What was bossa nova's biggest hit song?

Bossa nova's most significant hit song is "The Girl from Ipanema." This iconic track, composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim with lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes, not only epitomizes the bossa nova genre but also achieved worldwide fame, becoming one of the most recognizable pieces in Latin jazz. Its smooth melody and breezy rhythm reflect the relaxed, sophisticated nature of bossa nova, which emerged in Brazil in the late 1950s and blends elements of samba with jazz.

The song tells the story of a young woman's beauty as she walks along the beach, capturing both the charm of Ipanema and the bittersweet emotions of unrequited love, which resonates deeply with listeners. The widespread success of "The Girl from Ipanema" has led it to become a staple in jazz repertoires and has facilitated the global appreciation of Brazilian music and culture. This level of impact and recognition solidifies its status as bossa nova's biggest hit.