antónio carlos jobim is one of the early pioneers of this style of music, and often used the piano in his recordings - joăo gilberto also helped to popularize the genre, with his constant experimentation with the guitar - he also added new vocal elements, creating unique projections with his voice, sometimes whispering his way throughout a song.

the lyrical themes in bossa nova are somewhat typical - love is a forever topic, as well as women, longing, or saudades, combined with a type of nostalgic reflection on youth.