PAULO RICARDO

In his pursuit of a space in the market of romantic ballads, Paulo Ricardo, former vocalist for rock/pop band RPM, does not go after modern trends, ingenious lyrics or any kind of provocation. Thus, the singer has turned into a mild dilution of Roberto Carlos' (the greatest romantic singer in Brazil) worst romantic phases. Even with a few electronic beats here (Céu da Boca) or a sex-appealing story there (Lolita), the disc is monotonous and excessively safe. The only glimpse of emotion seems to come up in Triste, due to its tacky format. (Silvio Essinger)