A roundup of great masterpieces and popular songs of Brazilian music
If your knowledge of Brazilian music is limited to stylish, relaxing bossa nova you hear at cafés or the samba played during Carnival, this article is a must-read! Brazil is a vast, multiethnic country with a wide range of musical styles—so many, in fact, that when you include subgenres, the variety is astonishing.
In this piece, we’ve researched and compiled a selection focused on classic Brazilian standards and historically significant masterpieces.
Give these tracks a listen, and your image of Brazilian music might just change!
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Great and Popular Classics of Brazilian Music (61–70)
Manhã de CarnavalLuiz Bonfá
Among the works created by composer Luiz Bonfá and lyricist Antônio Maria, this is the most famous piece.
Its use in the Portuguese film Black Orpheus (1960) made it so well-known that it has been covered by numerous artists.
It’s a superb track featuring the crystal-clear vocals of Brazilian singer Elizete Cardoso.
CaxangáElis Regina e Milton Nascimento
A song by Brazil’s beloved singer Elis Regina, included on her 1977 album “Elis.” She had already begun performing as a singer at the age of 11, and her powerful voice—so extraordinary in the work of this gifted artist who passed away in 1982 at just 36—is remarkable.
This classic was composed by Milton Nascimento and Fernando Brant, who also perform on guitar and backing vocals.
Oração ao TempoMaria Bethânia
Maria Bethânia, who is also Caetano Veloso’s sister.
From her 40th anniversary concert.
Her singing, with a spiritual aura as if seeing into people’s hearts, reaches straight into your soul.
Her voice is wonderfully steady, gaining even greater depth with the passing years.
Se Eu Não Te Amasse Tanto Assim / Eu Sei Que Vou Te AmarIvete Sangalo
Ivete Sangalo is the epitome of Bahia’s axé music and MPB! With her honed body and powerful voice, she gets all of Salvador dancing, and among her songs are many like this one—sweet and gentle pieces that sing of truly mature, adult love.
Samba de OrlyChico Buarque
A classic samba composed by Toquinho & Vinícius.
It was included on the 1971 album Construção.
The song is said to criticize Brazil’s military regime at the time, and its lyrics are based on words entrusted by a Brazilian friend who visited Chico Buarque—then in exile in Europe—at Orly Airport in France, which is referenced in the title.
Esperando na janelaGilberto Gil
This song by Gilberto Gil, who also served as Brazil’s Minister of Culture, lets you fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Brazil’s Northeast from the very intro.
The cheerful rhythm of the accordion and Gilberto’s distinctive, smile-tinged voice are sure to make anyone fall in love with it.
Mas Que NadaJorge Ben Jor
To be precise, it’s sometimes described as samba funk—a fusion of funk and samba—but the funk-tinged melodies layered over a samba rhythm make it an irresistibly pleasant track.
The fusion of samba with other genres seems to be widely loved even in Brazil, the home of samba.