What is the best Miles Davis album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Kind of Blue" (1959). It's the most representative of what makes Miles Davis worth hearing.

What are the best Miles Davis albums?

The essential Miles Davis albums include "Chronicle: The Complete Prestige Recordings 1951–1956", "Miles Davis' Greatest Hits", "The New Sounds" (1951), "Young Man with a Horn" (1952) and "Miles Davis Volume 2" (1953).

How many albums does Miles Davis have?

Miles Davis has 193 releases in their discography, including 149 albums and 42 EPs.

Photo: William P. Gottlieb · Public domain

Miles Davis

Q: Who is Miles Davis for?

If you're into jazz fusion and bebop, Miles Davis is worth your time. A masterful interplay of tension and release shapes the rhythmic pulses and atmospheric layers within each piece, creating an immersive listening experience.

A masterful interplay of tension and release shapes the rhythmic pulses and atmospheric layers within each piece, creating an immersive listening experience.

bebop · cool jazz · hard bop · jazz fusion

United States

Read about Miles Davis on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Kind of Blue (1959)

A landmark jazz album that introduces modal jazz, showcasing Davis' innovative approach and providing a cohesive listening experience for newcomers.

The song

“So What”

An iconic track with a memorable hook that encapsulates Miles Davis' style, making it an engaging introduction to his music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Dig" — from Dig (1956)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Kimberley Trumpet" — from Dingo – Selections From the Motion Picture Soundtrack (1991)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Springsville (master)" — from Miles Davis & Gil Evans: The Complete Columbia Studio Recordings (1996)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Rubberband of Life" — from Rubberband (2013)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Oleo" — from In Person Friday and Saturday Nights at the Blackhawk, Complete (2003)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"On the Corner" — from On the Corner (1972)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Miles Davis

Miles Davis matters because he shifted the entire course of jazz, bringing together disparate influences and pushing musicians to rethink their artistic expression.

His work not only transformed how jazz could sound but also opened pathways for future genres, encouraging artists to explore new territories that defied convention.

His work not only transformed how jazz could sound but also opened pathways for future genres, encouraging artists to explore new territories that defied convention. As a charismatic bandleader, he inspired a generation of musicians and listeners alike, engendering an audience eager for innovation and depth in musicality. Davis's process involved a deep understanding of silence and space as integral components of music, often balancing intricate improvisation with stark moments of stillness. He had an uncanny ability to surround himself with talented collaborators who shared his vision while also nurturing their individual styles. This approach created a sonic playground where musical conversations thrived, allowing new forms and ideas to emerge organically from jam sessions rather than relying solely on written compositions. In his songwriting, Davis often delved into emotional landscapes that explored themes of introspection, longing, and social change, all conveyed through evocative melodies and harmonies. His voice shifted between assertive and contemplative, using irony and sincerity to capture complex feelings without overt explanation—leaving space for listeners' own interpretations.

149 studio albums· 193 total releases· 7 decades· United States