Customer Reviews

Look To The Rainbow

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album is my favorite of Astrud's, the songs she does in portuguese are magical. I don't mind the English ones on this album, easier on the ears than some others I've heard. I like Astrud's voice, if you've never heard her, definately listen to a track sample before buying her cds, she's got an unusual voice. I would recommend this over any other Astrud solo album, both for music quality and song selection. If you're looking for something comparable to a Getz/Gilberto, this is not it. But if you're looking for sultry vocals over a light bossa-nova background, check this out, its really rather charming.

The first time I heard this album, I was absolutely hooked! The combination of Astrud Gilberto's soft, alluring voice and the masterful orchestrations of the late Gil Evans is altogether amazing. It seems impossible that such lush, soaring harmonies in the brass section could possibly enhance the intimacy of Astrud's voice, but here, the impossible is accomplished. I highly recommend this album!

Such a beautiful voice and well-done light jazz-bossa nova arrangements.Fans of Stereolab and Tortoise take note.

I really dig this album. Especially Gil Evans arrangements. It's not classic bossanova, but that's what I like about it. The intro on the Brazilian classic "Felicidade" is absolutely great.

This version of the album (the original Verve CD release) combines what was -- in the old days of vinyl LPs -- the Look To the Rainbow album (11 songs) and the first half of Astrud's album with organist Walter Wanderly, A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness (6 tunes).

For me, the latter six are much better. What's wrong with the first 11 tracks? The best of these are available on other compilations. The arrangements on some tracks are a little agressive and I might even say strange, and do not mesh well with Astrud's soft gentle style of singing. Astrud herself sounds just slightly out of tune here and there on some songs, which may not bother others, but it bothers me.

There's an indefinable energy, a rightness and confidence of interpretation, on her first album, the Astrud Gilberto Album The Astrud Gilberto Album, that is missing on tracks 1-11 of this effort. Oh, the songs themselves on The AG Album, being largely Jobim compositions, are better than these as well.

I recommend A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness, and in fact I own it. Having that CD will make the last six tracks of this album redundant. If you own Astrud's other early albums and still want more, then go for Look To The Rainbow. It's not her best, but there are still some joys to be found if you're a dedicated fan.

This album is great fun! So what if you can't read everything on the sleeve! Anyone who is a fan of Astrud will really appreciate this little gem. Sure no Girl from Impanema, but there's the theme song from Umbrellas of Cherbourg and The Look of Love. You'll be singing along in no time!

Astrud's voice is best kept to an intimate setting, and for a few songs here that is realized, but too much of "Rainbow" is more on the brassy side, which doesn't suit Astrud. Still, "I Will Wait For You" gets it's best reading here, and the title track is very spritely and melodic. Not her best, but if you enjoy Gilberto's deep, slightly off-center vocals and her sweet coo, you'll get a sultry groove on nevertheless. 'B'

What a disappointment - the selections are hum drum, the back-up renditions uninspiring and Astrid's delivery lackluster. I certainly would not recommend anyone purchase this CD, unless, of course, one is so devoted to Astrid you just had to have it to add to a collection.

I'm crazy about bossa nova, and like many hardcore bossa lovers, I can't really get into Astrud Gilberto's voice. When she sings in Portuguese it's alright, but hearing her in English just annoys me and brings out the fact that she really can't sing all that well. If you truly lover bossa nova, stick to Joao Gilberto, Baden Powell, Luiz Bonfa, and Jobim.