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
Start with one of these.
The bossa nova essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Jorge Ben
A Tábua de Esmeralda
A vibrant fusion of samba rock and bossa nova, rich with mystical themes and rhythmic intricacies.
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Chico Buarque
Chico
A tender blend of bossa nova and samba, infused with introspective lyrics and lush melodies.
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Lalo Schifrin
Rush Hour 3 – Original Motion Picture Score
A vibrant blend of jazz-infused orchestration and action-packed motifs that evoke cinematic excitement.
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Vince Guaraldi
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving – Original Soundtrack Recording
A playful blend of jazz harmonies and whimsical melodies that capture the essence of childhood nostalgia.
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Quincy Jones
Back on the Block
A vibrant fusion of funk, jazz, and R&B that celebrates musical heritage with a contemporary twist.
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Quincy Jones
Sounds...and Stuff Like That!!
A vibrant fusion of funk, jazz, and soul that invites listeners to groove and reflect.
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Quincy Jones
Walking in Space
A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and bossa nova that captures the spirit of late '60s experimentation.
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Quincy Jones
Smackwater Jack
A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and soul that radiates both sophistication and groove.
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Vince Guaraldi
Essential Standards
A soothing blend of jazz standards and bossa nova rhythms, infused with Guaraldi's signature melodic touch.
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Vince Guaraldi
A Charlie Brown Christmas
A jazzy, whimsical soundtrack that perfectly encapsulates the nostalgic spirit of Christmas through charming melodies and gentle rhythms.
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Quincy Jones
You've Got It Bad Girl
A vibrant fusion of funk, jazz, and soul that grooves effortlessly through lush instrumentation.
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Quincy Jones
Body Heat
A sultry blend of jazz, funk, and soul that resonates with lush instrumentation and groove-laden rhythms.
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Quincy Jones
Q's Jook Joint
A vibrant fusion of jazz, soul, and funk that celebrates the joy of music and community.
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Herbie Mann
Reggae
A vibrant fusion of jazz and reggae rhythms that invites listeners to dance and reflect.
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Lalo Schifrin
Black Widow
A vibrant fusion of jazz and bossa nova, intertwining cinematic arrangements with intricate melodies.
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Jorge Ben
Samba Esquema Novo
A vibrant fusion of samba rhythms and bossa nova harmonies, infused with playful lyrics and infectious grooves.
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Jorge Ben
10 Anos Depois
A vibrant fusion of samba, bossa nova, and funk that celebrates Brazilian culture with infectious grooves.
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Jorge Ben
Jorge Ben
A vibrant fusion of samba, bossa nova, and rock that dances through infectious grooves and playful melodies.
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Jorge Ben
Fôrça Bruta
A vibrant fusion of samba, bossa nova, and rock rhythms celebrating Brazilian culture and life.
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Antônio Carlos Jobim
The Wonderful World of Antonio Carlos Jobim
A lush tapestry of melodic bossa nova and samba, woven with Jobim's signature harmonies and poetic lyrics.
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Antônio Carlos Jobim
Jobim
A lush tapestry of Brazilian rhythms and melodies that seamlessly blend jazz with bossa nova's elegance.
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Chico Buarque
Chico Buarque
A vibrant blend of samba and bossa nova that reflects Brazil's socio-political landscape with poignant lyricism.
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Chico Buarque
Meus Caros Amigos
A poignant blend of samba rhythms and poetic lyrics reflecting the Brazilian socio-political landscape.
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João Gilberto
O Amor, o Sorriso e a Flor
A delicate blend of bossa nova rhythms and soft, intimate melodies that evoke warmth and nostalgia.
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