Woman on Top - Music From The Motion Picture
The soundtrack fromWoman on Top, starring Madrid-born bombshell Penelope Cruz as the beauty and brains behind a popular cooking show, is the perfect introduction to the Brazilian sound--and just might live up to the label's promise that it's "destined to bring Bossa Nova music to the world" (though bossa nova has long been popular in the West, albeit in specialized circles). The highly listenable album features contemporary Brazilian artists such as singer-songwriterLenine; pop-rocker and Joao Gilberto sound-alikePaulinho Moska; and the three-DJ collectiveBossa Cuca Novaputting a new spin on a classic Geraldo Pereira tune. It also includes gems such asMaria Creuzaand her delicately wavering voice, and guitaristDori Caymmiperforming one of his father's songs. Mellow yet upbeat, it's relaxation music that won't put you to sleep.--Jamie FitzGerald