[2026] A Guide to Bossa Nova: From Classic Standards to the Latest Hits!

In A Manner Of SpeakingNouvelle Vague

Nouvelle Vague – In A Manner Of Speaking (Full Track)

The group Nouvelle Vague, which breathed new life into the French music scene, sparked attention with the tracks on their album “Nouvelle Vague,” released in May 2004, thanks to a novel approach: arranging post-punk and new wave classics in a bossa nova style.

Suffused with a quiet, melancholic mood, the work centers on the difficulty of expressing emotions that defy words, suggesting that at times silence can be the most powerful means of communication.

Featured in the films “In Time” and “Newness,” as well as the series “Dirty Lines,” this piece stands as a quintessential example of Nouvelle Vague’s distinctive sound, capturing the hearts of many music fans.

Come With MeTania Maria

Tania Maria – Come With Me

Characterized by passionate rhythms and a sultry melody, this song is the title track from the album released in 1983 by Brazilian jazz pianist Tania Maria.

With a distinctive style that masterfully fuses jazz and bossa nova, it captivates listeners.

The lyrics, which sing of the bond with a loved one, paired with her warm vocals, create a cozy sense of intimacy.

The track was popular on 1980s dance floors and has continued to be loved over the years, inspiring numerous cover versions.

It’s a perfect choice for a leisurely holiday brunch or a relaxed moment with someone special.

rises the moonliana flores

liana flores – rises the moon (official music video)

While enveloped in the soothing atmosphere of bossa nova and incorporating elements of contemporary bedroom pop, British artist Rhiannon “Rie” Flores delivers a track that opens her April 2019 EP, “Recently.” Characterized by a simple yet deeply evocative acoustic accompaniment and gentle vocals, the song’s lyrics—using moonrise as a symbol—resonate with themes of hope and change.

Offering strength to overcome the struggles and hardships of everyday life, this piece is perfect for quiet nights when you want to listen alone.

Águas de marçoElis Regina & Tom Jobim

Elis Regina & Tom Jobim – “Aguas de Março” – 1974

Known as a masterpiece of Brazilian music, this work is widely cherished as a duet by Elis Regina and Antônio Carlos Jobim.

Included on the album “Elis & Tom,” released in June 1974, it features lyrics that symbolically express the cycle of life.

Composed by Jobim, who drew inspiration from the chaotic scenes of the rainy season on his own farm, the song was selected as the greatest Brazilian song of all time in a 2001 survey conducted by a Brazilian newspaper.

It’s a perfect track for those who want to fully savor the charm of bossa nova or spend a calm, soothing moment.

A Night to Rememberbeabadoobee, Laufey

beabadoobee, Laufey – A Night To Remember (Official Music Video)

This graceful bossa nova–style pop track is a wonderful song that highlights the charms of beabadoobee and Laufey.

The collaboration between the UK-born beabadoobee and Icelandic-born Laufey has resulted in a sensual love song where their distinct personalities blend beautifully.

Released in October 2023, the piece is exquisitely refined without becoming overly emotional, making it a must-listen for bossa nova fans.

Beabadoobee’s vocal performance, which reveals a new side of her, is particularly intriguing, and her interplay with Laufey is superb.

CerradoMilton Banana

Milton Banana Trio – Serrado (Djavan)

During the rise of bossa nova, Milton—a renowned drummer who participated in recordings by various famous artists—also released many albums of his own.

This piece is an instrumental arrangement of a classic by Djavan, who later came to be highly regarded as a genius singer-songwriter among the Brazilian pop generation.

AQUI OH !Leny Andrade

Aqui, Oh!

Leny Andrade, a veteran singer from Rio de Janeiro, has gained rich expressiveness over decades of her career and has fans around the world thanks to her powerful yet velvety voice.

This song is a masterpiece by Toninho Horta, arranged in a way that truly showcases the brilliance of her vocals.