Fado masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.

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.

Lisboa Menina e Moça (ao vivo Coliseu)Carlos do Carmo

CARLOS DO CARMO – Lisboa Menina e Moça (ao vivo Coliseu)

This is a showcase by Carlos do Carmo, a fado singer in his seventies.

From its traditional and conservative atmosphere, it exudes a classic, understated cool.

I can’t think of anyone but him who looks so fitting singing fado in a suit.

SÓ NÓS DOISTONY DE MATOS

Só Nós Dois

This is a classic song by Tony de Matos, an essential male fado singer.

It’s a video of gritty, classic fado.

The black-and-white footage gives it an even more old-fashioned, musical-style feel.

The Japanese title translation would be “Just the Two of Us.”

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.

Canção do Mar (videoclip oficial)Dulce Pontes

Dulce Pontes-Canção do Mar (videoclip oficial)

Dulce Pontes creates highly original music based on fado while blending in a variety of other elements such as pop and classical.

Many of her released songs are also written and composed by herself.