The combination of Elis Regina and Antonio Carlos Jobim really should have lasted for more than one album, because it worked out perfectly. Elis & Tom is arguably the best album of either artists' discography. Every song of Elis & Tom is an exemplary version of classic Jobim compositions. Regina's voice is gorgeous and emotionally compelling. It's obvious why her irresistibly bubbly recording of "Águas de Março" with Jobim is so well known, but the dynamic rendition of "Corcovado" is just as impressive. The melancholic strings and soothing bossa nova guitar of "Corcovado" are excellent. Jobim, who can be heard on vocals, guitar, and piano, outdid himself with the arrangements. The record never does too much, there is a tasteful amount of space and simplicity to let Regina's divine voice shine. Elis & Tom has a perfect balance between happier, more upbeat tunes like "Fotografia" or "Brigas, nunca mais" and more mellow string or piano focused numbers like "Soneto da separação" and the stunningly beautiful "Modinha". No bossa nova or Brazilian music collection is complete without Elis & Tom, a record that set a ridiculously high standard for the many artists who would eventually record their own versions of these stellar Jobim tunes.
