Like finding a twenty in the pocket of the pastel jacket we last wore to Mardi Gras, this 4th CD from the unforgettable trio of Brazilian beauties is a welcome, unexpected, Latin-flavored joy! For three women who look so good, and so happy, in the pix in the liner notes to be blessed with their almost surreal voices and perfect intonation seems almost too much. We were blown away by their previous three CDs, and "Preferidas" is a "best of" CD, the only three titles not on the previous three being "Carinhoso," "Garota de Ipanema" and "La Femme," sung as a "duo avec Michel Fugain" (the liner notes are lovely, but all in Portuguese). Fair enough, but how would you pick the songs to leave out? There are 17 songs here, most in Portuguese; and your occasional tune in Spanish or French, like the amazing "La Vie en Rose," and "Watashi," sung in tight, perfect Japanese. A few songs are accompanied, like "Que Nem Gilo," which features a marvelous salsa band. Included are "Berimbau," "A Felicidade," "Aguas de Marco," one of our favorites, "Garota de Ipanema" (Girl from Ipanema), the accompanied French love song "O Femme"...listen, you just have to put this in the boombox, lie back and slap some headphones on, or put it in the really good sound system in your car and go for a long drive in the country. If you don't believe your ears, hit replay! Highly recommended. |