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.
Quincy Jones
I Dig Dancers
A vibrant blend of jazz and bossa nova that dances between playful rhythms and lush melodies.
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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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Françoise Hardy
If You Listen
A seamless blend of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics, reflecting Hardy's signature style.
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Françoise Hardy
Françoise
A dreamy blend of French chanson and bossa nova, enveloped in nostalgic melancholy.
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Jorge Ben
O Bidú – Silêncio no Brooklin
Joyful rhythms merge samba and bossa nova with playful melodies and Jorge Ben's distinctive voice.
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Jorge Ben
Sacundin Ben Samba
A vibrant fusion of samba rhythms and bossa nova melodies that grooves with joyful spontaneity.
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Ringo Sheena
Hi Izuru Tokoro
A kaleidoscopic blend of pop, jazz, and rock that captures the essence of modern Japanese life.
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Ringo Sheena
Watashi to Hōden
A kaleidoscopic blend of genres, ranging from bossa nova to punk rock, wrapped in intricate arrangements.
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Lalo Schifrin
Samba Para Dos
A vibrant fusion of bossa nova and jazz, imbued with lush orchestrations and rhythmic intricacies.
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Lalo Schifrin
Gypsies
A vibrant fusion of jazz and Latin rhythms, weaving a narrative through rich orchestration and evocative melodies.
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Rita Lee
Babilônia
A vibrant fusion of bossa nova and rock, with playful lyrics and rhythmic grooves that invite both dance and reflection.
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Rita Lee
3001
A vibrant fusion of Brazilian pop and rock, infused with playful lyrics and dynamic rhythms.
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Herbie Mann
Richard Rodgers’ No Strings. An After‐Theatre Version
A vibrant blend of jazz and Broadway, radiating warmth and sophistication with each melodic twist.
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Herbie Mann
Flute Soufflé
A vibrant fusion of jazz and world music, characterized by expressive flute melodies and rich rhythmic textures.
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Vince Guaraldi
Oh Good Grief!
A breezy mix of playful melodies and jazzy rhythms, evoking the whimsical charm of childhood.
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Vince Guaraldi
Vince Guaraldi and the Lost Cues from the Charlie Brown Television Specials, Volume 2
Playful melodies intermingle with whimsical arrangements, capturing childhood nostalgia through jazz-infused instrumentals.
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João Gilberto
Getz/Gilberto #2
A lush tapestry of bossa nova rhythms interwoven with smooth jazz, evoking sun-drenched Brazilian landscapes.
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João Gilberto
João Gilberto
Intimate acoustic arrangements intertwine with Gilberto's soft vocals, creating a serene exploration of Brazilian musical heritage.
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Antônio Carlos Jobim
The Composer of Desafinado, Plays
A suave blend of intricate melodies and laid-back rhythms that defines the essence of bossa nova.
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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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Astrud Gilberto
Plus
A lush blend of bossa nova and jazz-infused samba, inviting listeners to a warm, melodic escape.
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Astrud Gilberto
September 17, 1969
A soothing blend of bossa nova and jazz, infused with contemplative lyrics and soft, melodic arrangements.
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Gal Costa
Caras e Bocas
A vibrant fusion of bossa nova, pop, and psychedelic rock, rich with emotive vocals and intricate arrangements.
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Gal Costa
Gal
A vibrant fusion of bossa nova and psychedelic rock that radiates Brazil's cultural richness.
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