The 20 best Portuguese songs of all time

Amália, Zeca Afonso, Madredeus, Xutos & Pontapés, Rádio Macau, Azeitonas. Yes, there could be many others here.

Like many other lists, choosing the 20 best Portuguese songs of all time is complex.
There is no unanimity, there is no consensus, each person has their own opinion, their tastes, even memories.

Therefore, on the weekend of the first semi-final of the Festival da Canção (and because 25% of the songs on the list passed through the event), we asked a recent “friend” called ChatGPT for help – to leave human opinions/feelings out of this analysis.

“Canção do Mar” – Amália Rodrigues
One of the most famous fado singers of all time, synonymous with Portugal for decades: Amália took fado to the world. This poem by Frederico de Brito, with music by Ferrer Trindade (1955) was even called “Solidão” at the beginning. It touched the hearts of many Portuguese people, whether or not they were connected to the sea.

“Grândola, Vila Morena” – Zeca Afonso
One of the biggest names in Portuguese music ever. The song is the symbol of April 25, 1974 – although it was recorded three years earlier. Lyrics and music by José Afonso himself. And Grândola never remained indifferent again.

“Povo que Lavas no Rio” – Amália Rodrigues
Perhaps the most emblematic song that Amália starred in. Written by Pedro Homem de Mello, music by Joaquim Campos. From 1963.

“Os Putos” – Carlos do Carmo
Lyrics by the incomparable Ary dos Santos and interpretation by the incomparable Carlos do Carmo. A nostalgic song that talks about childhood.

“A minha casinha” – Xutos & Pontapés
A Portuguese rock anthem. All said. Well, that’s not all said: the original is from… 1943. And Milú’s interpretation, in the film ‘O Costa do Castelo’, was far from being rock.

“Chamar a Música” – Sara Tavares
A song and a singer that marked the 1990s in Portugal. Which captivated the Portuguese at the 1994 Song Festival.

“Sol de Inverno” – Simone de Oliveira
Another of the great songs of the Festival da Canção. Another of the great singers in our history.

“O pastor” – Madredeus
A band that combined fado with modern influences, with an unmistakable record that could convince crowds. Teresa Salgueiro’s unmistakable voice, which is still heard many times today.

“Cavalo à solta” – Fernando Tordo
The only one on this list that went through the Song Festival but didn’t win; there was strong competition – “Menina” and “Flor sem tempo”.

“Menina que estás à janela” – Vitorino
A beautiful folk song, passed down through generations and generations. It’s still an inspiration for successes today (isn’t it, D.A.M.A.?).

“Lisboa Menina e Moça” – Carlos do Carmo
The best-known tribute to the capital of Portugal. It serves as a soundtrack in countless contexts.

“Ó Gente da Minha Terra” – Mariza
The first representative of the 21st century – although the lyrics were written by… Amália Rodrigues. Mariza revitalized fado for the new generation (even if you don’t understand all the verses she sings).

“Desfolhada Portuguesa” – Simone de Oliveira
There are several highlights in this 1969 melody. An iconic song from the RTP da Canção Festival. Lyrics by Ary dos Santos. That green dress. It gave rise to an unrepeatable reception at the Santa Apolónia station (and had placed second to last in Eurovision).

“O Anzol” – Radio Macau
One of the most influential bands in Portuguese alternative rock, with a simple but unmistakable melody.

“Anda comigo ver os aviões” – Os Azeitonas
The most recent song on the list. It took a television program to make this beautiful creation by Miguel Araújo “immortal”.

“Foi Feitiço” – André Sardet
A well-known romantic song, still repeated many times today.

“Se Te Amo” – Quinta do Bill
A band that combines rock with traditional music and that marked a phase in Portuguese music.

“Para os Braços da Minha Mãe” – Pedro Abrunhosa
An emotional and introspective song. An untouchable name among the “greats”.

“Gaivotas” – Amália Rodrigues
Another pearl from Amália. Very well known in the 21st century, thanks to the Amália Hoje project.

“E depois do adeus” – Paulo de Carvalho
The first “password” for the Carnation Revolution. He had won the Song Festival that year, 1974.

Source: ZAP Notícias