MARIZA, "Fado Curvo" Grade: A

Although the songs are sung in Portuguese, the English lyrics have thoughtfully been included.  I guess there are those who need to know exactly what they're hearing.  In this case, though, Mariza's voice makes it clear what's going on - a lot of passion and pain.  When the new queen of fado sings, her elegant, emotional voice spells out everything.  It matters little that most listeners don't understand the words.  "Fado" is the Portuguese version of the blues, while "Curvo" means curved or winding.  Mariza means that life, passion and music is rarely experienced without curves.