A roundup of great masterpieces and popular songs of Brazilian music

Meu Nome É GalGal Costa

Meu Nome É Gal

When it comes to legendary Brazilian singer Gal Costa’s signature songs, many people would likely name this one.

Included on her 1969 album “Gal,” this track is a pivotal piece that helped define her musical style.

It masterfully fuses the experimental sounds influenced by the Tropicália movement with Gal’s powerful vocals.

Blending elements of samba and bossa nova, it also showcases the full appeal of Brazilian pop.

The song was later used in commercials and film soundtracks, helping Gal’s music reach a wider audience.

It’s highly recommended not only for those interested in Brazilian music, but also for anyone looking to discover something new.

Ultima DançaAgnes Nunes

Agnes Nunes – Ultima Dança ( Prod. Neobeats )

Agnes Nunes, a native of Bahia who shot to fame with self-recorded singing-and-guitar videos from her windowsill, is one of the talents that epitomize contemporary Brazilian music.

Centered in MPB, she moves freely through R&B and blues.

Released in October 2021, this song weaves in the rhythms of forró, the music of her Northeastern roots, and carries a wistful air.

It portrays a farewell to a loved one—the “last dance.” Amid the ache, her sweet yet resolute voice expresses a romantic determination to carry every memory forward into the future.

Serving as a prelude to the acclaimed album Menina Mulher, this track is perfect for nights when you want to linger gently in nostalgia alongside cherished memories.

Várias QueixasGilsons

Gilsons – Várias Queixas (Clipe Oficial)

Gilsons is a new-generation trio composed of the son and grandsons of Gilberto Gil, a treasure of the Brazilian music scene.

Highly recommended as an introduction to MPB, their anthemic track released in 2019 as the title song of their debut EP fits the bill perfectly.

Originally a cover of a classic by Bahia legends Olodum, the song pairs a sense of helpless frustration toward a lover with the festive rhythms of samba-reggae—a striking contrast.

Riding the attention sparked by this track, they went on to achieve international success, including a Latin Grammy nomination in 2022 for their album Pra Gente Acordar.

Their breezy groove, blending tradition and modernity, makes it the perfect song to lift your spirits.

Mas que nadaJorge Ben Jor

Jorge Ben Jor – Mas que nada

A song that everyone has hummed at least once.

Written in 1963 by Jorge Ben, it has been covered by numerous artists, with the rendition by Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 being especially famous.

In a poll by the Brazilian edition of Rolling Stone, it was ranked fifth among the “Greatest Brazilian Songs.”

Trem Das OnzeZeca Pagozinho

Zeca Pagodinho – Trem Das Onze

Tren das Onze sung by the samba-pagode master Zeca Pagodinho.

It’s an endearingly sweet song about being an only son whose mother won’t go to sleep until he gets home, so he absolutely has to catch the last train.

For him, his mother matters more than his girlfriend.

Garota de IpanemaTom Jobim

Garota De Ipanema

Composed by Tom Jobim, a Brazilian artist known as one of the founders of bossa nova, this song is a classic that sets the fascination with a beautiful woman to a lively rhythm.

Capturing the bittersweet feelings toward a woman walking along the beach, the piece blends jazz elements with a soothing melody.

Featured on the album Getz/Gilberto and released in 1964, it became a worldwide hit and went on to win a Grammy in 1965.

It has been covered by many artists and remains beloved across generations.

Perfect for summer by the sea or moments of relaxation, this track showcases Jobim’s delicate sensibility and Brazil’s light, breezy rhythms, making it an excellent introduction to bossa nova.

Oba, lá vem elaJorge Ben Jor

Jorge Ben Jor – Obá, la vem ela (Áudio Oficial)

Jorge Ben Jor is one of the innovators who left his mark on the history of Brazilian music.

Known for his distinctive style that fuses samba with funk and rock, he was ranked fifth in Rolling Stone Brasil’s 2008 list of the greatest artists in Brazilian music history.

This track, included on his classic album Força Bruta, is a romantic piece suffused with the feel of the night.

The song conveys a pure longing: a heart fulfilled simply by gazing at a woman passing by.

The easy, improvised groove born from sessions with Trio Mocotó gently wraps around those delicate emotions.

Released in September 1970, the song later gained attention when a cover version was used in the television drama Vitória.

It’s a timeless tune that feels like a quiet companion to a peaceful night.