Brazilian Old Music: Best Of 70s, 80s & 90s

Hey guys! Let's dive into the amazing world of Brazilian old music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s! These decades were a golden age for Brazilian music, filled with iconic artists, unforgettable hits, and diverse genres. We're going to explore some of the top tracks and artists that defined these eras, giving you a taste of the rich musical history of Brazil. So, get ready to groove and discover some new (or old!) favorites.

The Magical 70s: A Revolution in Sound

The 1970s in Brazil were marked by significant cultural and political changes, and the music scene was no exception. This decade saw the rise of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), which blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with international influences like rock and jazz. Artists like Chico Buarque, Elis Regina, and Gilberto Gil became incredibly popular, using their music to express social and political commentary. Their songs often reflected the struggles and hopes of the Brazilian people during a period of military dictatorship, making their music deeply meaningful and impactful.

Elis Regina, for example, was known for her powerful voice and emotive performances. Her interpretations of songs like "Águas de Março" are considered classics. Chico Buarque used his songwriting to subtly critique the government, while Gilberto Gil experimented with different sounds and styles, pushing the boundaries of Brazilian music. It was also the era of Tropicalia, a movement that embraced cultural diversity and challenged traditional norms. Artists like Caetano Veloso and Os Mutantes brought psychedelic rock and avant-garde ideas into the mainstream, creating a unique and vibrant sound.

Beyond MPB and Tropicalia, the 70s also saw the emergence of funk and soul influences in Brazilian music. Bands like Tim Maia brought a new energy to the scene, blending Brazilian rhythms with American soul music. Tim Maia's energetic performances and catchy tunes made him a huge star, and his music continues to be celebrated today. The 70s were a time of great creativity and innovation in Brazilian music, laying the foundation for the decades that followed. It's a decade that truly showcased the power of music to reflect and shape society, making it an essential part of Brazil's cultural heritage. If you want to understand the soul of Brazilian music, the 70s are a great place to start.

The Electrifying 80s: Pop and Rock Take Over

The 1980s brought a new wave of energy to Brazilian music, with pop and rock taking center stage. This decade saw the rise of Brazilian rock bands like Legião Urbana, Titãs, and Paralamas do Sucesso, who captured the angst and aspirations of a younger generation. These bands brought a raw, rebellious energy to the music scene, singing about love, politics, and everyday life in a way that resonated with millions of fans. Legião Urbana, led by the iconic Renato Russo, became the voice of a generation with their poetic lyrics and powerful performances.

Pop music also flourished in the 80s, with artists like Xuxa becoming national icons. Xuxa's children's songs and TV shows made her a beloved figure, and her music brought joy and innocence to the decade. Other pop stars like Blitz and Roupa Nova also dominated the charts, with catchy tunes and memorable performances. These artists brought a sense of fun and excitement to the music scene, creating a vibrant and diverse pop landscape. The 80s were also a time of experimentation with electronic music, with artists like Kraftwerk influencing Brazilian musicians. This led to the development of a unique Brazilian electronic sound, blending traditional rhythms with futuristic synths and drum machines.

The decade also saw the continued success of MPB artists, who adapted to the changing musical landscape. Artists like Djavan and Marina Lima brought a more contemporary sound to MPB, incorporating elements of pop and rock into their music. The 80s were a time of great change and innovation in Brazilian music, with pop and rock leading the way. It was a decade that celebrated youth, energy, and creativity, leaving a lasting impact on Brazilian culture. Whether you're a fan of rock, pop, or MPB, the 80s have something for everyone. It's a decade that truly embodies the spirit of Brazilian music: diverse, energetic, and always evolving.

The Groovy 90s: Diversity and Innovation

The 1990s in Brazil were a time of great musical diversity, with various genres and styles coexisting and influencing each other. This decade saw the rise of samba-reggae, a fusion of traditional samba rhythms with reggae beats, popularized by bands like Olodum. Olodum's infectious rhythms and socially conscious lyrics made them a global phenomenon, bringing Brazilian music to audiences around the world. The 90s also saw the emergence of manguebeat, a cultural movement that blended rock, funk, and traditional northeastern Brazilian rhythms. Chico Science & Nação Zumbi were pioneers of this movement, creating a unique and innovative sound that celebrated Brazilian culture while pushing musical boundaries.

In addition to samba-reggae and manguebeat, the 90s also saw the continued success of pop and rock artists. Bands like Skank and Jota Quest became hugely popular, with catchy tunes and energetic performances. These bands brought a sense of fun and optimism to the music scene, appealing to a wide range of audiences. The decade also saw the rise of female artists like Marisa Monte, who blended pop, samba, and MPB influences to create a sophisticated and unique sound. Marisa Monte's beautiful voice and thoughtful lyrics made her a critical and commercial success.

The 90s were also a time of experimentation with electronic music, with artists like Suba pushing the boundaries of Brazilian electronic music. Suba's innovative use of samples and textures created a dreamy and atmospheric sound that was both futuristic and deeply rooted in Brazilian tradition. The decade was a melting pot of musical styles and influences, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of Brazilian culture. From samba-reggae to manguebeat to pop and rock, the 90s had something for everyone. It was a decade that celebrated creativity, innovation, and the power of music to bring people together. Exploring the music of the 90s is like taking a journey through the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of Brazilian culture.

Top Artists and Songs You Need to Know

To truly appreciate the Brazilian old music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, it's essential to know some of the top artists and songs that defined these eras. Here’s a curated list to get you started:

70s:

• Elis Regina: "Águas de Março", "Como Nossos Pais"
• Chico Buarque: "Construção", "Roda Viva"
• Gilberto Gil: "Aquele Abraço", "Andar com Fé"
• Caetano Veloso: "Sozinho", "Alegria, Alegria"
• Tim Maia: "Não Quero Dinheiro (Só Quero Amar)", "Azul da Cor do Mar"

80s:

• Legião Urbana: "Eduardo e Mônica", "Tempo Perdido"
• Titãs: "Sonífera Ilha", "Comida"
• Paralamas do Sucesso: "Lanterna dos Afogados", "Alagados"
• Xuxa: "Ilariê", "Parabéns da Xuxa"
• Blitz: "Você Não Soube Me Amar", "A Dois Passos do Paraíso"

90s:

• Chico Science & Nação Zumbi: "A Cidade", "Maracatu Atômico"
• Olodum: "Faraó Divindade do Egito", "Avisa Lá"
• Skank: "Garota Nacional", "Jackie Tequila"
• Jota Quest: "Encontrar Alguém", "Amor Maior"
• Marisa Monte: "Bem Que Se Quis", "Ainda Lembro"

Why This Music Still Matters Today

The Brazilian old music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s continues to resonate with audiences today for several reasons. Firstly, the songs often carry timeless messages of love, hope, and social commentary that are still relevant in contemporary society. Secondly, the music showcases the incredible talent and creativity of Brazilian artists, who blended diverse influences to create unique and innovative sounds. Thirdly, this music is an essential part of Brazil's cultural heritage, representing a pivotal period in the country's history and artistic development.

Moreover, listening to these songs can provide a deeper understanding of Brazilian culture and society, offering insights into the country's struggles, triumphs, and aspirations. The music also evokes a sense of nostalgia for many Brazilians, reminding them of their childhoods and the cultural landscape of their youth. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to Brazilian music, exploring the sounds of the 70s, 80s, and 90s is a rewarding experience that will enrich your appreciation of Brazilian culture and the power of music. So, dive in and discover the magic of Brazilian old music – you won't be disappointed!