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Fado masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.

Fado, the folk music of Portugal.

I’ve heard that in Portuguese, fado means “fate” or “destiny.”

The nostalgic plucking of the gut-string guitar contrasted with the heartrending, sobbing melodies of the vocals is dramatic.

Truly, the music of “fate”!

Fado masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (1–10)

Só Nós DoisAdélia Pedros

Fado – Adélia Pedrosa – Só Nós Dois
Só Nós DoisAdélia Pedros

The charming, smiling Adélia Pedrosa, an active Portuguese fado singer, delivers a beautifully tender performance.

Singing and playing in a traditional, standard style, she continues to convey the heart of Portugal, and her future endeavors are well worth following.

SANTA MARIA MAIORJOANA LANÇA

JOANA LANÇA – GALA DO FADO – SANTA MARIA MAIOR
SANTA MARIA MAIORJOANA LANÇA

This is a scene from a Fado event held at Lisbon Cathedral.

Although it was filmed from a bit of a distance, you can still catch a glimpse of Joanna Lança delivering a compelling performance.

It’s wonderful to listen to Fado in such a quintessentially Portuguese setting.

Dia NãoMatilde Cid

MATILDE CID | “Dia Não” (Official Music Video)
Dia NãoMatilde Cid

Fado, with its soul-stirring vocals and guitar timbres, holds a unique allure.

One of its contemporary torchbearers is Matilde Cid from Portugal.

Having been exposed to a wide range of music, including jazz and blues, she weaves her own sensibilities into traditional fado.

In this song, for which she penned the lyrics herself, she delicately sings of the subtleties of everyday emotions, striking a chord with listeners.

Her voice—sweet yet powerful—blends beautifully with the gentle tones of the Portuguese guitar.

Released as a single in September 2023, the track is also featured on her November 2023 album Desassossego, which received praise from German radio stations.

It’s a piece best enjoyed on a quiet, contemplative night, or whenever you long to be carried away by sounds from afar.

Fado Masterpieces: Recommended Popular Songs (11–20)

Fado Do ContraCuca Roseta

This is a video of a fado song by Cuca Roseta, a Lisbon native born in 1981.

Rather than the melancholic traditional style, she sings with a much more cheerful vibe, and the up-tempo performance makes for an enjoyable listening experience.

Pica do 7António Zambujo

From the heartwarming, modern-fado genre, this song by António Zambujo is recommended even for those listening to fado for the first time.

The music video features António himself and his band members, resulting in a piece with a clear message.

Fado rosa mariaJoana Amendoeira

She is an active fado singer from Santarém, Portugal.

Despite her dignified and imposing presence, there is an undeniable freshness about her—perhaps because she is still a young singer in her thirties.

Expectations are high for her future success.

Os BúziosAna Moura

Ana Moura – ‘Os Búzios’
Os BúziosAna Moura

Ana Moura, a luminary of Portugal’s music scene, is a singer who deftly blends traditional fado with jazz and pop.

Her deep, sensuous voice captivates audiences across borders.

The featured piece is a moving fado track where the gentle, rippling tones of the Portuguese guitar intertwine with her emotionally rich singing.

Seaside imagery, fervent prayers, and nostalgia meld together to touch the listener’s heartstrings.

The song is included on the album “Para Além da Saudade,” released in August 2007, and was featured on the music program “Family Contact.” The album achieved triple platinum status.

It’s perfect for a night when you want to immerse yourself in a beautifully wistful melody or find calm.