Fado masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.

Lisboa Menina e MoçaMiguel Guerreiro

Miguel Guerreiro – Lisboa Menina e Moça

Since this young boy singer Miguel first appeared before the public on a Portuguese audition show, he has grown into a young singer who now performs not only fado but also pop music.

Even so, I can’t help but be captivated by his performance, which, while retaining his boyish charm, rivals that of adults.

Fado tropicalChico Buarque & Carlos Paredes

Fado Tropical – Chico Buarque / Carlos Paredes

A collaboration between Carlos Paredes, the master of the Portuguese guitar, and the Brazilian singer Chico Buarque.

For its time, this performance represented a fado style that made a strong impact on audiences.

By the way, Carlos Paredes was apparently a very large man in real life.

Senhora do AlmortãoLula Pena

Lula Pena – “Senhora do Almortão”

Lula Pena has been drawing attention with her uniquely original performances, not only through her singing and guitar-playing but even in elements like her breathing.

As a female singer, she conveys her distinctive worldview with a fresh twist that makes the most of the qualities of traditional fado.

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.

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.

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.