What makes Windy by Astrud Gilberto notable?

This album is significant not only for its lush arrangements but also for its contribution to the soft pop and bossa nova crossover of the late 1960s. Though it did not chart as high as some of her previous works, it received positive critical reception and helped to further popularize bossa nova in American music circles during a period of cultural exchange. By the time 'Windy' was released in 1968, Astrud Gilberto had already gained international acclaim with her iconic collaboration on 'The Girl from Ipanema'. This album marked a continuation of her exploration into pop-inflected bossa nova, following her successful debut album 'The Astrud Gilberto Album' in 1965. At this point in her career, Gilberto was solidifying her presence as a leading figure in the genre.