Popular bossa nova songs: a roundup of recommended classic BGM

Orange-coloured dayliana flores

liana flores – Orange-coloured day (visualizer)

Liana Flores, a London-born singer-songwriter with British and Brazilian roots, is an artist who has gained worldwide attention after breaking out on social media.

The track I’m introducing today, “Orange-coloured day,” appears on her much-anticipated debut album, “Flower of the soul,” released in June 2024.

While exploring themes of reverence for nature and transience, it features a breezy sound that blends the comfortable rhythms of ’60s jazz and bossa nova.

Produced by Noah Georgeson, the album also boasts beautiful chamber music-style string arrangements, evoking a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

It’s a perfect example of next-generation bossa nova pop—ideal for relaxing on a sunny weekend afternoon.

le feu.aupinard

aupinard – le feu.

Have you heard of this new generation talent emerging from France? Opinal is a singer whose appeal lies in a style that fuses delicate bossa nova guitar with R&B rhythms.

Contrary to the “fire” in the title, this work doesn’t depict a blazing passion, but rather a relationship quietly fading away.

Its gentle fingerpicking and restrained vocals calmly convey the futility of parting, and it’s truly moving.

Included on the mixtape “pluie, montagnes et soleil,” released in January 2025, it also preceded a successful show at Paris’s prestigious Olympia in February, and the momentum shows no signs of stopping.

It’s an irresistible track for anyone who wants to sink into a melancholic mood on a quiet night or just after the rain.

Águas de MarçoElis Regina

Elis Regina, Águas de Março

One of the bossa nova masterpieces written and composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim, known in Japanese as “March Rain,” lyrically depicts the changing of the seasons as the long summer ends and autumn draws near.

Since Brazil is in the Southern Hemisphere, March is the opposite season from the Northern Hemisphere.

Mas que NadaJorge Ben Jor

Jorge Ben Jor – Mas que nada

It was originally a bossa nova song composed by Brazilian singer-songwriter Jorge Ben.

Later, Sérgio Mendes released a cover featuring female chorus vocals, which became a worldwide hit and made the song famous.

In recent years, it was covered by The Black Eyed Peas and became a revival hit.

I Took The LJohn Roseboro

I Took The L – John Roseboro (Official Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Jon Roseboro, who champions his own “post-bossa” style and is active in Brooklyn.

With a background that includes working in the funeral industry and living among the Amish, his music is defined by a butter-smooth vocal delivery.

This work is a gem that blends the gentle rhythms of bossa nova with an indie-folk sensibility.

The lyrics reference New York subway lines and place names, capturing the real emotions of city life.

Released as a single in October 2022, it was later included on the April 2023 album “Johnny.” The gentle guitar tones are soothing, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend afternoon or a quiet night.

Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy contemporary bossa nova.

Lover GirlLaufey

Laufey – Lover Girl (Official Music Video)

Icelandic singer-songwriter Laufey, who captivates audiences worldwide with her unique style that fuses jazz and classical music, remains fresh in our minds for her 2024 Grammy win.

This work, which also incorporates a bossa nova rhythm, overflows with sophisticated, mature charm.

It portrays the aching emotions of longing for someone dear who has grown distant, and its beautiful strings and piano melodies resonate deeply.

Released in June of the same year ahead of the album “A Matter of Time,” which came out in August 2025, this number also drew major attention for its music video shot in Japan.

Crafted by Petty Cash Production, the gentle sound will be the perfect companion for quiet nights spent alone.

When you want to feel a soothing, subtle sway, be sure to give it a listen.

PonyoClémentine

Clementine *** Ponyo *** ANIMENTINE ***

Clementine, known as a French pop and bossa nova singer, has released an album called “Animentine,” in which she covers famous Japanese anime songs in bossa nova arrangements.

This track is the bossa nova version of the theme song from “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.”

O BarquinhoNara Leao

O Barquinho Nara Leao

One of the representative bossa nova songs by Roberto Menescal is O Barquinho, known in Japanese as Kobune (The Little Boat).

It is well known that Menescal composed this song when he went fishing off the coast of Rio de Janeiro with Nara Leão and Ronaldo Bôscoli, and their boat broke down and drifted out to sea.

The JokerSergio Mendes & BRASIL’66

The Joker

This song might give more of a Latin pop impression than bossa nova, but it can be counted among the classics by Sérgio Mendes & Brasil ’66.

With layered chorus vocals that make it sound like a unison and congas added to the percussion, it turns into a very intriguing track.

O PatoJoao Gilberto e Caetano Veloso

João Gilberto e Caetano Veloso – O Pato

This song is one of the bossa nova standards written by Neusa Teixeira and Jaime Silva, known in Japanese as “Gaucho no Samba” (Gaucho’s Samba).

The original title appears frequently in the lyrics, and that part is syncopated, giving the piece a distinctive sense of buoyancy and briskness that makes it especially enjoyable.