Gal Costa's March 1969 self-titled release is the perfect balance of everything that makes her an extremely compelling artist. It is not a coincidence that this album falls right in between two albums that are stellar in their own right but do not display as many aspects of the Brazilian singer. Domingo, released with Caetano Veloso in 1967, was an album of bossa nova perfection. Despite how fantastic it is, Domingo may be a bit too mellow for those who want edge and rock in their music. On the other hand, in Gal, released in December 1969, the artist is in what would end up being her most erratic state on record. Relative to the rest of her discography, the singing at times borders on organized chaos. It is a fantastic record instrumentally and vocally, but if one prefers Domingo, it may just be a bit too freaky. Gal is definitely not the record one would expect after listening to Domingo or any of the classic bossa nova releases.
Gal Costa is a perfect psychedelic mix between the wild Gal Costa and the Gal Costa who just wants to take the listener to the beach to sing bossa nova tunes. There are breezy, light gems ("Lost in the Paradise"), some coming with tinges of psychedelia ("Saudosismo"). Both of the songs with Caetano Veloso ("Que Pena", "Baby") are absolutely gorgeous. On the upbeat and heavier side of things, Gal Costa offers the rambunctious "Divino, maravilhoso", the grooves of "Vou recomeçar" and the authoritative horns and guitars of "Se você pensa". This album covers a good part of everything that there was to love of Brazilian music of the late sixties and early seventies. Gal Costa is an essential recording - arguably the best psychedelic pop record ever recorded.
