A roundup of great masterpieces and popular songs of Brazilian music

Baby95Liniker

Liniker – Baby95

While carrying on the tradition of MPB, Linn da Quebrada from São Paulo state embodies the brilliance of contemporary Brazilian music as it intersects with soul and R&B.

Singing of love and dignity from the perspective of a Black transgender woman, her expression captures listeners’ hearts and doesn’t let go.

The work introduced here is a track released in June 2021 ahead of the album Indigo Borboleta Anil, which marked the full-fledged start of her solo career; it went on to achieve the remarkable feat of winning Best Portuguese-Language Song at the 2022 Latin Grammy Awards.

Evoking the warmth of intimate love and self-acceptance through images of nature—shimmering sun and sea—the piece is truly a masterpiece where the lyricism of MPB meets contemporary grooves.

Its refined yet somehow nostalgic sound is perfect for a leisurely listen on a holiday afternoon.

CarinhosoPixinguinha

Carinhoso (Pixinguinha/Braguinha)

Meaning “affectionately,” this piece is called a choro, which has a slower rhythm than samba.

It is a work by Pixinguinha, known as the father of Brazilian popular music, and is beloved by many Brazilians.

OceanoDjavan

Djavan – Oceano (Ao Vivo)

Composed by Djavan, this very beautiful and moving piece blends traditional Brazilian rhythms with songs popular in America, Europe, and Africa.

As a result, you can feel a variety of elements, including a pop sensibility, a samba flavor, and Latin influences.

SPCZeca Pagodinho

Zeca Pagodinho – SPC

Zeca Pagodinho is a singer-songwriter specializing in the music genres Samba and Pagode.

“SPC” is one of his signature songs.

He loved samba from childhood and was a talented kid who could improvise samba songs.

ShimbalaiêMaria Gadú

Maria Gadú – “Shimbalaiê” – [clipe oficial]

Maria Gadú is a talent who continually refreshes the scene with a rich range of musical styles rooted in MPB.

She can be considered a leading figure in contemporary Brazilian music, impressing even masters like Caetano Veloso.

The piece featured here is the song that marks the origin of her career, which she is said to have composed at the age of ten.

The words riding on a melody that came to her by the seaside at dusk are invented, without semantic meaning.

Like a magical incantation that only a child could hum, it gently loosens the listener’s heart.

Her deep, resonant voice and the acoustic textures that trace a maracatu rhythm are irresistibly soothing.

Released as a single from her debut album “Maria Gadú,” it was featured in the TV drama “Viver a Vida” and even reached number one on the charts in Italy in the summer of 2011.

It’s a classic that perfectly suits those moments when you want to sink into a nostalgic mood.