Customer Reviews

Nos

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This latest from the creative team of Virginia Rodrigues, Caetano Veloso and Celso Fonseca is admirable for its dynamism and power-with-restraint. But beyond that, the material is in no way a capitulation to the supposed demands of the global market (as SOL NEGRO sometimes seemed to be an open letter of sorts); instead, the listener is confronted with an esoteric and oblique body of religious material. This seems to be a creatively courageous move for a sophomore album; how easy it would have been to fashion another "global diva" disc. That being said, the album may become a classic due to its tender beauty, its treatment of extremely old, yet timeless, African-derived religion, and the love for "the people" expressed by the lyrics and Rodrigues' performances.

This is the first Virginia Rodrigues CD I bought (sight unseen so to speak after hearing her voice described on NPR). Now I have all three, but this is my favorite. Her music is hard to classify (or locate regionally), it is truly world music, or more like out of this world music as it seems both out of time and place. (When I first heard it I found myself daydreaming vague old childhood memories of pastoral scenes....)

This is spiritual music in that it is uplifting, simple, pure, sensual but not sexual. Virginia's voice is lovely, broad ranged, rich, warm, soothing. The music fits her sound beautifully. There is no fluff here, no frills or clashing egos. The accompanying strings are emotive without being sappy. The odd (to me at least) Brazilian instruments are a perfect touch and complement to the more classical orchestrated and operatic sound she creates. Often when listening I'm reminded of Sally Oldfield (similar operatic style), but Virginia is more rich, warm and deep.

This is truely sublime music. And achingly beautiful.

Best of the year (2000)in world music so far---maybe best of the last 12 months. If you like Cesaria Evora or Buena Vista, or any Brazilian music of the past 30 years or so, I don't see how you can't adore this sensual, haunting feast. It's one of those transcendent listening experiences that defy musical analysis and leave you using those adjectives like mysterious, soul-deep, and eternal. Her first "Sol Negro," was important, but "Nos" is something else altogether.

Dreamy, hypnotic... Like Cesaria Evora, Virginia Rodriques has one of those perfect voices. This CD is an intoxicating mixture of religious chant and operatic, soul-stirring passion. It fits in perfectly with the Bahia sound.

Jobim is looking down on all this, smiling...

This is one time I wish Amazon had a twenty star rating. Here is one truly amazing voice and talent that will live up to the "buzz" surrounding "Nos." Like West Africas' treasure, Cesaria Evora, Virginia Rodrigues will become Brazils'voice. Her voice erupts from the depths of Brazils soul. Supported by a delicate production, instruments and voice are combined perfectly to provide a sensuous, relaxing and reverant recording. This is one not to miss.

When you put together great voice and great music the result couldn't be other than this. I just got into Brazilian music since I thought it would be a didactic experience for me since I'm learning the language. Well, I'm happy to say that this CD exceeded my didactic expectations and delighted me with the innocent voice yet glamorous and the soft meaningful music yet heart-touching. I'd love to watch her performing live. But it is thrilling enough to have this CD and enjoy her voice anytime I want

In Brasil have a style of popular music called `Pagode',subproduct of `real' samba,with poor lyrics and ridiculous choreographies.This isn`t samba.This isn`t music! It`s a MANIA here ! The radios and Tvs only play this style of brasilian music. The REAL brasilian musicians are `Forgotten'. The great public don`t know who they are. Egberto Gismonti,Jacques Morelembaum,Jorge Mautner,Cyro Baptista,Nando Carneiro,Duofel,Hermeto Paschoal,Uakti,Jards Macale,Tom Ze,etc etc etc....Virginia Rodrigues !!!This is the point!! Virginia was dicovered by Caetano Veloso in 1994,and released their first album `Sol Negro' in 1997.Virginia begin a international sucessful carrer. She was a church`s singer ( Protestant and Catholic),your roots are from Africa and your voice is from `another world'. His second album 'NOS' Virginia explores sounds and rituals of 'candomble',religion very popular in Bahia,his homeland. I think this album is a perfect soundtrack to see a Pierre Verger photo book .
This is an splendid album.One Of The Best of 2000.!! Virginia Rodrigues sings with soulful spirituality.The arrangements are very rich and well played. An album with great singer and hypnotics rhythms.

It is hard to imagine more beautiful, moving disc than NOS. Rodrigues' voice is magnificent and the song selection is wonderful. Buy this CD.

This is perhaps the best CD I've bought in years. Virginia's rich voice soars above a ambient plane of gently undulating instrumentation. It is soothing and spiritual. Mellow but not melodramatic. If you think of world music being too much (everything but the kitchen sink fusion) or too rough (and rootsy) this should strike you as just right.

This is a lovely cd full of heartfelt songs backed by sparse and delicately played instruments that enhance the overall effect of Virginia Rodrigues special voice. If this music doesn't move you, you're in trouble.