A roundup of great masterpieces and popular songs of Brazilian music

Mulher do Fim do MundoElza Soares

Elza Soares – Mulher do Fim do Mundo (Clipe Oficial)

Elza Soares, one of Brazil’s greatest singers.

She kept singing until nearly 90, and helped lay the foundations of a genre known as MPB by blending samba and baião with elements of jazz and rock.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Mulher do Fim do Mundo (Woman of the End of the World).

She was 84 at the time, yet the music feels strikingly contemporary and sophisticated—far beyond what you’d expect from an 84-year-old artist.

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O LeãozinhoCaetano Veloso

O Leaozinho

Released in January 1977, this song is known as a landmark of Brazilian popular music (MPB).

Its gentle vocals and acoustic guitar timbre are striking, expressing the beauty of love and nature through warm lyrics.

It was also featured on the soundtrack of the TV drama “Sem Lenço, Sem Documento,” becoming beloved by many.

Dedicated by Caetano Veloso to his friend Dadi Carvalho, the piece is acclaimed for celebrating friendship and intimacy.

Influenced by bossa nova, it has a relaxed atmosphere and is recommended as background music when you want to feel calm or spend time with someone special.

Beijar na BocaClaudia Leitte

Claudia Leitte – Beijar Na Boca

This piece, selected from the solo debut of Claudia Leitte, the songstress representing Brazil’s axé music, features a lively rhythm and bright melody, celebrating liberation from past constraints and the joy of embracing a new life.

It was included on her first solo live album, Ao Vivo em Copacabana, released in November 2008, and was performed before an audience of over 500,000 on Copacabana Beach.

Its cheerful vibe evokes the heat of Carnival, making it perfect for amping up dance parties and events.

Showcasing the full appeal of axé music, this track is also recommended as an introduction to Brazilian music.

O Show Tem Que ContinuarFundo de Quintal

O Show Tem Que Continuar

Fundos de Quintal’s signature tracks, which play a pivotal role in the samba–pagode scene, are marked by crisp, lively banjo strumming and powerful percussion beats.

The title track of their 1988 album “O show tem que continuar” stands out with its warm, pagode-style vocals and upbeat sound, delivering an irresistibly sing-along melody that listeners familiar with English-language music can enjoy as well.

Celebrating the strength to move forward in the face of lost love and setbacks, this song blends Brazil’s traditional rhythms with a modern touch—perfectly encapsulating the essence of Fundo de Quintal.

Give it a listen when you want to soak up Brazil’s sunny vibes or boost your spirits.

É Isso AíAna Carolina, Seu Jorge

Ana Carolina, Seu Jorge – É Isso Aí (The Blower’s Daughter) (Ao Vivo)

This duet between the two creates an indescribable vibe that makes you want to listen over and over.

The calm, rich voice of Ana Carolina and the slightly husky tone of Seu Jorge—who shot to fame for his appearance in the film City of God—blend into an irresistible harmony.

Asa BrancaLuiz Gonzaga

Luiz Gonzaga – Asa Branca ft. Fagner, Sivuca, Guadalupe

A track meaning “White Wings,” included on the 1971 album Caetano Veloso.

Composed by Luiz Gonzaga, a leading figure in Northeastern (Nordeste) music, it’s a bright song featuring accordion and performed with traditional rhythms.

Ranked No.

4 on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest Brazilian songs.

Aquarela do BrasilGal Costa

Aquarela do Brasil – Gal Costa

One of Brazil’s signature songs that almost everyone has heard at least once.

Gal Costa’s high, clear, and soaring voice seems to evoke Brazil’s endlessly blue sky and sea.

A beautifully watercolored vision of Brazil comes vividly to mind.