Astrud Gilberto Now cover

Astrud Gilberto Now

Astrud Gilberto · 1972

34 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of bossa nova and samba rhythms, enriched by Gilberto's soft, ethereal vocals that evoke a sense of longing.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Make Love To Me — This track features a haunting melody complemented by Gilberto's intimate vocal delivery, embodying the album's romantic essence. Its lush arrangement showcases the seamless fusion of jazz and bossa nova.
  • →
    Take It Easy, My Brother Charlie — With its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, this track highlights Gilberto's ability to convey joy and warmth while maintaining a sophisticated musicality. It encapsulates the carefree spirit of Brazilian music.
  • →
    Daybreak (Walking Out On Yesterday) — The reflective mood of this song allows Gilberto to explore deeper emotional territories, providing a contrast to the more upbeat tracks. Its poignant lyrics and melody resonate with themes of renewal.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The album blends bossa nova and jazz effectively, showcasing Gilberto's unique vocal style within a cohesive framework.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of bossa nova rhythms throughout, with intricate guitar patterns and soft percussion that create a laid-back atmosphere.
  • Gilberto's vocals are layered with harmonies in several tracks, enhancing the ethereal quality of her delivery without overpowering the instrumental backdrop.
  • Each track maintains a moderate tempo, with only slight variations that keep the listener engaged without abrupt shifts in energy.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • ethereal vocals for relaxation
  • for sunny afternoons
  • vibrant rhythms for lightheartedness

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek heavy, intense tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1972, Astrud Gilberto Now marked a significant moment in Gilberto's career following her early success with the bossa nova movement. This album came after her acclaimed debut with Stan Getz and solidified her position as a leading figure in jazz and Latin music. By this time, she was exploring more personal themes in her music, showcasing her evolution as an artist.
Stylistic neighbors
João Gilberto· Caetano Veloso· Gal Costa

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Bridges

    The narrative shifts from longing to hope as it contemplates connections lost and regained.

    This progression from melancholy to optimism showcases lyrical depth, reflecting personal growth through its journey.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Zigy Zigy Za 4:03
  • 2 Make Love To Me 3:16
  • 3 Baiao 3:00
  • 4 Touching You 3:49
  • 5 Gingele 3:59
  • 6 Take It Easy, My Brother Charlie 3:22
  • 7 Where Have You Been? 3:05
  • 8 General Da Banda 3:36
  • 9 Bridges 3:46
  • 10 Daybreak (Walking Out On Yesterday) 2:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata