Bossa nova bossa nova was eclipsed by Música popular brasileira, a musical genre that appeared around the mid-1960s, featuring lyrics that were more politically charged, referring explicitly to working class struggle. Bossa nova Bossa nova is a style of Brazilian music, which was developed and popularized in the 1950s and 1960s and is today one of the best-known Brazilian music styles abroad. The phrase "bossa nova" means literally "new trend" or "new wave" (). A lyrical fusion of samba and jazz, bossa nova acquired a large following in the 1960s, initially among young musicians and college students. In Brazil, the word "bossa"
Bossa Nova U.S.A. the title track was released as a single (Columbia 42651) the last week of 1962, with "This Can't Be Love" as the B-side. This met with moderate success, peaking at #69 on the "Billboard" Hot 100. The album followed soon in early 1963. On release, "Billboard" called the album "first-class Brubeck." While noting the number of bossa tracks, it particularly singled out a re-working of "The Trolley Song" as a standout track. "The Age" expected the record to be popular with the general public, but noted "purists will wince." The album found more success with the public than the single,