Compared to the fearless psychedelic experiments of Tropicália compatriots like Os Mutantes, Nara Leão’s self-titled 1968 album has a gentle, light pop feel. The songs are lushly orchestrated, with prominent strings and woodwinds underpinning Leão’s breathy vocals. And yet, closer inspection reveals unexpected turns in the melodies of tunes like the opener, “Lindonéia”, and quirky touches in the arrangements, like the sudden stillness that overtakes the heartfelt ballad “Mamãe Coragem”. The album’s songwriters include Brazilian luminaries such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Vinícius de Moraes and Chico Buarque—underscoring the validity of Leão’s nickname as “The muse of bossa nova”.