The most essential albums recorded by João Gilberto are his first three, Chega de Saudade (1959), O Amor, O Sorriso e a Flor (1960), and "João Gilberto" (1961). All three remain extremely up-to-date and share in common a superb standard of quality in compositions, arrangements (mostly designed by Tom Jobim), and Gilberto's performances at the guitar and voice.