Essential 1970s samba

The best Samba albums of the 1970s.

Where to start with 1970–1979 samba — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

Top of the 1970s — samba

Top picks from 1970–1979, ranked by where we would start.

Amoroso

João Gilberto

Amoroso

Intimate bossa nova melodies intertwine with lush orchestration, creating a dreamy atmosphere that showcases João Gilberto's masterful guitar work and soft vocals.

Start here

Boca da noite

Toquinho

Boca da noite

A tender blend of bossa nova rhythms and poetic lyrics that evoke the warmth of Brazilian nights.

Start here

A Voz, O Violão, A Música de Djavan

Djavan

A Voz, O Violão, A Música de Djavan

A seamless blend of Brazilian samba and rich lyrical storytelling infuses each track with vibrant emotion and intricate guitar melodies.

Start here

João Gilberto

João Gilberto

João Gilberto

A delicate blend of Brazilian rhythms and soft vocals that evoke the warmth of sunlit afternoons.

Start here

Meus Caros Amigos

Chico Buarque

Meus Caros Amigos

A poignant blend of samba and MPB that captures Brazil's socio-political landscape through intimate storytelling and vibrant melodies.

Start here

Acabou Chorare

Novos Baianos

Acabou Chorare

'Acabou Chorare' captures the heart of Novos Baianos' artistic vision by merging rhythmic samba with psychedelic influences. It's an essential listening experience that reflects their innovative spirit and offers insight into the band's creative process during a pivotal time in Brazilian music.

Start here

Elis

Elis Regina

Elis

A vibrant fusion of bossa nova and samba, exploring Brazilian musical traditions with emotive vocals and intricate arrangements.

Start here

Elis

Elis Regina

Elis

Elis Regina's voice intertwines with intricate harmonies and rich Brazilian rhythms, creating an intimate yet vibrant listening experience.

Start here

Construção

Chico Buarque

Construção

'Construção' encapsulates the essence of Buarque’s musical identity, blending captivating melodies with socially conscious themes. Its innovative structure invites listeners to appreciate both the beauty of the sound and the weight of its meaning.

Start here

Previsão do Tempo

Marcos Valle

Previsão do Tempo

This album presents a balanced collection of tracks that embody Valle's signature style, making it a starting point for new listeners. With its smooth transitions between songs, it immerses you in a seamless exploration of his musical landscape.

Start here

Mel

Maria Bethânia

Mel

A rich tapestry of Brazilian rhythms and poetic lyrics, blending samba with introspective melodies and emotive vocal delivery.

Start here

Astrud Gilberto Now

Astrud Gilberto

Astrud Gilberto Now

A vibrant blend of bossa nova and samba rhythms, enriched by Gilberto's soft, ethereal vocals that evoke a sense of longing.

Start here

That Girl from Ipanema

Astrud Gilberto

That Girl from Ipanema

Soft, breezy melodies intertwine with gentle rhythms, embodying the essence of bossa nova and Brazilian samba influences.

Start here

Alvorecer

Clara Nunes

Alvorecer

A vibrant fusion of samba rhythms and poetic lyrics that reflects Brazil's cultural richness and emotional depth.

Start here

Clara Nunes

Clara Nunes

Clara Nunes

A vibrant fusion of samba and Brazilian folk, rich with rhythmic complexity and vocal depth that evokes the heart of Brazil.

Start here

Cartola

Cartola

Cartola

A lush tapestry of samba rhythms intertwines with poignant lyrics, evoking the spirit of Brazilian culture and personal introspection.

Start here

Maria Fumaça

Banda Black Rio

Maria Fumaça

A vibrant fusion of samba rhythms and funk grooves, energizing the listener with its infectious energy and Brazilian cultural flair.

Start here