Bossa Nova U.S.A. appearing for fifteen weeks on "Billboard"s album charts, achieving position #14. All tracks composed by Dave Brubeck; except where indicated Bossa Nova U.S.A. Since 1955, Brubeck had composed and performed pieces originating from influences outside of the European musical tradition, in which this album, released during the bossa nova craze in the United States of the late 1950s and early 1960s, can be best categorized. It is intended to be "impressionistic" of "the cool wave from Brazil." Recorded through most of 1962, and released early in 1963, the album was designed to be effective on the pop charts. All tracks
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,