Music of a wonderful world

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!

Bossa nova is one of the quintessential genres of Brazilian music, and it enjoys worldwide popularity—including here in Japan.

Our site already features an article compiling the leading bossa nova artists, but in this piece we’re introducing a curated selection of classic bossa nova tracks, spanning both past and present.

Alongside masterpieces from bossa nova’s golden era, we’ve also picked out various types of standout songs that incorporate bossa nova elements.

In recent years, new-generation artists like Ravei, whose music reflects influences from bossa nova, jazz, and even classical music, have gained global popularity.

Whether you’re new to bossa nova or looking to catch up on recent trends, be sure to check it out!

[2026] A Guide to Bossa Nova: From Classic Standards to the Latest Hits! (71–80)

Vim Da BahiaQuarteto em Cy

Quarteto Em Cy & Tamba Trio – Vim Da Bahia

Vim Da BahiaQuarteto em Cy

Quarteto em Cy, famous as four sisters and a four-voice chorus group.

This track, included on an album where the Tamba Trio provides the performance, was composed by Gilberto Gil.

The lyrics sing of love and pride for the state of Bahia, and the women are in fact from that region.

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rises the moonliana flores

liana flores – rises the moon (official music video)

rises the moonliana flores

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.

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mimosaAzymuth

Azymuth – Mimosa

mimosaAzymuth

A band from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Azymuth.

They’re famous for blending many genres with a base in Brazilian music.

Their track “Mimosa” features a uniquely distinctive groove that only they could create.

It’s a song with complex rhythms reminiscent of Brazilian fusion, yet topped with sexy, smooth vocals.

If you listen closely and focus on the rhythm, you’ll hear the song’s high level of craftsmanship and detail.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Robo BoboCarlos Lyra

Lobo Bobo – Carlos Lyra

Robo BoboCarlos Lyra

With his calm singing voice and a level of guitar skill that, before his debut, had only been used to teach at a guitar school, Carlos Lyra has continued to deliver highly polished performances to this day.

This song is a classic, with delightful lyrics that cleverly overlap the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale with a romantic relationship.

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Saudade da BahiaDorival Caymmi

DORIVAL CAYMMI ” SAUDADE DA BAHIA “

Saudade da BahiaDorival Caymmi

Its Japanese title is “Nostalgia for Bahia.” The composer, Dorival Caymmi, was from the state of Bahia and was known for his trademark striped shirts.

He had intended to keep this piece to himself, but ten years later, persuaded by friends, he finally released it.

It is a song that longs for his homeland.

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