A roundup of great masterpieces and popular songs of Brazilian music

Desde Que O Samba É SambaCaetano Veloso

Caetano Veloso – Desde Que O Samba É Samba

This song praises samba, which, when you put your sorrow into it, makes it feel a little lighter and gives you the sense you can somehow get through it.

In this version, Caetano Veloso’s distinctive, conversational singing makes you feel as if you’re sitting in a café.

Samba de Uma Nota SóAntonio Carlos Jobim

Tom Jobim – Ao Vivo em Montreal – Samba de uma nota só

This is a piece by Antônio Carlos Jobim, who is also famous for giving birth to bossa nova.

Its English title is One Note Samba, and as the name suggests, it simply repeats the same note to convey a samba rhythm.

Still, as you’d expect from Jobim, it’s crafted extremely well.

As an American standard, it has been sung and loved by many singers.

Aquarela do BrasilAry Barroso

Aquarela do Brasil, aka “Brasil!” Ary Barroso, 1939!

A famous samba composed by Ary Barroso in 1939, used in works such as the Disney film “Saludos Amigos.” He wrote it when heavy rain kept him from leaving the house, expressing the rain with the phrase “watercolor,” which led to the title “Aquarela do Brasil” (Watercolor of Brazil).

The piece focuses on the beauty of Brazil’s natural landscape.

AnjoBanda EVA

Banda EVA – Anjo

This song by Banda Eva, which Ivete Sangalo used to be a part of, wraps you up like an angel’s wings with Saulo’s gentle vocals.

The title “Anjo” means “angel.” It’s the perfect track when you want to sink into a romantic mood.

A NamoradaCarlinhos Brown

Carlinhos Brown – A Namorada

In a way, this song is an ideal pop tune.

It sings about everyday life, and it’s become a song I want to listen to before heading to work each day.

For office workers around my age, I think putting it on during breakfast could give you the strength to get through the day.

Amor I Love YouMarisa Monte

Marisa Monte – Amor I Love You (Clipe)

Marisa Monte has a uniquely calm, understated presence.

This is a song that anyone who’s ever loved someone will instantly relate to, and it’s one that will be cherished across generations.

The male spoken interlude is wonderfully cool and adds real character.

Nada será como antesMilton Nascimento

MILTON nascimento – nada será como antes

A song by MPB musician Milton Nascimento from Rio de Janeiro, included on his 1972 album.

Having lost his parents in childhood and moved to a small town, he was reportedly playing the accordion and singing by the age of four.

A beautiful, gentle piece from the remarkably talented Milton.