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

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! (31–40)

LADY LOVEJon Lucien

It puts you in a romantic, wonderful mood.

The deep voice draws you even more alluringly into the world of the song.

Starting with the guitar, the sound gradually expands, giving this song’s world a rich fullness.

You end up completely immersed in its melancholy and musical beauty.

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I nada maisOs Gatos

It’s a group whose name means “cats.” The clear male vocals resonate pleasantly.

The harmonies are beautiful, and the chorus is also compelling.

The title is said to mean “That’s all,” and the song expresses the wish that “that’s all”—that there be peace.

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INSENSATEZJoão Gilberto

Alongside Antônio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto is regarded as the most important figure in bossa nova.

He initially aimed to be a samba singer but did not find great success in that field; however, after going to the United States and collaborating with Stan Getz, he became a global star.

He also visited Japan several times.

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FotografiaOno Risa

Born in Brazil, he continued to be involved with Brazilian music even after returning to Japan.

It is said that he was decorated by the Brazilian government for his contributions to the spread of bossa nova.

This piece is a love song set on a seaside terrace at dusk, with a relaxed and pleasant mood.

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March rainBasia

This is also a song by Tom Jobim, the god of bossa nova.

In Brazil, February is the height of summer, and around March—after Carnival—it’s said to enter a rainy season that lasts about two weeks.

This piece is said to capture the scenery of that precious time.

It’s a beautiful pattern of rain.

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[2026] A Guide to Bossa Nova: From Classics to the Latest Hits! (41–50)

The GiftEydie Gormé

Eydie Gorme The Gift (Recado Bossa Nova)
The GiftEydie Gormé

The original title is Portuguese for “message” or “gift.” It lingers in my ears more as pop than bossa nova.

Eydie Gormé’s lovely voice expresses the desire to accept the gift of love with pure sincerity and cherish it.

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Manhã de CarnavalAnna Salleh

Black Orpheus / Manhã de Carnaval – Anna Salleh and friends – http://www.annasalleh.com
Manhã de CarnavalAnna Salleh

In 1956, Vinicius de Moraes—a journalist and lyricist who, together with Carlos Jobim and others, created bossa nova and brought it to the world—wrote the play Black Orpheus, whose theme song is Morning of the Carnival.

This piece is also a bossa nova standard, and its calm character is quintessentially bossa nova.

It is said that this play was the catalyst that made bossa nova known worldwide.

This rendition is performed by singer and guitarist Anna Salle.

Murakami Shinpei
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Summer SambaMarcos Valle