Like everywhere, Rio de Janeiro also has its problems. But it’s not called the Marvelous City, full of a thousand charms, for nothing. As well as the famous Carnival march, other artists have also praised the beaches, landscapes and beauties of Rio in their songs. So check out 8 songs about Rio de Janeiro to listen to and fall even more in love with the city!
Aquele Abraço, by Gilberto Gil
Despite being a super positive song that extols the qualities of Rio de Janeiro, Gilberto Gil ‘s song has a lot of history – and ironies – behind it. This is because it was released during the Military Dictatorship and, after being imprisoned for two months, the singer wrote the famous verses as a way of talking about the city during a period of such censorship.
It sounds cute, but when the artist sends “that hug” to the people of Realengo, it was to ironize the way he was treated in prison, which was located in the West Zone district. But, despite everything, Rio is still beautiful and continues to be.
Rio 40 Degrees, by Fernanda Abreu
Nothing sums up “the purgatory of beauty and chaos” as well as Fernanda Abreu ‘s verses in the song Rio 40 Graus. In it, the singer has captured all the best – and not so good – things about the city and written a song about it.
She also talks about suburban favela kids , street vendors, the middle class, MPs, manicurists, madams and so many other carioca characters who pass through the city and make it what it is. The dancing beat makes the song even more special.
Do Leme ao Pontal, by Tim Maia
Among the songs about Rio de Janeiro, the song written and sung by Tim Maia makes a beautiful declaration of love for the city’s beach landscape, highlighting all the beauties that go from Leme to Pontal.
The song dates back to the 1980s, but it is still sung to the top of its lungs at street parties and festivities in Rio, preferably with lots of guaraná, cashew juice and guava for dessert!
Cariocas, by Adriana Calcanhoto
Beautiful, cool, dirty and they don’t like cloudy days. Adriana Calcanhotto described Cariocas in her song and we can only say one thing: she’s not wrong!
Whether it’s their accent, their expressions, their attitude or the way they lead their lives, there are things that only those who are from Rio de Janeiro understand and, for this very reason, Cariocas make this city unique!
Address of the dances, by MCs Júnior and Leonardo
Speaking of cariocas, funk is a very characteristic rhythm of the city. But, despite all the evolution of the movement, the beats and the lyrics, there are songs that have made a mark and have gone down in history. ‘Endereço dos bailes’ is one of them, released in 1995.
At the time, the song by MCs Júnior and Leonardo, from Rocinha, became one of the duo’s biggest hits and is still a hit at parties today. In it, they call for “peace to rock” and also take a tour of the best funk dances in the city. You’ll have to be in the mood to memorize them all!
Cidade Maravilhosa, by André Filho and Aurora Miranda
Even if you’re not a Carnival fan, you’ve probably heard the famous verses “Cidade Maravilhosa, cheia de encantos mil” (Wonderful City, full of a thousand charms) . They are part of the carnival marchinha composed by André Filho and Aurora Miranda in 1934, which has become one of the most famous songs about Rio de Janeiro.
It’s worth noting, however, that this nickname came about much earlier! It was given by the Maranhão writer Coelho Neto in the article “Os sertanejos”, published in 1908, to pay homage to Rio’s natural beauty.
Samba do Avião, by Tom Jobim
Anyone arriving in Rio de Janeiro by plane has a privileged view of the main tourist attractions. But if you’ve never had the feeling of seeing the city from above, just listen to the song “Samba do Avião” by Tom Jobim.
In it, the singer describes the feeling of coming home and having the experience of seeing all the beautiful natural landscapes of the city. Not for nothing, Rio’s international airport is named after the singer, as a tribute to the illustrious resident.
Rio de Janeiro, by Barry White
Rio de Janeiro is so famous that its beauty has also been praised by international artists, did you know that? Singer Barry White was just one of those who surrendered to its charms and wrote “Rio de Janeiro” when he visited the city.
In the song, the unmistakable bass voice tells us how much he loves the fun, the sun and the people, as well as describing the places he visited, such as Sugarloaf Mountain and the cable car. According to Barry White, there’s no other place like Rio!