This is a 1977 compilation of 12 songs by Caetano Veloso, and most of the tracks (nine out of 12) are performed in the traditional Bahian trio elétrico style. It is worth noting, though, that only one of the tracks on this compilation, "Atrás do Trio Elétrico," appears on another studio album. Because of the dominance of trio elétrico songs, the extent to which the listener will like this album will partially depend on how much he or she likes trio elétrico music in general. However, there are some really great tracks included here. The catchy "Piaba" is a real gem, and the funny "Chiquita Bacana" and the cute "Chuva, Suor e Cerveja" are not far behind in terms of delightfulness and class. The three non-trio elétrico-styled tracks ("Hora da Razão," "Qual é Baiana," and "Guarde Seu Conselho") are also all very fine indeed and their somewhat calmer, more sentimental atmosphere and style contrasts in a good and refreshing way with the extremely upbeat and festive trio elétrico music of the other tracks. "Qual é Baiana" is a lovely and interesting Veloso original, with Veloso's beautiful, swift, yet almost ballad-like vocals accompanied by his bossa nova-styled guitar play and a fast tambourine beat. "Guarde Seu Conselho," written by Luís de França and Alcebíades Nogueira, is a more traditional and very sweet samba-bossa ballad.
© Philip Jandovský /TiVo