Alma Brasilera
Brazilian singer Alexandre Pires has fashioned an impressive career via his supple, expressive voice, but it's not enough to makeAlma Brasileramore than a lukewarm effort. In fact, Pires sounds downright average throughout this mostly uninspired collection of Brazilian pop standards. He hits all the right notes and dramatize each lyric accordingly, but it's never more than adequate. Perhaps he felt defeated by the oddly sedate musical arrangements and glossy production work; too much shine seems to have seeped the energy out of every song. Horns blare, back-up singers coo and percussion pulses, but the temperature hardly rises above adult-contemporary cool. Many of the album's tracks sound flat and tinny, like they’re missing an added layer of instrumentation. The only exceptions are "Regresa a Mi," a sweet ballad; and "Amor Perfecto," a fluffy ode to love. But that's hardly enough to makeAlma Brasileraworth a second--or even full first--listen.--Joey Guerra