Um Novo Tempo
by Alvaro Neder This album by Ivan Lins was devised as a Christmas release. As in all productions of this kind, one shouldn't look for artistic experimentation, but only for emotional expressiveness, which may sound a bit corny for outsiders, therefore, it is up to the listener to choose. The album opens with a Jose Feliciano (who appears in this album) song in a Portuguese version that had a more rhythmic treatment. Following is the usual "Silent Night" (in Portuguese). The rest of the album has several Brazilian and international Christmas songs with the merit of good arrangements in which the strong rhythmic pulse is always a must. Attention for Assis Valente's "Boas Festas," a marcha-rancho interpreted with Olodum accent.