Best 100 bossa nova releases

Bossa nova is a style of Brazilian music that emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It combines samba rhythms with jazz harmonies and a laid-back, often romantic sensibility. The genre was pioneered by artists like João Gilberto, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and Vinicius de Moraes, who brought a fresh approach to Brazilian music by incorporating elements of cool jazz and bebop.

The music is characterized by its distinctive syncopated rhythms, with a focus on the guitar and percussion. Bossa nova lyrics are often sung in Portuguese and are known for their poetic and romantic nature. The genre has had a significant impact on popular music around the world, and many artists have incorporated bossa nova elements into their own work.