Fado masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.

Meu Amor de LongeRaquel Tavares

Raquel Tavares – Meu Amor de Longe

Although it’s called fado, this song is a modern fado with a strong, bright pop flavor.

In this music video, the artist actually walks through the streets of Portugal, meeting locals as the story unfolds.

It’s a video that even people who’ve never been to Portugal can enjoy.

Água e melCristina Branco

Cristina Branco *Live #7* Água e mel

Cristina Branco from Portugal.

In her childhood she was familiar with jazz and other genres, but at 18, a record of Amália Rodrigues given by her grandfather led her into the world of fado.

While honoring tradition, she has built a unique style that incorporates poetry and elements from other genres.

The piece we introduce here is a classic also sung by the Queen of Fado.

Her voice is striking—sweet yet aching—stirring complex emotions that melt together like water and honey.

The delicate timbre of the Portuguese guitar etches the fateful sentiment of fado deeply into the heart.

This work is included on her live album “Live,” released in 2006.

It was also performed at her 2008 Paris concert, demonstrating her respect for Amália.

On nights when you want to immerse yourself in a melancholy yet beautiful melody, or when you wish to quietly gather your thoughts alone, listening to it will let you feel the profound depths of fado.

DesamorLina

LINA_Fado Camões – Desamor

Based in Portugal, Lina is a talented singer-songwriter who fuses traditional fado with the vocal expression she honed in opera and electronic elements, opening up a new realm of fado.

She is deeply influenced by Amália Rodrigues.

This song, which she sings about the pain of a heart that has lost love, powerfully resonates over the poignant timbre of the Portuguese guitar.

The poetry of the great poet Luís Vaz de Camões deepens the emotion, and the modern, refined sound produced by Justin Adams is also striking.

Released as a single in 2023, the track is included on Lina’s fourth album, “Fado Camões.” Its wistful melody and soul-stirring vocals will gently accompany you on quiet, contemplative nights or when you wish to converse with your innermost self.

Dia De FolgaAna Moura

Ana Moura – Dia De Folga

Ana Moura, who debuted in 2003 and hails from Santarém, Portugal, is a fado singer who has gained international recognition and success.

She is also the youngest fado singer ever nominated for the Netherlands’ Edison Award.

Estranha forma de vidaAmália Rodrigues

Amália Rodrigues – “Estranha forma de vida” (Official video)

Amália Rodrigues, the legendary Portuguese singer known as the Queen of Fado, created a gem of a song in which she sings a poem she herself wrote, reflecting the mysterious nature of life.

The piece fuses her emotionally rich words flowing from within, the melancholic yet beautiful melodies of fado, and her soulful voice, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Included on the 1962 album Busto, it marked the beginning of her creative collaboration with composer Alain Oulman.

It also lent its title to the 1995 documentary film Amália – Uma Estranha Forma de Vida.

This masterpiece is highly recommended for nights of deep reflection or for anyone seeking music that resonates with the heart.

Gente Da Minha TerraMariza

Mariza – Gente Da Minha Terra ao vivo em Lisboa

Mariza, a leading fado singer born in Mozambique and raised in Lisbon.

Rooted in tradition yet embracing diverse musical influences, this song of hers breathes new life into a classic by the Queen of Fado, Amália Rodrigues.

Her soul-stirring voice seeps deep into the listener’s heart, beautifully expressing Portugal’s unique saudade—a profound sense of longing.

The interwoven piano and guitar melodies further heighten the poignancy.

Included on her debut album, Fado em Mim, released in April 2002.

In 2006, it became the theme music for the Hong Kong film Isabella and won the Silver Bear (Music) at the Berlin International Film Festival.

It is a moving, masterful performance—one to savor while imagining Lisbon’s nightscape and scenes rich with exotic allure.

O Meu PedroSILVANA PERES

SILVANA PERES – O Meu Pedro

Silvana Perez, from Lisbon, Portugal, encountered fado at the age of 14 and, drawing on the rich expressiveness she cultivated through dance and equestrian arts, set out on a musical path.

Her talent drew early attention: in 2017, her debut album “Fado no Pé” was selected by Blitz Magazine as one of the year’s Top 10 World Music albums.

The song introduced here is included on her album “Água Nova,” released in April 2022.

While retaining fado’s poignant emotion, it blends the warmth of folk-song sensibilities with a buoyant rhythm.

Silvana’s deep, warm voice weaves a beautiful melody where wistfulness and rays of hope intersect.

This work is recommended for those who want to feel as if they’re strolling through the streets of Lisbon, or for anyone seeking music that gently stays close to the heart.