Released 40 years ago
Plus
Astrud Gilberto · 1986
42 min · 11 tracks · jazz
Smooth bossa nova rhythms intertwine with jazzy melodies and lush orchestration, creating an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
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Samba do Soho — This opening track blends lively samba rhythms with an upbeat tempo, immediately setting the tone for the album’s joyful exploration of Brazilian music.
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I’m Nothin’ Without You — With its heartfelt lyrics and gentle melody, this song exemplifies Gilberto's ability to convey deep emotion through subtle vocal delivery and rich instrumentation.
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Agua de beber — A classic bossa nova piece reimagined here, it showcases Gilberto's signature vocal style, emphasizing both its rhythmic complexity and melodic beauty.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends bossa nova and jazz with lush arrangements, showcasing Gilberto's style but lacking standout compositions.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestration with strings and horns that complement Gilberto's vocals, creating a rich soundscape.
- Several tracks incorporate traditional bossa nova rhythms, while others explore more jazz-oriented arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady warm melodic escape
- for cozy gatherings
- gentle afternoon relaxation vibes
- inviting sing-along moments
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer short standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1986, Plus marked a significant point in Astrud Gilberto's career as it was her first collaboration with conductor James Last. At this stage, Gilberto had already gained international fame from her earlier works, but this album showcased her continued evolution as an artist while merging pop sensibilities with her bossa nova roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- João Gilberto· Caetano Veloso· Gal Costa
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I’m Nothin’ Without You
The bridge shifts from reflective verses to a poignant declaration of dependence, heightening emotional stakes.
This structural change underscores vulnerability and intimacy, contrasting the previous sentiments of self-reliance in the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Samba do Soho 3:03
- 2 I’m Nothin’ Without You 4:22
- 3 Champagne and Caviar 3:20
- 4 Listen to Your Heart 4:30
- 5 Moonrain 3:22
- 6 Caravan 3:45
- 7 Amor e som 3:35
- 8 Saci 5:28
- 9 Forgive Me 4:23
- 10 With Love (When They Turn on the Light) 3:14
- 11 Agua de beber 3:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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