Fernanda Porto

by Philip Jandovský Mixing drum'n'bass with bossa nova and MPB, Fernanda Porto presents a very consistent and impressive work on her debut album. Thirteen of the 14 tracks are original compositions by Porto herself, with the only exception being the bossa nova classic "Só Tinha que Ser Com Você" by Tom Jobim. The bossa nova influence is apparent on most of the record, including the opening track "De Costas pro Mundo." There is also a general tone and air of sophistication, perhaps most apparent on "Eletricidade," a frenetic drum'n'bass used together with a fluent poem by Ledusha Spinardi. The most danceable moment is "Baque Virado," written in collaboration with Alba Carvalho from Pernambuco, with its heavily pulsating, energetic, and playful maracatu beat. "Vilarejo Íntimo" is a cool but still very emotional electronic ballad. The lyrics and melodies are sensationally strong throughout, as well as the production. This was definitely one of the best Brazilian albums of 2002, and with a debut like this, there is little doubt over the talent of Fernanda Porto.