Brazilian Music Hits: 70s, 80s, & 90s On YouTube

Hey music lovers! Ready for a trip down memory lane? Let's dive into the awesome world of Brazilian music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. We're talking about those national hits that had everyone singing along, whether at family parties, on the radio, or even in the shower. And guess what? A lot of these gems are available on YouTube, just waiting for you to rediscover them. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the rhythms and melodies that defined an era!

The Golden Era of Brazilian Music

The 70s, 80s, and 90s were truly a golden era for Brazilian music. Each decade brought its unique flavor, influenced by social changes, cultural movements, and technological advancements. In the 70s, we saw the rise of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) with its sophisticated lyrics and intricate arrangements. Artists like Chico Buarque, Elis Regina, and Caetano Veloso dominated the scene, offering a blend of protest songs and poetic ballads. The 70s also saw the emergence of samba-rock, a fusion genre that brought a new energy to Brazilian music.

Then came the 80s, a decade of experimentation and diversity. Rock Brasileiro exploded onto the scene with bands like Legião Urbana, Titãs, and Paralamas do Sucesso. These bands captured the spirit of a generation, singing about love, politics, and everyday life. Synth-pop and new wave also made their mark, adding a modern touch to the Brazilian music landscape. Meanwhile, the sertanejo genre, a type of country music, started to gain national popularity, paving the way for future stars.

The 90s brought a mix of everything. Axé music from Bahia became a national phenomenon, with high-energy rhythms and catchy melodies. Sertanejo continued its rise, evolving into a more polished and commercial sound. And of course, there was the continued influence of rock and pop, with bands like Skank and Jota Quest achieving mainstream success. The 90s also saw the emergence of new genres like manguebeat, a fusion of rock, funk, and regional rhythms from Pernambuco.

Finding the Best Brazilian Music on YouTube

So, how do you find these musical treasures on YouTube? It's easier than you might think! Start by searching for specific artists or songs that you remember from those decades. Try keywords like "Chico Buarque 70s," "Legião Urbana 80s," or "Axé Bahia 90s." You can also search for general terms like "Brazilian music 70s," "Brazilian rock 80s," or "Brazilian pop 90s." Don't forget to add the word "nacional" to your search to focus on the hits that were popular throughout Brazil.

Another great way to discover music on YouTube is to explore playlists. Many users have created playlists dedicated to Brazilian music from specific decades or genres. Look for playlists with titles like "Brazilian Music 70s Playlist," "80s Brazilian Rock Anthems," or "90s Axé Music Hits." These playlists can be a fantastic way to discover new artists and songs that you might not have heard before. And don't be afraid to check out YouTube channels dedicated to Brazilian music. Some channels specialize in uploading rare recordings, live performances, and music documentaries.

Must-Listen Artists and Songs

To get you started on your musical journey, here are some must-listen artists and songs from each decade:

70s

• Chico Buarque: "Construção," "Apesar de Você"
• Elis Regina: "Águas de Março," "Como Nossos Pais"
• Caetano Veloso: "Alegria, Alegria," "Sozinho"
• Gilberto Gil: "Aquele Abraço," "Andar com Fé"
• Milton Nascimento: "Maria Maria," "Travessia"

These artists defined the MPB scene with their poetic lyrics and sophisticated arrangements. Their songs are timeless classics that continue to resonate with listeners today. Chico Buarque's socially conscious lyrics, Elis Regina's powerful vocals, and Caetano Veloso's innovative compositions are just a few examples of the musical genius that emerged from the 70s.

80s

• Legião Urbana: "Eduardo e Mônica," "Tempo Perdido"
• Titãs: "Sonífera Ilha," "Comida"
• Paralamas do Sucesso: "Óculos," "Meu Erro"
• RPM: "Olhar 43," "Rádio Pirata"
• Blitz: "Você Não Soube Me Amar," "A Dois Passos do Paraíso"

The 80s were all about rock brasileiro, and these bands were at the forefront of the movement. Their songs captured the energy and spirit of a generation, singing about love, politics, and everyday life. Legião Urbana's introspective lyrics, Titãs' irreverent humor, and Paralamas do Sucesso's innovative sound are just a few examples of the musical diversity that defined the decade.

90s

• Skank: "Garota Nacional," "Jackie Tequila"
• Jota Quest: "Encontrar Alguém," "Fácil"
• Daniela Mercury: "O Canto da Cidade," "Swing da Cor"
• Chiclete com Banana: "Voa Voa," "100% Você"
• Leandro e Leonardo: "Pense em Mim," "Não Aprendi Dizer Adeus"

The 90s brought a mix of genres, from rock and pop to axé and sertanejo. These artists achieved mainstream success with their catchy melodies and high-energy performances. Skank's infectious rhythms, Jota Quest's romantic ballads, and Daniela Mercury's electrifying stage presence are just a few examples of the musical diversity that emerged from the decade.

Why This Music Still Matters

Why should you care about Brazilian music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s? Because it's more than just nostalgia. This music tells a story about Brazil's cultural and social history. It reflects the hopes, dreams, and struggles of a nation. It's a reminder of a time when music was a powerful force for change and expression. Plus, it's just plain good music! The melodies are catchy, the rhythms are infectious, and the lyrics are often profound.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to Brazilian music, there's something for everyone to discover. So, head over to YouTube, start exploring, and get ready to be transported back in time. You might just find your new favorite song or rediscover an old classic. And who knows, you might even learn a few new Portuguese phrases along the way! So, go ahead, guys, dive in and enjoy the sounds of Brazil's golden era. You won't regret it!