Natal (song)

For other uses, see Natal. 1991 single by Chico & Roberta "Natal"Single by Chico & Robertafrom the album Frente a frente B-side"Cor de Cetim"Released1991Recorded1990GenreLatino, WorldbeatLength 3:00 (single version) 4:20 (album version) LabelCarrereSongwritersJean-Claude Bonaventure, Monica NogueiraProducerJean-Claude BonaventureChico & Roberta singles chronology

"Frente a frente" (1990)

"Natal" (1991)

"Festa no Mar" (1991)

"Natal" ("Christmas"), also titled "Esperança do Natal" ("Hope for Christmas") on the parent album and on the single cover back, is a 1990 song recorded by Brazilian duo Chico & Roberta. Written by Jean-Claude Bonaventure and Monica Nogueira, it was the released in December 1990 as the second single from the duo's first album Frente a frente, on which it appears as the second track. It was successful, becoming a top three hit.

[edit] In France, "Natal" debuted at number 24 on the chart edition of 4 January 1991, while the duo's first single "Frente a frente" was at its peak of number five; then it performed the biggest single-week upward movement, gaining 15 positions to reach number nine, and entered the top five the next week. It peaked at number three for non consecutive three weeks, blocked by the international two hits "Wind of Change" and "Sadeness (Part I)". It totalled ten weeks in the top five and 21 weeks in the top 50. It achieved Gold status, awarded by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique, the French certificator, for over 250,000 units sold. On the Eurochart Hot 100, "Natal" entered at number 43 on 26 January 1991, peaked at number 14 in its tenth week, and totalled 18 weeks on the chart.

[edit] CD single "Esperança do Natal" — 3:00 "Cor de Cetim" — 4:00 7" single "Esperança do Natal" — 3:00 "Cor de Cetim" — 4:00

[edit] Engineer – Alain Pype Photography – Sweeva Vigeno Producer – Jean-Claude Bonaventure

[edit]

Weekly charts[edit]

Chart (1991)

Peakposition

Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)

14

France (SNEP)

3

Year-end charts[edit]

Chart (1991)

Position

Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)

74

Certifications[edit]

Certifications for "Natal"

Region

Certification Certified units/sales

France (SNEP)

Gold

250,000*

• Sales figures based on certification alone.

 

[edit]

Country

Date

Format

Label

France

1990

CD single

Carrere

7" single

Chico & Roberta’s "Natal" arrived in the UK at a time when world‑beat was breaking into the mainstream. Its breezy Latin rhythm and Portuguese lyrics offered a fresh take on the usually snow‑laden Christmas soundtrack, giving British listeners a glimpse of a tropical holiday. The track’s success in the charts proved that a festive song didn’t need sleigh bells to feel seasonal – a sunny, hopeful vibe could sit comfortably alongside the traditional carols. For a household that enjoys a bit of cultural variety, slipping "Natal" into a playlist adds a warm, inclusive tone that reflects the increasingly global nature of British Christmas celebrations.

Start the track at the opening of your Christmas dinner rather than the usual turkey‑time chatter; its three‑minute single version is short enough not to dominate the table, yet long enough to set a relaxed ambience. Pair it with a platter of seasonal Portuguese treats – think pastel de nata or marinated olives – to highlight the song’s roots. If you host a party, let it play just as guests arrive; its light percussion encourages conversation without overwhelming the room. For a more nostalgic moment, queue the album version on the evening after gifts have been opened; the extra minute adds a subtle instrumental bridge that works nicely as background music while you unwind.

Many assume "Natal" is a simple Christmas pop tune, but the song’s subtitle, "Esperança do Natal," translates to "Hope for Christmas." The lyrics speak to longing and renewal – themes that resonate deeply during the winter months, especially for those far from home. Listeners sometimes overlook the production’s layered percussion, which blends Brazilian samba beats with a gentle synth line, creating a soundscape that feels both festive and contemplative. Recognising these nuances turns the track from a novelty into a meaningful addition to your seasonal soundtrack, reminding us that Christmas hope can be expressed through many languages and rhythms.