Lovely Western music

A roundup of great masterpieces and popular songs of Brazilian music

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.

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!

Great masterpieces and popular songs of Brazilian music (71–80)

E VoceTribalistas

Tribalistas – E Voce

E VoceTribalistas

Tribalistas, who released only one album and were active for just a single year.

It’s a curious group that arose organically when Marisa Monte contributed to an Arnaldo Antunes album produced in part by Carlinhos Brown.

Since it’s a gathering of three individually talented artists, it makes for a compelling listen.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

MulheresMartinho da Vila

Martinho da Vila – Mulheres

MulheresMartinho da Vila

This song, sung by Martinho da Vila, a grand master of the samba world, to one special woman, is sure to make any woman’s heart swell.

He’s met many women before, but for a man who has finally found the one person he truly needs, this is the perfect song to give her.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Burn it BlueCaetano Veloso

Caetano Veloso and Lila Downs – Burn It Blue

Burn it BlueCaetano Veloso

This duet by Caetano Veloso and Lila Downs is a famous song, said to be among the finest of Caetano Veloso’s compositions.

It was used in the film Frida and was performed at the Academy Awards in 2003.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

O QUE É QUE A BAIANA TEMCarmen Miranda

CARMEN MIRANDA – O QUE É QUE A BAIANA TEM

O QUE É QUE A BAIANA TEMCarmen Miranda

Carmen Miranda was a singer and actress who was active in Brazil and the United States in the early 20th century.

“Baiana” refers to a woman from the state of Bahia, and this song sings about the charms they possess.

When people think of the Carnival baianas, they picture full-figured women in long dresses, adorned with various decorations on their heads, spinning as they dance.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

PENSAR EM VOCÊDaniela Mercury

DANIELA MERCURY – PENSAR EM VOCE

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem