Search - Rita Lee :: Bossa 'N Roll

Magic

J. Horton | L.A., California, USA | 07/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the album that instantly made me a Rita Lee fan from the moment I heard her sing. I have since bought other Rita CDs which are also good, but nothing can top "Bossa 'N' Roll".



An amazing blend of Rita's rock hits with Bossa Nova style, these songs transcend both genres to become something timeless and magic. It was recorded live over the course of several dates in May, 1991. Gal Costa joins Rita on the last track, "Mania de Voce", but otherwise it is just Rita's wonderful voice and the beautiful guitar work of Alexandre Fontanetti.



Though a few songs are in English, most are in Portuguese, but believe me it doesn't take anything away if you don't speak the language - if anything, it adds mystery. Rita's voice probably most resembles Chrissy Hynde's - low and sexy - but Rita has a better range and a smoother delivery.



Standout songs are the first track, "Doce Vampiro", her cover of "Cry Me a River", "Jardins da Babilonia", and the stunning "Ovelha Negra" ("Black Sheep"). For me, the only less-than-perfect track is, ironically, the title song: "It's Only Rock And Roll" (which she sings as "It's only Bossa 'N' Roll").



This is one of my top five, "desert island" CDs for sure.

"