. Although a good chunk of the album is in Portuguese I feel like I understand what is being said perfectly through the soft and intentional singing. I listened to The Girl From Ipanema and just knew that it had to be a hit; that I’ve heard it somewhere. The saxophone solos are beyond superb. I liked Kali Uchis’ version of Desafinado and it’s beautiful to hear it in its original language. Every element compliments the next perfectly. It feels like a rainy night: a perfect time to contemplate while watching droplets fall.
Kenn ich ganz wenig, aber Stan getz mag ich gerne. Gute summer vibes Hört sich alles sehr ähnlich an.
8/10
Не напряжно, но скучно
Album excelente
100/1089 - The Bossa compositions are good but I'm not a fan of the players. Both singers are super dry and lifeless to my ears. I never liked Stan Getz's "subtone-only" sax sound and playstyle either. That being said, I get why it's on the list and I enjoy playing these songs on piano every once in a while.
Cool 😎
5/10 This is supposedly the definitive bossa nova album and I’ve enjoyed the couple I’ve had already. But, like them, this doesn’t get me going properly. Well played, well sung, nice vibes. But this is background music not foreground music. Ultimately a little boring. Best: Garota de Ipanema
Silky smooth and sexy. Makes one thirst for a martini. Strengthens with every listen. Does have a certain samey-ness throughout
couldn't tell you where the first song ended or the second song began. felt like one long soothing song.
4/5 or 8/10 (I cant speak spanish)
sample in the wild! will listen again
I will for sure like this. Doralice is great. Joao Gliberto's voice is so warm and comforting. The sax is very warm and cool jazz too. I like all the pieces individually but when it's all together it sounds a little like the type of music that you might hear at a restaurant that has white table clothes. Some of the songs drone on for too long. I think thats why I like the first 3 Joao Gilberto records a little more than this.
Listens: 3 Standout tracks: The Girl From Ipanema Reminds me of Bitter:Sweet and Thievery Corporation, with a big emphasis brass instrument and R&B.
What an incredible album!
Chillout vibes
Smooth bossa nova, hard to hate this 4.5*
scratches that seaside melancholy itch
An undeniably cool album, especially with Stan Getz on sax and João Gilberto singing.
Przyjemne! Album zleciał szybciutko
A gorgeous little jazz album that sounds so relaxing and so pure and clean. The gentle vocals of the Gilbertos, the plucking guitars, the lyrical sax by Getz , everything puts you in a relaxing trance. The Girl From Ipanem is undeniably one of the best jazz songs of all time. But my favourite from the album was Para Machuchar Meu Coração. So poetic and beautiful. My only problem with this was that it's so easy on ears and so relaxing that as it reaches the last couple of songs, I'm already half asleep. But I don't think I can complain that it's not very stimulating, maybe Bossa Nova is like that. Maybe it's made for us to just relax.
Solid listen, and maybe the defining album of the style/genre. It's something that I think you have to be in the mood for, but when the mood strikes, you probably can't do better.
The first instance of Girl from Ipanema getting huge is a cool thing to see. Rest of the album is p solid overall, nothing smacking my gob but a pleasant listen I will come back to.
Incredible album. 10/10. I wanted to listen to this one again right after finishing it. Favorite songs: -O Grande Amor
Benign as it gets, but that's exactly why it's so revered and enjoyable. This is exactly how I love my jazz: calming and charming as fuck. None of that phallus waving, virtuosic, instrument jerking stuff. Just pure mind wandering with great musicianship, as it's displayed here. Its approach can be enjoyed by those who dislike the instrument jerking that jazz can sometime be, but can also be approved by those into more intricate stuff due to its simple nature and how much it conveys with just a few simple licks. Best track(s): Girl From Ipanema ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Voilà un album qui, sur le papier, coche toutes les cases du chef-d'œuvre intemporel. Un monument, un monolithe de la musique du XXe siècle, l'enregistrement qui a fait découvrir la bossa nova au monde entier, ou du moins qui l'a installée confortablement dans tous les salons cossus de la planète. "Getz/Gilberto", c'est le genre de disque que le projet "1001 Albums" te jette à la figure avec un air de défi, en mode "Alors, tu vas dire quoi, maintenant ? C'est un classique, incline-toi !". Et, pour être honnête, il faut bien s'incliner... Un peu. Respecter l'artisanat, la maîtrise, la perfection quasi clinique de la chose. On parle ici d'une collaboration entre des virtuoses. Stan Getz, avec son saxophone ténor qui sonne comme du velours liquide, capable de te faire croire que la vie n'est qu'une longue promenade sur une plage au crépuscule. João Gilberto, dont la voix est un murmure, un souffle chaud qui semble ne jamais forcer, accompagné de sa guitare qui tricote des arpèges d'une subtilité désarmante. Et puis, bien sûr, le maestro Antônio Carlos Jobim au piano, l'architecte derrière ces mélodies qui flottent dans l'air avec une élégance folle. Techniquement, c'est irréprochable, la production est d'une clarté absolue, chaque instrument respire, chaque note est à sa place. C'est le son de la sophistication, du bon goût, de l'apéritif qui s'éternise au bord de la piscine. C'est la quintessence du cool, mais d'un cool tellement policé, tellement propre sur lui, qu'il en devient presque aseptisé. Et c'est là que le bât blesse pour le type comme moi. Moi qui ai grandi en usant mes oreilles sur les larsens de Sonic Youth, la fureur froide de Joy Division et la brutalité industrielle de Godflesh, écouter "Getz/Gilberto", c'est comme demander à un punk de passer une soirée au Rotary Club. Je peux admirer la décoration, apprécier la qualité du champagne, mais au fond, je m'emmerde poliment. Où est la faille ? Où est la tension ? Où est la crasse ? Il n'y en a pas. Cet album est une surface lisse, parfaite, sans la moindre aspérité. C'est une musique qui ne dérange jamais, qui ne questionne jamais, qui ne crie jamais. Elle caresse... Et parfois, une caresse, c'est tout ce dont on a besoin. Mais quand on a été habitué aux coups de poing sonores, la caresse devient vite lénifiante. Je me souviens, à l'époque où je bossais au magasin de disques, dans les années 90. "Getz/Gilberto" était un classique du "fonds de catalogue". On le vendait, bien sûr, mais à qui ? Jamais au gamin avec un t-shirt de The Cure qui cherchait le dernier import de Pavement. Non, on le vendait au couple de quinquas qui organisait un dîner et qui voulait "un truc sympa, pas trop fort, pour mettre en fond". On le vendait au jeune cadre dynamique qui venait d'acheter une chaîne hi-fi à trois mille balles et qui voulait un disque pour "tester la pureté du son". C'est ça, "Getz/Gilberto", c'est une musique de décoration sonore de luxe, c'est de la musique de tapisserie. Et puis, il y a "The Girl from Ipanema", le paquebot qui tire tout le reste de l'album. La chanson qui a dû financer la construction de la moitié des villas de la Côte d'Azur. On l'a entendue partout, dans les ascenseurs, les salles d'attente, les publicités pour du café, les reportages sur le Brésil... C'est la bande-son officielle de l'exotisme de salon. La voix d'Astrud Gilberto, fragile, presque hésitante, a un charme indéniable, c'est vrai. Mais à force de l'entendre, la plage d'Ipanema ressemble plus à un hall de centre commercial un samedi après-midi qu'à un paradis tropical. Alors, pourquoi un 3 sur 5 et pas un 1 ou un 2 ? Parce qu'il faut être juste, pour ce qu'il est, cet album est une réussite totale. Il a atteint son objectif avec une précision chirurgicale : créer une bulle de perfection sonore, un instant de grâce suspendu. C'est un album qui a une importance historique colossale, il a défini un genre et influencé des générations de musiciens. Le nier serait de la mauvaise foi pure et simple. Je peux donc reconnaître et saluer le génie de la composition, l'élégance de l'interprétation. Je peux comprendre pourquoi des millions de gens ont succombé à ce charme suave. C'est un album pour les moments calmes, pour les amours naissantes, pour les fins de soirée quand la fatigue l'emporte sur l'envie de refaire le monde. Mais pour moi, il manque l'essentiel, il manque ce qui fait que la musique n'est pas juste "jolie". Il manque le danger, la dissonance, la folie, la sueur, la rage. Il manque la vie, la vraie, celle qui n'est pas toujours douce et ensoleillée. Il manque ce sentiment d'urgence qui te fait dire "putain, ce disque vient de changer quelque chose en moi". "Getz/Gilberto" ne change rien, il met en pause. C'est une sieste musicale, une très, très belle sieste, certes. Probablement la sieste la mieux notée de l'histoire de la musique, mais ça reste une sieste. Et après une bonne sieste, j'ai généralement envie de mettre un truc qui tabasse pour bien me réveiller. Un 3 sur 5, pour le respect de l'art, mais ne comptez pas sur moi pour l'écouter en boucle.
Nog een klassieker, hoef 'm niet eens op te zetten om tot een vijfsterrenbeoordeling te komen.
Finally a very good Bossa Nova album. Still waiting on Jobim solo album…
sick bossa nova but in lower case. I have never felt so cool and calm while listening to music before.
The most bossa nova to ever bossa nova. It has all the BN Bangers! A little too low key at times but overall it was a fun listen. Great background music which is sometimes just what the doctor ordered
great vibes!
Coastal weekend vibes.
I like this artist combo and this style of laid back, bossa nova style music, but prefer Gilberto by himself. Also a big fan of Gilberto’s daughter Bebel — her self-titled album from 2003 is quite good. Bonus for having the track Corcovado, which is covered by Everything But the Girl on their Walking Wounded album I keep raving about.
39 minutes my ears will never get back
one of the greatest albums of all time. probably top five albums to cook to of all time.
I love jazz and I like Stan Getz but pleasant as it was it was all a bit too beige for me. Background music, nothing to make you sit up and think; wow this is something special.
I can really see smoking cigarettes and trying to make it with a Sarah Lawrence girl circa 1960 in this record.
Nice
Enjoyably mellow.
Great Sunday morning coffee album on a Summer day. Oddly the second Getz record I have gotten in a row but I'm not mad about it.
Delicious and atmospheric. Perfect for cooking dinner or having on in the background (perhaps not the forefront). The sax and vocals whisper comfort. Just feels very authentic. Super chill.
I wouldn't say I was in love with this record or anything, however it was a very nice & relaxing listen, & I definitely do see how a lot of people would consider this amazing, it's got extremely soothing & majestic vocals & instrumentation, although to me a lot of the songs kind of blend in with each other, hence why there aren't many highlights, it's more of a whole experience than anything, still very soothing & relaxing album, not for me entirely, but I still enjoyed it.
So repetitive
This album was absolutely fantastic. I have never listened to bossa nova and it is way outside my usual listening but I cant believe how enchanted I was. I listened to it three times. Magnificent.
Testing testing 123 - liesl Is this thing working?? How does it work - Tim
Stan Getz it.
SAXon! It's going to be very hard for me to not just say "A Classic" every day in these reviews. As a child I dreamed of going to Ipanema because of this song and this year I got to go! Getz, Gilberto, GOTTEM! A Classic. - Liesl
Perfection. Gonna be hard to top!
Influential and iconic, but I’ve heard it before! Zero!
Hmmm pretty good I like that it opens with the girl from ipanema pretty famous song. I feel like I am floating around around in a pool like a turtle on it's back floating in a pool this is how this album makes me feel. I think the only other song from this album I'm familiar with is Desafindado. TRACK RANKING: So Danco Samba > Girl from Ipanema > Vivo Sonhando > Doralice > Desafinado > O Grande Amor > Para Machuchar Mu Coracao > Corcovado Big downside is maybe every song on this album sounds the same?? I think that may just be how bossa nova works. It's fine. Not gonna rate it very high because I don't think I ever need to listen to it again.
Look, this is a classic for a reason. It’s so good. So smooth. So pleasing and easy and lovely. I want to drown in this music.
Perus jazz lätinää lyhyesti
Great music to relax to
Good study music. I guess most would associate this with elevator music these days, but an album has to be really good to be pervasive enough to hear it so widely, and to have so many songs that you're familiar with even if you don't quite know where from. I feel like I've heard about 30 covers of some of the songs off this album. Girl from Ipanema is a bonafide classic.
Oude jazz
Bliss
++: The Girl from Ipanema, Doralice, Desafinado, Só Danço Samba, O Grande Amor +: Para Machucar Meu Coração, Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars), Vivo Sonhando 8,8/10
Good background music. Enjoyed but got repetitive
I love love love João Gilberto. A perfect album imo
chill, summer, bossa-nova, water
Fantastic album I never would have tracked down. The Girl From Ipamena is well known, but I had never heard the version with Portuguese lyrics and a male voice. The rest of the album was a fantastic showing of classic bossa nova / jazz music, things I never really explored beyond the somewhat related jazz / swing / ska of the 90s.
sommerlicher start in den tag - gemütlich mitwippen bei bekannten klassikern
Cooler Bossa Nova wie er sein muss. Bin selber erstaunt aber es gefällt mir!
Delightful background music. Will save the entire album for cocktail hours and date nights. I feel like I’ve heard all of these songs as backing tracks in movies.
I love the Stan Getz "Jazz Samba" record and gave it a 5. This one is really good but only a 3/5.
Romantic, chill & chic summer listen.
Jazz.
Incredible vibes.
girl from ipanema is beautiful. very chill and lovely to listen to. vinyl in collection. Would I listen again: YES Deserves to be on this list: It's THE bossa nova album. 5.0
Very good
está bien, la parte de la chica cantando en inglés no me gustaba tanto. quizá no estoy en el mood. el single es muy conocido claro.
I've already sought this out so many times (I tend to let things simmer before writing my reviews) - absolutely one of the best discoveries yet. It's easy, breezy, understated, and elegant. I can feel my blood pressure lowering within the first moments of The Girl From Ipanema. I adore this and would love to listen to it on vinyl when I get the chance.
Very chill! Gilberto is not the best singer out there but the bibe is right
chill
Soft and soothing, and that's something I need right now. Putting it on the replay list.
Perfect dinner party music
Lovely. Will revisit
Songs than my Nan liked
Girl feom Ipanema. Musica din Brazilia.
This sounds like a should be sitting in a dingy bar filled with cigar smoke listening to the house band while sipping on some whiskey
Excellent, easy listening! Fun instrumentals and great vocal work. 'The Girl from Ipanema' is fantastic!
Perfeito
Pleasant and chill, but not the most compelling jazz I’ve ever heard. Still a very nice listen.
Killer album to write to, vibes!
had no idea what to expect, enjoyed it a lot
Already in my rotation, but enjoyed it as always
Felt like a Brazilian made love to my ears.
Truly soothing - an ideal album to set the perfect tone for a serene and peaceful evening 💖
Not my typical cup of tea, but well enjoyed over an actual cup of tea on a rainy morning 3.5/5
i like bossa nova
Lovely, chill bossa nova.
it's chill, i like it, but it doesn't do all that much for me
a bit repetitive at times
it was jazz, idk
Not for me.
This is the magic of this list, something completely new to me & not saying “hey have you ever heard 1984 by Van Halen?” Sorry for calling 1984 out in particular, it’s just fresh in the mind. Going to download this whole thing for when I’m toddling around Split next month, ideal gallery & coffee music.
I do appreciate a bossa nova beat, but the clipped and close vocals are off-putting and prevented me from fully enjoying the music. Highlight: Corcovado
Can't tell if my rating either goes way down if I ever learn Portuguese but I'm keeping high hopes that these are banger lyrics. It's funny to think that the only song I knew here was girl from Ipanema and I think that may be the worst song on here, or at least the most straightforward. Need to delve into this more but it's short and sweet. Loved it. Highlight: Para Machuchar Meu Coracao
Enjoyable music. Recognised the first song but none of the others.
I think this is jazz. Pretty soothing I like it
elite
Süß
Really cool album. I could imagine myself sitting at a cafe with this playing in the background.
GetZ/Gilberto II even better
Such a relaxing bit of jazz mastery.
I never really listened to much jazz until a friend of mine was purging his record collection and I got my hands on Getz/Gilberto. The album was a well-worn copy, but the record played well despite the crackles from scratches and once the needle hit the grooves I was hooked. The cool ambiance of Getz's sax, along with the Brazilian vibes from Gilberto was music so soothing and comforting, I now realized why this music was so timeless and classic. The secret weapon was Astrud Gilberto's vocals on, "The Girl From Ipanema" and "Corcovado" and it introduced me to her music and has led me to seeking out all her albums. I've continued to listen to (and buy) every Stan Getz album I can get my hands on and now can't get enough jazz/ bossa nova music and it's widened my eyes (and ears) to the world of jazz music. Definitely an essential record, not only jazz, but this should be heard by anyone that loves great music.
Loved the slow jazzy instrumentals and the beautiful vocals
The woman from impanena is clearly really the only reason this album got flagged in the list imo. The rest of the album isn’t bad it’s some solid jazz background, but isn’t anything mindblowing. Give it a solid B
It was the first Bossa nova/jazz album I listened to, and I was pleased with it. After a while, it became repetitive, so I lost a bit of interest in it, but it was a calming and enjoyable listen. It placed me in a mood in which I felt like I was swaying on a white sand beach with a fine honey. Will probably revisit to make this a reality.
absolute banger
immaculate, sparkling vibes Portuguese is such a beautiful language his voice, her voice, their playing yes Best tunes: the girl from ipanema, doralice, para machucar meu coração, desafinado, só danço samba
Getz was a mess with drugs, alcohol and rage...the saxophone choose him. Astrud hanging out in the studio and asked to to sing the English part in "The Gal From I", and being paid $125 for a record that sold 5-million...not right. This gentle LP was recorded in 2-days, recording only what is necessary. This is a Sunday morning, pancake making background music. Understated and clean. Ching-ching-ching!
Great
I've never listened to a full Bossa Nova album before but this was amazing as expected.
Sunday morning bliss
The soundtrack to a perfectly quaint day or micro adventure. Stunning sax on here. a wonderful display of restraint and release
Solid chill-out music. This is an album that puts you in a headspace you can lavish in for days. While I do think a lot of the songs blend in with one another (upon first listen at least), I think that just speaks to how consistent this whole thing is - I respect that it remains in this very consistent, lowkey, and relatively standard cool-jazz and bossa-nova space for its duration. As the title suggests, the two artists here are vocalist Gilberto and tenor sax player Getz. Most tracks have Gilberto riding these standard samba percussive bits in the first half, with Getz coming in during the song's final minutes, sending it off with a solo. The solos can range from light and fluttery, to relatively dramatic like on 'O Grande Amor'. I also really enjoyed Astrud Gilberto's vocals on the opener 'The Girl From Ipanema' and 'Corcovado', she offers an oddly modern take on vocal jazz, considering this came out in '64 and all. This is music that can cheer you up, and make the gloomiest of days feel sunny. Great stuff.
Smooth easy listening, something that would suit a lobby or cocktail bar. Nice relaxing tempo throughout with beautiful playing, just not something I'd have on rotation
Today in jazz music anyone can enjoy... This was fine if you like easy listening jazz stuff. It's nothing challenging or impressive, but apparently selling a bunch of units is sufficient to get anything on this list.
Bossa nova, especially on this record, is a way of life, something that, like the Girl from Ipanema, passes but is entirely memorable, in fact longingly so. This doesn't pass into oblivion or homogeneity, but only strengthens by virtue of its fleetingness, a transience that somehow sticks around and perpetuates something permanent. That may just be the magic of a 'cool' that's not too cool. Getz/Gilberto successfully negotiate the potential dull and hazy atmosphere prompted by a smooth and superficial experience. It relinquishes smoothness for the sake of easygoingness, superficiality for a momentary suspension of depth. Thing is, it is deep - just not woefully so.
Smooth tropical sound and a softie for The Girl From Ipanema.
As classic as a record could get. Quintessential 60s bossa nova here.
This. Is. So. Good. I could put this on any time and just de-stress. Relax. I need more of this.
This album contains at least the best bossa nova song, and several other contenders. It's impossible to do anything else when listening to this record other than pay complete attention. Absolutely iconic. 5.0/5.0: Iconic
i feel like i’ve heard this music in an elevator before. it’s so soothing and pleasant. just all around wonderful
Lovely vibe. Couldn’t distinguish one song after Ipanema. All sorta blends.
L'album de smooth bossa accessible suprême. Ça met un mood, ça en déroge pas, c'est parfaitement exécuté. Un des disques les plus confortables, toute catégories confondue. J'hésite entre 4 et 5.
C'est bon mais un peu idiot. Chaque solo de sax arrive comme si c'était la fin du monde. J'aurais peut-être apprécié un peu plus, saoûl mort sur une plage, mais on n'est que vendredi matin, dans l’sous-sol.
Weirdly I got the pixies bossanova yesterday then the real thing today. This was pleasant but not something I’m likely to listen to.
Perfect album for Saturday morning coffee
Very calming.
I'm getting old. I really enjoyed the depth of inoffensiveness of this. I also enjoyed the back story of how this smooth thing was created with a lot of friction.
The best
It was such good background music as I worked that I kept having to go back to make sure I knew each song apart, it all flowed so seamlessly. I love BossaNova so this has to be a five star. It always puts me in such a great mood. Not sure if I like this one or Astrud Gilberto's more. Rating: 4.8
Good, easy listening.
Good vibe, old school feel great background music for a chill get together
it's good, but kinda the same jam over and over.
As a few before me have noted, this is a pleasant but otherwise uneventful elevator ride.
The most soothing musical listening experience I’ve ever had.