A roundup of great masterpieces and popular songs of Brazilian music
If your knowledge of Brazilian music is limited to stylish, relaxing bossa nova you hear at cafés or the samba played during Carnival, this article is a must-read! Brazil is a vast, multiethnic country with a wide range of musical styles—so many, in fact, that when you include subgenres, the variety is astonishing.
In this piece, we’ve researched and compiled a selection focused on classic Brazilian standards and historically significant masterpieces.
Give these tracks a listen, and your image of Brazilian music might just change!
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- [2026 Edition] Upbeat Western Music! Latest Hits and Popular Songs
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- [2026] Western music you've heard at least once — from trending new tracks to timeless classics
- Classic and popular recommendations in ethnic music
- [2026] Popular MPB Songs: From Classics to Recent Hits!
- Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among People in Their 50s [2026]
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
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Great masterpieces and popular songs of Brazilian music (71–80)
PENSAR EM VOCÊDaniela Mercury

Daniela Mercury’s slightly husky, powerful voice shines here.
Although she’s also an outstanding dancer, this song—sung tenderly and from the heart—is one I’d like to dedicate to someone I truly love.
It’s a beautiful piece that makes you feel how loving someone can give you the courage to live.
ClareanaJoyce Moreno

Released in 1980, this is a work by the Brazilian acoustic group Joyce.
Hailing from Rio de Janeiro and known as the Queen of MPB (Brazilian Popular Music), Joyce’s songs feature a clear, cool voice and are referred to as part of the second generation of bossa nova.
Fool on the HillSergio Mendes & BRASIL’66

Included on Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66’s fourth album, this 1968 work is a cover of The Beatles.
By arranging a universally known song in bossa nova style, it created a sense of freshness and helped spread bossa nova around the world.
Great and Popular Masterpieces of Brazilian Music (81–90)
BerimbauVinícius de Moraes & Toquinho

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that traces its origins to the Black slaves brought from Africa long ago.
At the heart of its accompaniment is the berimbau, which is also the title of this piece.
Created so as not to arouse the suspicion of white overseers, this martial art appears at first glance to be a dance, and this song conveys its indomitable spirit.
Samba da Minha TerraDorival Caymmi

Titled “Samba of My Homeland,” this piece is by Dorival Caymmi, a master of the Bahia school who greatly influenced Brazilian music.
Inspired by the samba dance, it was released in 1957 and remains a beloved classic to this day.
Se Eu Não Te Amasse Tanto Assim / Eu Sei Que Vou Te AmarIvete Sangalo

Ivete Sangalo is the epitome of Bahia’s axé music and MPB! With her honed body and powerful voice, she gets all of Salvador dancing, and among her songs are many like this one—sweet and gentle pieces that sing of truly mature, adult love.
BrasileirinhoWaldir Azevedo

A 1947 song famous as the most successful and influential piece of choro music.
Characterized by rapid picking played on a small guitar called the cavaquinho, similar to a ukulele, the piece has been performed by many musicians.

