Review by Tim Sendra:
The bossa nova is tailor-made for romance with its languid rhythms, smooth and easy melodies, and intimate, sexy vocals. Bossa Nova for Lovers is 16 tracks of classic '60s bossa nova from Verve. The collection features a good mix of vocal tracks and instrumentals. On the vocal side there are five Astrud Gilberto songs including one from the record she did with organist Walter Wanderley. Two tracks from the landmark Getz/Gilberto album, "Vivo Sonhando" and "O Grande Amor," are also included, Joao Gilberto's lovely vocals much to the fore. On the instrumental side are five Antonio Carlos Jobim tracks taken from his two Verve records that feature the composer playing his guitar with very lush orchestra backing, two Stan Getz and Laurindo Almeida duets, and one duet between Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd. The music is lush and the mood is unswervingly romantic. The only problem with the disc is that instead of the famous version of "The Girl From Ipanema" with Astrud Gilberto on vocals, the disc has the Jobim instrumental version. Still it is a very nice collection and is recommended for bossa nova fans looking for a bit of romance.