Perfect for café BGM! A stylish roundup of classic bossa nova songs [2026]

Blame It on the Bossa NovaEydie Gormie

Eydie Gormie – Blame It On The Bossa Nova

A charming pop number with lyrics that blame the euphoria of falling in love entirely on the dance! The singer is Eydie Gormé, who masterfully navigated both English-language pop and authentic Latin bolero.

This song tells the story of how, while dancing with a lover, a romance blossoms as if under a spell—and the sweet responsibility for it all gets pinned on the trendy bossa nova.

Released in January 1963, it became the biggest hit of her career, peaking at No.

7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It’s included on the classic album “Blame It on the Bossa Nova,” and has been memorably featured in films like “Mermaids.” A perfect track for brightening up an afternoon.

Le Poisson Des Mers Du SudISABELLE ANTENA

Le Poisson Des Mers Du Sud

Isabelle Antena, a singer born in France.

With her unique style that blends the comfort of bossa nova into electro, she enjoys enduring popularity, especially in Japan.

Among her works, this sweet and sophisticated track is perfect for café time.

Her whispery vocals melt into light jazz tones, making you feel as if you’re gently drifting across southern seas—dreamy and serene.

The album featuring this song, Hoping for Love, was released in 1987, and in the same year she was named Best Overseas Female Singer at the Tokyo Music Festival.

If you’d like to forget the busyness of everyday life and spend some peaceful time, be sure to check it out!

In A Manner Of SpeakingNouvelle Vague

Nouvelle Vague – In A Manner Of Speaking (Full Track)

Nouvelle Vague is a French musical collective known for its unique approach of reconstructing post-punk classics in a bossa nova style.

They’re also known for a method where they deliberately don’t let their female vocalists hear the original songs, drawing out a fresh charm free of preconceptions.

This track is a cover of a Tuxedomoon song, and it transforms the original’s tension into a bittersweet yet warm, “sophisticated” sound through Camille’s languid whispers and the timbre of an acoustic guitar.

True to its title, “In a Manner of Speaking,” the song seems to gently accompany the listener, expressing delicate emotions that are hard to put into words.

It’s included on their landmark debut album, Nouvelle Vague, released in May 2004, and has also been featured in films such as In Time.

It works wonderfully as background music for a quiet, solitary afternoon or to color conversations with someone special.

CaramelSuzanne Vega

Suzanne Vega – Caramel

Suzanne Vega, the intellectually inclined singer-songwriter who represents New York’s music scene.

This 1996 work of hers is a classic that carries a hint of bossa nova, offering a different flavor from her folk image.

It sings of a slightly bitter, forbidden longing for something sweet and alluring, yet never to be possessed.

The jazzy, sophisticated sound colored by flute and muted trumpet feels like afternoon lounge music.

Featured on the acclaimed album Nine Objects of Desire, it was also used in the trailers for the films Cats & Dogs: Panic! Breaking Up and Closer.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to in a slightly languid afternoon café, lost in thought.

Agua De BeberAstrud Gilberto

Astrud Gilberto – AGUA DE BEBER – 1965 Stereo!

Astrud Gilberto, a Brazilian singer who gained popularity for her music blending bossa nova and jazz, has captivated many fans with her cool, gentle voice.

From her 1965 debut solo record, The Astrud Gilberto Album, I’d like to introduce a gem of a track.

The song extols the preciousness of love that soothes a parched heart, like a glass of water quenching a dry throat.

Over Marty Paich’s sophisticated arrangement, her light, breathy vocals resonate comfortably.

This classic is also known for being ranked 73rd on NPR’s list of the 150 greatest albums made by women.

Its refined, unobtrusive mood makes it perfect for relaxing moments in a café.

Chega De SaudadeTom Jobim

Chega De Saudade

Also known by its Japanese title “Mō, Sabishii no wa Takusan da,” this piece is a historic masterpiece that heralded the dawn of bossa nova.

The composition is by Antônio Carlos Jobim, the “Father of Bossa Nova,” with lyrics by the poet Vinicius de Moraes.

It sings of a profound sense of loss over the absence of a loved one and a heartfelt desire to put an end to that sorrow.

The version recorded in July 1958 by João Gilberto on guitar and vocals became a huge hit, establishing the bossa nova style.

The classic album that features the song, Chega de Saudade, was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Its wistful yet warm melody makes a comfortable backdrop, beautifully coloring the atmosphere as café BGM for solitary moments.

I Like to Wear Soft Clothing (Cause It Makes Me Feel Like I’m Rough, in Comparison)Bill Wurtz

i like to wear soft clothing (cause it makes me feel like i’m rough in comparison)

Bill Wurtz, known for his unique take on jazz and funk, has garnered attention for his distinctive sound.

A musician as well as a filmmaker, he won a Shorty Award in 2016.

The piece featured here was released in August 2022.

Its theme is a slightly twisted form of self-affirmation: by wearing soft clothing, you feel tougher by comparison.

This warped emotion becomes strangely captivating when carried by a breezy bossa nova–meets–smooth jazz track.

The work fully showcases his hallmark style of pairing bright melodies with slightly shadowy themes.

The pleasant keyboard tones would make for stylish café background music, enhancing the atmosphere with ease.