Bebel Gilberto: Sexiest Album of the Year

Bebel Gilberto
Album: All in One (Verve)
In stores: Sept. 29
Let’s get it on: Here it is, the sexiest album of the year. This 12-track backseat special is by Bebel Gilberto, daughter of Brazil’s bossa nova king Joao Gilberto. The 43-year-old singer has the rich, Latin-rhythmic gifts of her papa, plus she’s so vocally similar to stepmom Astrud Gilberto, you’ll swear you’re falling for that girl from Ipanema all over. Gilberto is a modern seductress, tapping hipster producers Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse) and the Dust Brothers’ John King (Beastie Boys) to mix cool beats and ocean breezes as she purrs covers of Stevie Wonder’s The Real Thing and Bob Marley’s Sun Is Shining.
Reminds us of: Because I’m such a ladies man (no, no, baby, don’t pay attention to my two daughters and crappy car — just gaze into my bloodshot eyes), I take make-out music seriously. So along with Bebel, set your next romantic dinner to Stan Getz, Marvin Gaye and Mazzy Star. You’ll thank me in the morning.
Download these: Chica Chica Boom Chic and The Real Thing
Grade: A