The albums that define
bossa nova.
Our picks for where to start with bossa nova — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top bossa nova artists
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The bossa nova essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Françoise Hardy
If You Listen
A delicate blend of French pop and bossa nova, characterized by introspective lyrics and Hardy's ethereal vocals.
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Françoise Hardy
Françoise
A dreamy blend of lush melodies and introspective lyrics, enveloped in the warmth of French pop and bossa nova influences.
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Quincy Jones
I Dig Dancers
A vibrant blend of jazz and rhythm, infused with playful melodies and intricate arrangements that invite listeners to move.
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Quincy Jones
Q's Jook Joint
A vibrant blend of jazz, funk, and soul that echoes the spirit of a lively jook joint gathering.
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Ringo Sheena
Hi Izuru Tokoro
A kaleidoscopic blend of genres where jazz-infused melodies intertwine with pop sensibilities and experimental rock textures.
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Ringo Sheena
Carnival
A vibrant fusion of alternative rock and traditional Japanese sounds creates a rich tapestry of rhythmic exploration and lyrical depth.
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Jorge Ben
O Bidú – Silêncio no Brooklin
A vibrant fusion of samba and bossa nova radiating warmth and rhythmic intricacy from the heart of Brazil.
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Jorge Ben
Sacundin Ben Samba
A vibrant fusion of samba rhythms and bossa nova harmonies, bringing Brazilian music to a broader audience.
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João Gilberto
João Gilberto
A delicate blend of Brazilian rhythms and soft vocals that evoke the warmth of sunlit afternoons.
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João Gilberto
João Voz e Violão
Intimate guitar and soft vocals create a serene landscape of bossa nova, echoing the essence of Brazilian musical tradition.
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Antônio Carlos Jobim
The Composer of Desafinado, Plays
This album captures the essence of Jobim's artistry, featuring his signature compositions that beautifully marry melody and rhythm. It's a foundational work that reflects both his innovative spirit and the heart of bossa nova.
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Antônio Carlos Jobim
Jobim
A lush tapestry of bossa nova rhythms intertwined with jazz harmonies that evoke the beauty of Brazil's landscapes.
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Lalo Schifrin
Rock Requiem
A fusion of classical choral elements and rock instrumentation creates an ambitious, dynamic exploration of faith and existential themes.
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Lalo Schifrin
Samba Para Dos
This album highlights Schifrin's ability to merge different musical styles while maintaining a strong sense of rhythm. It serves as a gateway to his broader body of work, presenting a variety of moods and textures that reflect his mastery in blending genres.
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Rita Lee
Babilônia
'Babilônia' highlights Rita Lee's signature style, combining engaging melodies with thoughtful lyrics that reflect her evolution as an artist. It's a well-rounded experience that lays the groundwork for understanding her impact on Brazilian music.
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Rita Lee
3001
A vibrant fusion of Brazilian pop and rock, rich with playful melodies and sharp lyrical wit.
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Herbie Mann
Richard Rodgers’ No Strings. An After‐Theatre Version
A vibrant fusion of jazz and Broadway, blending melodic sophistication with rhythmic charm that invites listeners to dance.
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Herbie Mann
Flute Soufflé
A vibrant blend of jazz and world music, featuring intricate flute melodies over rhythmic, percussive backdrops.
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Vince Guaraldi
Oh Good Grief!
This specific album highlights Guaraldi's ability to create memorable melodies paired with intricate rhythms, for those looking to understand his sound. It balances upbeat tunes with reflective moments, giving a well-rounded view of his artistry.
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Vince Guaraldi
Vince Guaraldi and the Lost Cues from the Charlie Brown Television Specials, Volume 2
Whimsical jazz melodies intertwine with nostalgic themes, evoking the charm of childhood innocence and playful adventures.
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Toquinho
Casa de brinquedos
A whimsical exploration of childhood through playful melodies and lyrical storytelling, blending bossa nova with elements of Brazilian folk.
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Toquinho
Boca da noite
A tender blend of bossa nova rhythms and poetic lyrics that evoke the warmth of Brazilian nights.
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N.E.R.D.
Fly or Die
A vibrant fusion of funk-rock grooves, hip-hop beats, and experimental sounds that defy genre boundaries.
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N.E.R.D.
In Search of...
A genre-defying blend of funk rock, hip-hop, and orchestral pop creating a sonic landscape that's both vibrant and introspective.
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where bossa nova landed in each era.