Bossa Nova

Bossa Nova is a breezy genre that emerged in late 1950s Brazil, fusing samba with jazz, presumably so that people could sip cocktails and look cool whilst pretending to be sophisticated. Characterised by syncopated rhythms and smooth melodies, it sounds as if the musicians are casually flirting with each other rather than performing, making it the ultimate soundtrack for sultry summer afternoons. Interestingly, it became so popular that even the grumpiest of Britons found themselves tapping their feet, though many still insist on calling it 'that Brazilian thing' at parties.