Learn Portuguese with R&B Music with these 23 Song Recommendations (Full Translations Included!)
Addicted to love
In Droga, Brazilian songstress IZA paints passion as the most tempting substance of all. The lyrics reveal a lover who swears they are done, yet keeps coming back for another “dose” of her kiss. Every touch scrambles their logic, makes their heart scream, and turns a simple embrace into an irresistible high.
IZA flips the usual breakup story by offering herself as both the cause and the cure. She teases her partner’s “withdrawal,” promises gentle treatment, and insists that the only side effects will be memories of her lips and the marks she leaves behind. It is a playful anthem about the magnetic pull of chemistry, where desire outruns reason and the remedy for longing is—quite simply—more of the same sweet addiction.
“Ai Se Eu Te Pego” is a light-hearted party anthem that captures the electric moment when someone spots an irresistible crush on the dance floor. On a lively Saturday night, the singer sees “a menina mais linda” — the most beautiful girl — and finally gathers the courage to speak. His excited interjections — “Nossa, nossa” (Wow, wow) and “Ai, se eu te pego” (Oh, if I catch you) — are playful ways to say her beauty is literally killing him with attraction.
The repeated lines mirror the looping rhythms of a club hit, creating a chant everyone can sing while dancing together. At its core, the song is about spontaneous attraction, the thrill of flirting, and the fun of letting loose with friends. Its catchy hook and simple Portuguese phrases have turned it into a global sing-along, making it perfect for learners who want to feel the beat of Brazilian sertanejo universitário while picking up everyday expressions of admiration and excitement.
“Meu Ex-Amor” paints a vivid picture of remembering a love so intense it still tastes sweet and painful at the same time. Amado Batista and Jorge sing about a romance that once made them feel “rich” in affection, only to leave them standing alone with a heart full of saudade – that uniquely Brazilian mix of longing, nostalgia, and tenderness. Even as the singer admits he will never forget those magical moments, he wishes his former partner freedom from the sorrow that now haunts him.
The lyrics swing between cherished memories and present-day loneliness, capturing how love can be both a beautiful gift and a lingering ache. Instead of anger or blame, the song offers a gentle plea: “You don’t deserve so much pain.” This blend of warmth, regret, and enduring care makes the track a heartfelt anthem for anyone who has ever loved deeply, lost that love, and still hopes the other person finds happiness.
“Olha A Explosão” thrusts us straight into the heat of a baile funk party, the high-energy street dances born in Brazil’s favelas. MC Kevinho hypes up a young woman who is a “terrorista” ‑ not a literal trouble-maker, but a dancer so good she blows up the dance floor. The chorus repeats like a chant, spotlighting her explosive moves each time she drops, shakes, and spins her hips to the beat.
Behind the playful repetition, the song is a loud celebration of confidence, body positivity, and the communal vibe of funk culture. Everyone’s eyes are on this fearless dancer because she owns her space, moves with authority, and turns the party into an unforgettable spectacle. The message is simple: when the rhythm hits, let loose, feel the bass in your bones, and get ready for the next big “explosão!”
Deslocado is a heartfelt postcard from the sky, sent by a traveler whose suitcase is packed with more saudade than clothes. While looking down at a garden of clouds and counting the minutes to landing, the singer dreams of the moment her mother appears at the window. The throng of strangers, the alien sunshine, and the towering concrete of the big city all fail to spark any sense of belonging. Her roots lie far away, in the middle of the Atlantic, on the emerald slopes of Madeira—an island that keeps calling her name.
With its hypnotic repetitions and vivid imagery, the song turns homesickness into a gentle anthem. NAPA captures the bittersweet mix of pain and hope that shadows every departure: the loneliness of leaving, the comfort of knowing you can always return, and the unbreakable bond between child and homeland. Anyone who has ever felt out of place will recognise the promise carried in these lines: no matter how distant the journey, home is waiting just beyond the next horizon.
Onde Quero Estar is a shimmering Portuguese pop love letter where Paulo Sousa turns raw emotion into music. He compares himself to a rio (river) that longs to merge with its mar (sea), showing how irresistible the pull toward his beloved is. Every sunrise and sunset becomes a reminder of that magnetism, and the chorus turns into a heartfelt plea: “Beija-me, não quero sufocar”—kiss me, do not let me drown in loneliness. The song paints love as both rescue and refuge, the safe harbor “between the arms where I only want to be.”
Yet this is not a passive yearning. Sousa’s lyrics invite action and adventure: he would steal the sky without hesitation, and he urges his partner to fly, sing, dance, stay. The message is clear: true love is fearless, energetic, and absolutely certain of where it wants to land. Listeners are left with an infectious sense that love, when it is real, feels like an endless pop anthem echoing between two hearts.
Bad Gyal, Tokischa and Young Miko invite us into a neon lit club where swagger, luxury and raw desire take center stage. Chulo Pt. 2 is all about the electric pull between two equally confident lovers: a "chulo" (Spanish slang for a cocky, irresistible guy) whose chain glows in the dark, and a trio of fearless women who match his energy beat for beat. Perfume clouds of Baccarat, the crackle of a cigar and the thump of bass-heavy reggaeton set the mood while each verse brags about designer drip, daring dance moves and bedroom stamina that promises to be “duro” - intense.
Beneath the glitter and flirtation lies a message of empowerment. The women celebrate taking control of their own pleasure, openly voicing what they want and refusing to be tamed or tied down. The result is a playful power exchange where confidence is the ultimate currency. If you are looking for Spanish slang, unapologetic sensuality and a soundtrack to unleash your inner bad gyal, Chulo Pt. 2 is your anthem.
Grito is iolanda’s blazing pop declaration of freedom. From the very first lines, she feels her body “carrying the weight,” yet she dares a queda livre (free fall) and lets the music chronicle that daring leap. Asking the estrela-mãe to “make the day be born again,” she turns every scar into poetry, letting courage glow inside her chest like a newly lit torch.
The chorus repeats that she is a flame that “still burns,” and that refrain becomes a mantra of self-belief. iolanda imagines gathering friends who truly love her, forgiving those who once wished her pain, and proving to herself that she can be anything she dreams. Grito is not just a cry; it is a joyful rallying call to drop old wounds, embrace your inner fire, and step forward with the same fearless wonder you felt when you were a child.
Mó Paz is a feel-good ode to that moment when love slides into your life and suddenly everything feels calm, safe, and deliciously fun. IZA and Ivandro use the Brazilian slang mó paz – big, total peace – to describe the vibe of being with the right person. From the very first “Bom que ‘cê chegou” (So good you arrived), they celebrate a partner who turns ordinary days into a sanctuary of cuddles, faith, and laughter.
Instead of grand gestures, the song highlights cozy snapshots we can all relate to: hopping in an Uber late on a Sunday, sharing pão de queijo while trash-talking TV shows, staying up till sunrise because the conversation (and the chemistry) is just that good. Every line repeats the same sweet message – your hug is my shelter, your presence blows my mind, and I have everything I need right here. “Mó Paz” is a warm invitation to sink into that easy kind of love where tomorrow’s dreams start the moment you open your eyes together.
Un Poco Loco is a joyful whirl of Portuguese and Spanish where playful questions spin into unexpected answers. One voice keeps cheering “Força, miúdo!” and asks simple things like “Que cor é que o céu tem?” Only to hear replies that make no sense - the sky is red, the shoes belong on your head. Each twist leaves the singer more bewildered, yet delighted, shouting that his heart is “um pouco loco”. The chaos grows, but it is a happy chaos: a blessing pouring down, a mind that hurts from thinking too hard yet refuses to lose its freedom.
Under the humor sits a sweet message about love and individuality. The duet shows how affection can scramble logic, paint the sky in wild colors, and make ordinary rules feel pointless. Calling out for a “rapaz vivo” - a boy who is truly alive - the song celebrates people who choose curiosity over conformity. Being loco is not a flaw; it is proof that the heart is still beating, the imagination still racing, and life still worth shouting “Olé!”
“Loucos” is a feel good pop anthem where Angolan-Portuguese star Matias Damasio and guest singer Héber Marques celebrate a love so gigantic that even legendary poet Camões would run out of words. In their world the angels clap, God smiles, and the clouds paint their portraits across the sky. Their hearts are ready to burst, their voices turn hoarse from shouting “eu te amo” over and over, and every kiss feels like proof that paradise can exist on Earth.
Yet while they are floating on this romantic high, the outside world just shakes its head and calls them “loucos” – crazy. Why? Because they talk to themselves in the street, count the stars like treasures, and have permanently “tattooed” each other onto their hearts. The song flips that judgment into a badge of honor: if pure, fearless devotion looks crazy, then bring on the madness! With its catchy melody and joyful lyrics, “Loucos” invites you to sing along, smile wider, and maybe fall a little bit crazy in love yourself.
Sem Filtro (No Filter) is IZA’s playful confession that sometimes all you want is a night of pure chemistry with zero strings attached. She turns off her phone, forgets the clock, and gives herself permission to enjoy the heat of the moment. The lyrics celebrate living in the now: two people step into a bedroom with no plans to stay in love, only to explore desire, R&B rhythms, and a little bit of “boca a boca” fun.
At the same time, the song highlights a confident sense of control. IZA sets her own rules — her heart light is on red, she taps the emotional brakes, yet she is fully present in the physical rush. By embracing honesty and spontaneity, “Sem Filtro” becomes an anthem for anyone who wants passion without pressure, proving that modern romance can be carefree, empowered, and deliciously unapologetic.
“O Grave Bater” is MC Kevinho’s call for an unforgettable summer party. The lyrics paint a lively beach-club scene where the DJ drops a deep, thumping bass line (o grave) and everyone surrenders to the rhythm. Kevinho invites listeners to let go of shyness, raise their hands — and their spirits — while the women showcase their best dance moves, lifting and shaking their hips in perfect sync with the beat. The repeated shout-outs to premium drinks (Jack Daniel’s, Cîroc, Chandon) add a sparkle of luxury, reminding us that this is a night to celebrate without holding back.
At its heart, the song is a celebration of freedom, confidence, and collective joy. By urging “quero ver bumbum mexer” (“I want to see that booty move”), Kevinho highlights the power of music to unite people on the dance floor, encouraging everyone to drop pretenses and simply feel the groove. It’s a rhythmic invitation to turn up the bass, soak in the summer heat, and dance until sunrise.
Sun-kissed nostalgia and seaside daydreams fill Alceu Valença’s “La Belle De Jour.” The Brazilian singer takes us to Boa Viagem Beach in Recife, where he once spotted the most beautiful girl in town. Her blue eyes mirror the cloudless Sunday sky, and the whole scene becomes a vivid cinematic moment. As the chorus repeats her nickname — a playful nod to the French phrase for “beauty of the day” — we feel the songwriter’s awe freeze in time.
Valença turns this brief encounter into a lifelong memory, penning his very first blues for the mysterious Belle. The song blends upbeat northeastern rhythms with tender storytelling, celebrating how a single afternoon, a splash of ocean blue, and a pair of unforgettable eyes can inspire art and echo in our hearts long after the sun sets.
Mariana Nolasco’s “Quero Te Contar” feels like a handwritten love letter set to gentle guitar strings. From the very first line, the Brazilian singer opens her heart and tells someone special, “I love you and I see no sense in not loving you.” Yet this is not your typical love song; while her voice glides through warm melodies, she makes it clear that her affection is expansive, not exclusive. She wants to love freely, keep discovering new conversations, new sounds and choose this person every day in spite of the whole world.
The core message revolves around freedom, honesty and growth. Mariana sings about staying true to her own desires without clipping anyone’s wings, promising that love does not have to be a zero-sum game. She invites space for self-knowledge and blossoming—both for herself and for her partner—while trusting that any hurt along the way can be healed together. In short, the song celebrates a modern, open-hearted kind of love that flows naturally, respects individuality and still feels deeply romantic.
“Contigo” is Jimmy P and Carolina Deslandes’ playful love pact, sung and rapped straight from the heart. Over a breezy beat, Jimmy P drops charming confessions—he is ready to kneel for her hand, fold paper airplanes if words fail, and turn every past “blind date” into the moment he finally met his match. Carolina answers with the soaring hook “Contigo é para o que der e vier” (“With you, it is for whatever may come”), sealing their promise to stick together through every twist of fate.
The lyrics juggle humor and sincerity: pinky-swear vows replace grand speeches, Instagram-ready success is dismissed in favor of real connection, and destiny is imagined as a story already written “sem um ponto final” (“without a full stop”). Contigo celebrates a love that feels inevitable—no filters, no Photoshop, just two people choosing each other again and again, ready to cross their fingers and chase that happy ending side by side.
“Xote da Alegria” is Falamansa’s musical pep-talk, delivered through the lively beat of a forró xote. The lyrics open with a playful rebellion against anyone who has ever tried to dictate who we should be or what we should love. Instead of accepting those labels, the singer vows to reshape himself into “aquilo que eu sempre quis” – exactly what he has always wanted. It is an invitation for listeners to chase their own version of happiness, to dream boldly, and to treat their goals as non-negotiable truths.
When the chorus kicks in, the message gets even brighter: forget crying over small troubles, stop drowning in a “tempestade em copo d’água” (a storm in a teacup), and choose joy on the dance floor instead. By urging everyone to “dance o xote da alegria,” Falamansa turns positivity into a shared celebration where smiles, movement, and togetherness replace self-pity. The song’s heart-lifting rhythms and encouraging words make it perfect for anyone who needs a quick reminder that life feels lighter when you shake off expectations and dance your worries away.
Longing on the Lisbon skyline
Maria Joana tells the story of a young man who leaves Portugal’s north for the bright lights of Lisbon, chasing a dream that suddenly feels empty without the woman he loves. Every sight, taste, and memory in the capital - from a once-spicy francesinha sandwich to the city’s restless nights - reminds him of the passion he shared with Maria Joana beneath the sheets. Far from home and family, he battles a bittersweet Portuguese feeling called saudade: tears will dry, yet the ache of missing her keeps calling inside his chest.
The chorus becomes his heartfelt plea: “Catch the first bus and stay forever by my side.” He pictures rivers of tears flowing back to her, begs his mother to look after Maria, and repeats her name like a mantra, hoping his words bridge the distance. Equal parts love letter and homesick confession, the song blends catchy Lusophone rhythms with an emotional punch, inviting listeners to feel every beat of separation, hope, and enduring devotion.
Marisa Monte’s “Ainda Bem” is a love-letter to second chances. The singer starts by confessing that she had practically filed her heart away: loneliness felt normal, past hurts had soured her hopes, and even when people showed interest she just was not in the mood. Suddenly, someone special appears and turns everything upside down. She cannot believe her luck and wonders what she ever did to deserve a partner who makes her both happy and inspired to sing again.
The chorus repeats like a grateful mantra: “Você que me faz feliz, você que me faz cantar” (“You are the one who makes me happy, you are the one who makes me sing”). Each line celebrates how love can revive a weary spirit, transforming resignation into bright, melodic joy. “Ainda bem” means “good thing” or “luckily”, and the entire song is a gleeful thank-you note to fate for delivering love just when she had stopped expecting it. Listening feels like opening a window after a storm and discovering clear blue skies—that sweet moment when you realize your heart is ready to beat loudly again.
“Bandida Entrenada” is KAROL G’s swagger-packed declaration of unapologetic power. Switching playfully between Portuguese and Spanish, she paints herself as a feline outlaw who prowls the nightlife, steals hearts, and vanishes before anyone can catch feelings. The repetitive hook — “Eu sou uma bandida treinada” (I’m a trained bandit) — turns her seduction skills into almost a super-spy credential, warning listeners that falling for her rhythm could cost them their peace of mind.
Behind the flirty wordplay and hypnotic beat lies a message of fierce independence. KAROL G embraces her freedom to dance, flirt, and dominate any scene without guilt or restraint. The song celebrates women who own their desires, break the rules, and refuse to apologize for the chaos they leave in their wake — all while keeping the dance floor on fire.
With its irresistible tropical groove, “Lambada” sounds like an invitation to carefree dancing, yet the lyrics tell a more bittersweet tale. The singer remembers a love that once ruled their world for a fleeting moment; that same lover is now doomed to wander with nothing but recordações (memories) for company. The chorus repeats that the one who caused only tears will now be the one crying, suggesting poetic justice wrapped in a sunny rhythm.
Still, the song is not just about heartbreak. It celebrates resilience: dance, sun, and sea become healing forces that let sorrow dissolve on the dance floor. By pairing mournful lines with an infectious beat, Kaoma highlights how joy and pain can coexist. “Lambada” ultimately reminds us that even lost love can inspire freedom, turning tears into swirling motion and allowing the heart to find itself again amid music and movement.
“Tô Apaixonado Nessa Mina” (“I’m Crazy in Love with This Girl”) plunges us straight into a lively baile funk party where one dazzling girl steals the entire spotlight. MC Kevinho celebrates her confidence, magnetic dance moves, and vibrant energy. As soon as she steps onto the scene, the crowd freezes in admiration: her slim waist, voluminous curves, and flowing hair command attention. Rather than dwelling on past heartbreak, she trades “feeling” for pure fun, striking poses for photos and showing off her iconic quadradinho (a hip-isolating dance move loved in Brazilian funk).
In short, the song is an ode to electrifying attraction and carefree nightlife. Kevinho can’t help repeating how “everyone wants to get involved” whenever she dances, highlighting both her power and the infectious atmosphere of the fluxo (street party). Expect a playful mix of flirtation, female self-assurance, and the irresistible beat that makes Brazilian funk impossible to resist.
Ever wondered what happens when heartbreak meets fierce self-discovery? In Eu Posso Ser Como Você, Brazilian pop star Jão turns the tables on a partner who once set the rules. The narrator starts out searching for excuses, but every line inches closer to a liberating confession: he acted out of pure desire, curiosity and the simple fact that he could. The repeated admission “eu fiz porque eu quis” (“I did it because I wanted to”) transforms guilt into empowerment, showing how owning our choices can feel thrilling — even when those choices include a little rebellion.
By the chorus, Jão flips the mirror on the person who hurt him: “Eu posso ser como você” (“I can be like you”). What looks like revenge is really a lesson in self-worth. The song suggests that betrayals are often subtle, and that everyone hungers for happiness in their own way. Packed with biting honesty, shimmering synth-pop and a touch of audacity, this track invites listeners to question double standards, claim their freedom and dance along while doing it.