Review: Melody Gardot's album The Absence is an ambitious blend of global influences, from the sun-drenched tones of Brazil to the evocative atmospheres of Morocco and Buenos Aires. Gardot's songwriting shines, merging her signature wry honesty with the rhythms and moods of the countries she explores. Tracks like 'Mira' and 'Lisboa' are lush with Spanish guitars, harps, and local percussions, crafting a backdrop of lazy days and warm nights. Gardot's voice, ever sultry and inviting, navigates through these arrangements with an ease that recalls classic bossa nova, occasionally flirting with the styles of New Orleans jazz on tracks like 'Goodbye.' While the album sometimes risks slipping into the overly mannered, Gardot maintains a charm that makes The Absence a compelling listen, proving her continual growth as a sophisticated singer/songwriter with a worldly touch.
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