This is not the kind of music I usually listen to... but I'll show you guys some portuguese music.
Most of you probably don't know this, but there's a portuguese music style called Fado (there's no translation to ir, the closest word is "fate"). It's a melancholic type of music and it was originated by the women at the ports, watching their husbands go away in the ships, knowing that they might not return to them. However, it has evolved with time, and there are fado songs about many subjects. Amália Rodrigues, known as the queen of fado, was the most proeminent fado singer. Fado has adapted to the modern times and it is now not as melancholic as it used to be. Some modern singers include Mariza, Ana Moura, Camané, Mafalda Arnauth, etc. Fado singers are always accompained by the Portuguese Guitar (12 strings).
People usually say that, even though they don't understand the lyrics, they know what the singer is feeling because it is very expressive .Here's a little sample:
Enough of fado for now... Portugal has other great artists. My favorite childhood/teenage band (late 90's) was Silence 4. However, they were disbanded and had a very small existence as a group. Now the lead singer, David Fonseca, has a solo career, but it's nothing compared to Silence 4.
Then there's this new singer, Aurea, she's got a great voice and is having a huge success internationally.