with the development of modern music technology, lounge music was fast to include the use of electronic instruments and alternative, polished, and serene sounds - consolidating the mood and feel of what is now considered proper lounge music, typical of cocktail and upscale atmosphere ambiances.

since the 80's, record labels such as café del mar and putumayo records have captured the chill mood of brazilian samba and bossa nova - and also produced several records inspired by rio's urban vibe, featuring mixes and more relaxed versions of songs by artists like bebel gilberto, seu jorge, antónio carlos jobim, and vinícius de moraes. 

also called ambient, or chill-out, one of the hippest places to listen to lounge music in rio de janeiro - the lounge bar and nightclub scene in rio is big and getting bigger, with more and more venues opening in leblon and lapa.