Probably when talking about Portuguese music the first thing that comes to memory is the Fado music style or nothing at all.
Before showing the style of Fado music that is the most characteristic of Portugal, I decided to create a short article to show other singers and musics with different styles.
Maybe you know some songs because some were translated to many different languages and appeared in series, mainly American and Brazilian, including some hollywood films.
For example, the first song I wanted to show you called "Canção do Mar" (Song of the Sea) by Dulce Pontes was in some series such as "Southland" or the Brazilian series "As pupilas do senhor reitor" (The pupils of the Lord Rector). If you have seen the movie "Primal Fear" (1996 with Richard Gere and Edward Norton) you will probably recognize the song that is played several times. This song was initially sung by Amália Rodrigues, the most famous fado singer in Portugal in 1955 but the Dulce version is the best known and most acclaimed.
Canção do Mar - Dulce Pontes
Perhaps the group that had more projection outside of Portugal was the group "Madredeus" with its unique style. The group played in more than 40 countries, including North Korea, and was very much appreciated in Japan. Listen to the fantastic music "Haja o que houver" (Come what may) is with the voice of Teresa Salgueiro.
Haja o que houver - Madredeus
Usually the lyrics of the songs are very rich, full of meaning, mainly in music fado but also in these. Here is a translation I found of the song:
Come what may
I'm here
Come what may
I wait for you
Back in the wind
My love
Back soon
Please
For how long
I have forgotten
Because I was
Far from you
Each moment is worse
Back in the wind
Please
I know, I know
Who you are to me
Come what may
I wait for you
The next song is "Pedra Filosofal" 1969 by Manuel Freire, an adaptation of a poem created by António Gedeão that won the singer several awards and distinctions.
Pedra filosofal - Manuel Freire
Well, you probably already know the winner of Eurovision this year (2017) Salvador Sobral sang the song "Amar pelos Dois" written by his sister Luisa Sobral. Luisa Sobral is also have an extraordinary voice, in the next video she sings an original song for her newborn son, "Para Ti" in an informal context.
Para ti - Luísa Sobral
To change the bit the style of the songs I chose a Rock-Pop from the Portuguese band Amor Electro. The next song is called "A Máquina" (The Machine) with vocalist Mariza Liz.
A Máquina - Amor Electro
For the latest video the Portuguese born Reggae artist Richie Campbell with the song "That's how we roll"
That's How We Roll - Richie Campbell
I hope you enjoyed the article, next time I'll talk about Portuguese traditional music: Fado music.
