There are few forms of music more romantic, sentimental, and beautiful than the Portuguese folk style known as fado, which literally means "fate." Fado offers an often transcendent mix of traditional Portuguese love poems, acoustic Mediterranean-style music, and diva-like vocalists. Amália Rodrigues was fado's greatest, most defining voice, and now Cristina Branco has turned into one of the music's most promising performers after two excellent albums on small independent labels in the last three years. This album was released by Decca, and, as always, you don't need to understand Portuguese to get the gist of the music. Branco's quivering vibrato and sweeping intonation easily convey the often tragic spirit of love that fuels these songs. But even as she is placed on center stage, Branco is supported by remarkable Portuguese guitarist Custodio Castelo, the leader and main soloist of the stringed trio that supports her on most of the album's 16 songs. Here's a chance to hear a remarkably passionate music performed by one of its leading exponents. --Tad Hendrickson