Fiorella Mannoia
Onda Tropicale

The red-haired Fiorella does not succeed in her attempt to create a Brazilian album, even with the help of big names like Caetano Veloso. A comparison could be made with "La voglia, la pazzia, l'incoscienza" by the award-winning team of Vanoni+Toquinho+De Moraes, but naturally it doesn't hold up. While Vanoni enchanted (and still enchants) the listener with her delicate voice that suited the Brazilian atmosphere, Mannoia's voice almost clashes with the music she offers.

The project is commendable, no question about it. This work should be valued solely for Mannoia's passion and dedication for this album. But, in my opinion, "Onda Tropicale" doesn't take off. We are far from the polished style of "Concerti" or "Certe piccole voci," the arrangements seem rushed, the remakes of the songs are rather low quality.
I was eagerly awaiting this work by Mannoia because, given her previous interpretations of Brazilian songs, I was confident I would hear a great and important album. But unfortunately, this did not happen. Of course, it's not all to be discarded, that must be said. The encounter/clash with Brazilian music wasn't entirely negative. The two versions of "Vivo" are wonderful, unpredictable, and feature beautiful wordplay, but the album is too ambitious to take off. The "saudade" is present, for sure, but for Fiorella's previous albums and especially for true Brazilian music.

If you're truly in the mood to listen to decent interpretations of Brazilian classics, then listen to "Casa" by Morelenbaum/Sakamoto or Barbara Casini or Vanoni herself with Toquinho and De Moraes, but it's understood by now, I'm talking about valid interpretations and not substitutes.