Fado

In a career that spanned 40 years of recording and performing live, singer Amalia Rodrigues defined the mystique of what authentic fado is all about. Legendary tracks like "Coimbra" and "Uma Casa Portuguesa" showcase the shimmering beauty of Rodrigues’ voice. The looks of a supermodel and a voice as intoxicating as alcohol have helped Mariza become the most popular fadista of the new millennium.

Even though she began her career singing pop-rock, Ana Moura found her true calling as one of fado's young voices. The luminous "Filha de Hervas" is from an album paying tribute to Amalia Rodrigues. Recorded in the 1920s, "Saudadinha" boasts the legendary voice of Edmundo de Bettencourt, a true fado pioneer.

A former clarinetist, António Zambujo fell in love with fado at an early age. "O Mesmo Fado" is the title track from his award-winning 2002 debut. The melancholy "As Tres Normas" exemplifies the stylistic approach of Carlos do Carmo – a veteran fadista who has experimented with jazz and French music.

In Portuguese, the word fado means destiny or fate. Like the American blues, Portugal's quintessential music genre is steeped in feelings of nostalgia, bitterness, and loss. Unlike other folk formats, fado continues to evolve and renew itself thanks to the work of young performers who fall under its spell. This soulful list includes tracks by fado's ultimate diva – Amalia Rodrigues – as well as newer stars like the glamorous Mariza and adventurous ensemble Madredeus.