Release Date: 1964
Previously Owned: Yes (on vinyl)

Impressions: I’m sure many would disagree, but I’m glad to see some jazz represented on this list. Trouble is, it seems like there are a lot more than the five or so jazz albums that are on the list worthy of being added. So, should they have just kept jazz off entirely, or settled for the token entries? A tough call. Either way, Getz/Gilberto would have been tough to ignore because it’s one of the biggest selling jazz records of all time and  its bossa nova rhythms and sweet vocals nudge is it closer to pop music. Let’s put it on… I know that “The Girl From Ipanema” is a big hit and sort of became shorthand for making fun of the bossa nova craze (or elevator muzak covers) but when you go straight to the source, it’s the goods. The first few notes of guitarist/singer João Gilberto and composer/pianist Antonio Carlos Jobim just makes me melt. Then, Gilberto’s wife Astrud sings and Stan Getz’s sax floats with an effortless grace and I’m immediately physically more relaxed. After that, the album just washes over me and it’s almost beyond criticism. “Corocovado (Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars)” and “So Danco Samba” Everything is just right. It’s got a dreamlike low-key sonic landscape I could visit over and over again. The production, the performances, it’s so warm and evocative. I feel like a fool trying to describe it. This album just gets to me– in spite of the endless bossa nova copies, parodies and light jazz stations that sprung up in its wake.

Starred Songs: “The Girl from Ipanema,” “Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)”
Sneaky Tracks: “Para Machuchar Meu Coracao”
Should this album be on the list? Yes
Will you listen to this again? Yes.

Verdict: Timeless bossa nova jazz record is warm, evocative and without a note out of place.
Rating: ★★★★★