A roundup of great masterpieces and popular songs of Brazilian music

Vai PassarChico Buarque

Chico Buarque – Vai Passar

Contrary to its lively samba rhythm, this song criticizes both the military regime that ruled Brazil at the time of its release and the era when Brazil was “discovered” and governed as a Portuguese colony.

You can listen while reflecting on that context, or simply listen without thinking at all.

It reveals the profound depth of music.

SAMBA MEU & O HOMEM FALOUMaria Rita

01 MARIA RITA SAMBA MEU & O HOMEM FALOU DVD SAMBA MEU HD 640×360 XVID Wide Screen

Maria Rita has continued to grow not as the daughter of Elis Regina, but with a voice that perfectly complements her own beautifully unfolding samba.

Samba is not just music for dancing.

It is music that powerfully expresses many facets of life, carried on rhythms that make your body move without thinking.

Garota de IpanemaAntônio Carlos Jobim

The Girl From Ipanema

Composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim in 1962, this song is often cited as the definitive bossa nova track.

It’s a famous piece that has been covered around the world, and the version sung by Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz became internationally renowned.

It is characterized by gentle Portuguese vocals.

It won the 1965 Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

Aquarela do BrasilAry Barroso

Aquarela do Brasil, aka “Brasil!” Ary Barroso, 1939!

A famous samba composed by Ary Barroso in 1939, used in works such as the Disney film “Saludos Amigos.” He wrote it when heavy rain kept him from leaving the house, expressing the rain with the phrase “watercolor,” which led to the title “Aquarela do Brasil” (Watercolor of Brazil).

The piece focuses on the beauty of Brazil’s natural landscape.

AnjoBanda EVA

Banda EVA – Anjo

This song by Banda Eva, which Ivete Sangalo used to be a part of, wraps you up like an angel’s wings with Saulo’s gentle vocals.

The title “Anjo” means “angel.” It’s the perfect track when you want to sink into a romantic mood.

Desde Que O Samba É SambaCaetano Veloso

Caetano Veloso – Desde Que O Samba É Samba

This song praises samba, which, when you put your sorrow into it, makes it feel a little lighter and gives you the sense you can somehow get through it.

In this version, Caetano Veloso’s distinctive, conversational singing makes you feel as if you’re sitting in a café.

A NamoradaCarlinhos Brown

Carlinhos Brown – A Namorada

In a way, this song is an ideal pop tune.

It sings about everyday life, and it’s become a song I want to listen to before heading to work each day.

For office workers around my age, I think putting it on during breakfast could give you the strength to get through the day.