Many bossa nova compilations are capable of startling even educated listeners because so much quality music was recorded in Brazil during the mid- to late '60s. Bossa Nova Lounge: Corcovado, one in a series, is no different. Compilers Leonel Pereda and Ronaldo Bastos are very knowledgeable sources, and they keep to the first rank of bossa artists even while they choose performances unfamiliar to many (and, for the sake of continuity, also restrict the inclusions to a narrow period of time). This has the best lineup of any in the series, including excellent performances from nearly every great Brazilian artist of the '60s and '70s, such as Jobim, Jorge Ben, Joyce, Sylvia Telles, Wanda Sá, and João Donato. Highlights occur throughout a compilation of this caliber, but Sá's version of "Agua de Beber" stands out, far more beguiling than Astrud Gilberto's better-known version. Roberto Menescal's "Surfboard" is one of the lightest, most playful versions of any Jobim song, while Donato's delight at toying with the melody on "Só Danço Samba" follows close behind. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide