Customer Reviews

Sensus

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

 

 

Cristina Branco was already my favorite of the new wave of Portuguese singers taking up the Amalia Rodrigues torch and this CD is in many ways her best. As in her previous CDs the instrumentation is limited to guitars and a here, a piano. There is a broader range of styles of songs including a sultry Chico Buarque number among others. What I find most gratifying is the lyrics that are the bases for the songs: erotic, poetic, smart. I don't know of anyone doing material like this in English and that's a pity--Booty call and ho's got old a long time ago. If you don't understand Portuguese this CD is worth the bucks for the music; if you can follow the language, treat yourself to a sensual valentine with this one.

This album is different than other fados; I hesitate to call it fado at all. While the music definitely has its roots in fado, it is much more smooth and elegant than fado tends to be. It is a beautiful album, but don't expect the wild, expressive passion which generally characterizes this style. Her voice sounds classically trained, and the lyrics are extremely sensual. The background guitars and piano almost create a counterpoint melody and reaffirm the smooth, elegant feel. There is not much variation in the album; everything is sensual, graceful, and very low-key. Her voice is lovely, but not much more.

Cristina Branco departs somewhat from her more traditional Fado-based repertoire and style on this gorgeous CD. The instrumentation of Portugese and Spanish guitars (viola and guitarra) has not changed; yet an intiguing harpsichord-like effect is achieved at times. One track features piano but Cristina has used that before. Her passionate interpretation and beautiful singing are everything her fans have come to expect, and more. If ever a woman made love with her voice, Cristina does so here. Although I do not understand Portugese, I love the sound of the language, and it's hard not to with such a songstress. The harmonic progressions and song structures are not typical Fado, but bear some resemblances to general European popular music instead. Purists may be dismayed. However, if you are an adventurous listener who seeks sensuous and moving world music, you will not be disappointed by "Sensus."

Hello to all the Buyer's friends.

It is the first cd than i buy , of this category , and i recomend it to understand the tipical Fado regional music of Portugal..

I think is a mixed combimation of Euro - Barroco - Latin style ..but this female singer have a nice and tender voice timber ..

The Fado is a little bazzling tonality , but this cd is combinated and balanced

You can find the combination of the portuguese instruments with the combination of the classical piano acomplishment..

Hope so can help us to my review.

Salutes since Mexico,...

Luis

While on a road trip, I heard Cristine Branco on National Public Radio. I liked the music so much, I stopped my car and wrote down who was singing so I could order the CD (Sensus) when I returned home. Cristina sings in a soft throaty, haunting voice and many of my friends have asked who she was when they heard her. She sings international songs and I recommend her highly!!!

You love fado?

Well this is the cd for you, you will listen a great and different version of the song of Chico Barque, o meu amor hte music is composed by Custòdio Castelo, the lyrics are from Camoes, Shakespeare,De Andrade, V. De Morais.

Do you need more?

This album is fado diluted by "adult contemporary" musical drivel. A dissatisfying cocktail, indeed. I suggest sticking with Mariza.