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 Brazilian Music Classics (31–40)
Quando a Chuva passarIvete Sangalo
Among songs by contemporary Brazilian artists, Ivete Sangalo is the best-selling singer.
She is famous not only as an MPB singer but also as an actress and TV host, and is known for her powerful vocals.
Here is one of her signature tracks.
OceanoDjavan
Composed by Djavan, this very beautiful and moving piece blends traditional Brazilian rhythms with songs popular in America, Europe, and Africa.
As a result, you can feel a variety of elements, including a pop sensibility, a samba flavor, and Latin influences.
Garota de IpanemaAntônio Carlos Jobim
Composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim in 1962, this song is often cited as the definitive bossa nova track.
It’s a famous piece that has been covered around the world, and the version sung by Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz became internationally renowned.
It is characterized by gentle Portuguese vocals.
It won the 1965 Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
CarinhosoPixinguinha
Meaning “affectionately,” this piece is called a choro, which has a slower rhythm than samba.
It is a work by Pixinguinha, known as the father of Brazilian popular music, and is beloved by many Brazilians.
RomariaRenato Teixeira
The title “Romaria” refers to believers who take part in pilgrimages and religious festivities.
It’s a song that conveys a distinctly Brazilian quality, where religion—especially Catholicism—still deeply permeates everyday life.
You can sense the simple, rural folk reflecting on God.
Great Brazilian Music: A Collection of Masterpieces and Popular Songs (41–50)
SPCZeca Pagodinho
Zeca Pagodinho is a singer-songwriter specializing in the music genres Samba and Pagode.
“SPC” is one of his signature songs.
He loved samba from childhood and was a talented kid who could improvise samba songs.
So HojeJota Quest
A song released in 1995 by Jota Quest, a Brazilian pop rock band.
Among their tracks, it is their biggest hit.
Known for creating danceable, party-ready sounds, the band energized live house venues.