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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Great Masterpieces and Popular Songs of Brazilian Music (51–60)
Nada será como antesMilton Nascimento
A song by MPB musician Milton Nascimento from Rio de Janeiro, included on his 1972 album.
Having lost his parents in childhood and moved to a small town, he was reportedly playing the accordion and singing by the age of four.
A beautiful, gentle piece from the remarkably talented Milton.
DesafinadoJoao Gilberto
A bossa nova song composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim with lyrics by Newton Mendonça.
Several English versions also exist.
It is one of the most famous Brazilian songs, a worldwide hit and a classic that has inspired many cover versions.
It was inducted into the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001.
Pescador de IlusõesO Rappa
It is a band that fuses reggae and rock.
They are famous for lyrics and activities that influence society and are known for their energetic performances.
A passionate band, they incorporate various genres of music to create original sounds.
IzauraJoão Gilberto
Sung by João Gilberto, one of the pioneers of bossa nova, this song has rather unique lyrics.
“I’ve got work tomorrow, so I can’t stay over tonight.
Because if I’m in your arms…”—it makes you curious to hear how the rest goes.
Known for his unhurried style—he would sometimes pause so long on stage people wondered if he’d fallen asleep—he remains just as beloved today as ever.
Great and Popular Classics of Brazilian Music (61–70)
Goodbye SadnessSergio Mendes
A famous song that everyone has heard.
Composed by Sergio Mendes, this piece is notable for its lively chorus and is a samba that sets the desire to escape sadness to bright, upbeat music.
It has been covered many times and is a classic that represents Brazil.
Bebete VãoboraJorge Ben Jor
A 1969 song by Jorge Ben.
It’s a track that blends the bright, light sounds of samba with the heavy, solid groove of R&B—what’s known as samba-funk—and it rode the wave of the jazz boom of the ’70s.
This distinct Jorge Ben style, which incorporates funk, soul, and rock, is beloved by many.
Manhã de CarnavalLuiz Bonfá
Among the works created by composer Luiz Bonfá and lyricist Antônio Maria, this is the most famous piece.
Its use in the Portuguese film Black Orpheus (1960) made it so well-known that it has been covered by numerous artists.
It’s a superb track featuring the crystal-clear vocals of Brazilian singer Elizete Cardoso.