What is the best Tony Bennett album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Duets II" (2011). It's the most representative of what makes Tony Bennett worth hearing.

How many albums does Tony Bennett have?

Tony Bennett has 82 releases in their discography, including 78 albums.

Photo: Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Tony Bennett

Q: Who is Tony Bennett for?

If you're into jazz and soul, Tony Bennett is worth your time. With rich tonal depth and a controlled swing, Bennett’s music unfolds through subtly layered phrases that captivate with every tender pause and poignant release.

With rich tonal depth and a controlled swing, Bennett’s music unfolds through subtly layered phrases that captivate with every tender pause and poignant release.

jazz · soul

United States

Read about Tony Bennett on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Duets II (2011)

Features collaborations with diverse artists, showcasing Bennett's versatility and appeal across generations in a well-produced collection.

The song

“I Left My Heart in San Francisco” from I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Iconic song that embodies Bennett's signature style, offering a captivating introduction to his rich vocal tone and emotional delivery.

See the full guide

About Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett's enduring presence in music reflects a profound connection to the emotional landscape of jazz and pop, bridging generational divides and inviting listeners into intimate moments of reflection.

His ability to convey deep feeling through song has not only shaped American standards but also revitalized interest in classic vocal traditions, reminding audiences of the power of storytelling through melody. Bennett’s artistry revolves around a timeless approach characterized by meticulous phrasing and an innate sensitivity to the subtleties of each lyric. His performances often feel like an open dialogue, where every note is infused with genuine emotion, allowing for improvisation that breathes new life into familiar songs. This conversational style cultivates a sense of warmth, making his music a shared experience between artist and audience. Lyrically, Bennett navigates themes of love, loss, and longing with a sincerity that resonates deeply. His storytelling often balances between earnest reflection and playful irony, creating a textured narrative that draws listeners in. Through his distinctive voice and delivery, he transforms personal experiences into universal truths, crafting songs that linger long after they end.

78 studio albums· 82 total releases· 6 decades· United States

Full discography

Tony Bennett's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

82 releases • 78 albums • 1951–2018

Type:

Studio albums (72)

Grouped by decade — 7 eras.

2010s ()

Love Is Here to Stay album by Tony Bennett

2000s ()

A Swingin' Christmas album by Tony Bennett

1990s ()

Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool album by Tony Bennett

1980s ()

1970s ()

Tony Bennett Sings… More Great Rodgers & Hart album by Tony Bennett

1960s ()

I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face album by Tony Bennett

1950s ()

Count Basie and His Orchestra Swings / Tony Bennett Sings album by Tony Bennett

Live ()

MTV Unplugged (Tony Bennett album) album by Tony Bennett

Compilations ()

The Complete Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Recordings album by Tony Bennett

Singles ()

Love Theme from "The Sandpiper" (The Shadow of Your Smile) / I'll Only Miss Her When I Think of Her album by Tony Bennett

Songs to start with

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

1

"’S Wonderful" — from Love Is Here to Stay (2018)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"The Lady Is a Tramp" — from Duets II (2011)

accessible entry with immediate hook

Continue your journey

If you liked Tony Bennett, start with Nat King Cole

A guided entry point we think you'll like.

Listen

Apple Music Soundcloud Spotify Youtube

Facebook Instagram X

Reference

Official site Wikipedia MusicBrainz Wikidata

Tony Bennett

About Tony Bennett

Full discography

Studio albums (72)

2010s ()

Love Is Here to Stay

Tony Bennett Celebrates 90

The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern

Viva Duets

Duets II

2000s ()

A Swingin' Christmas

Duets: An American Classic

The Art of Romance

A Wonderful World

Christmas With Tony Bennett and the London Symphony Orchestra

Playin' with My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues

Hallmark Presents Christmas with Tony Bennett and the London Symphony Orchestra

1990s ()

Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool

The Playground

Tony Bennett: The Playground

Tony Bennett on Holiday

The Very Thought of You

Here's to the Ladies

Steppin' Out

Perfectly Frank

Astoria: Portrait of the Artist

Tony Bennett

Sings Rodgers & Hart Songs

I Left My Heart in San Francisco / I Wanna Be Around

Tony Bennett & Count Basie Big Band

1980s ()

Bennett/Berlin

The Art of Excellence

Tony Bennett with the Count Basie Orchestra

1970s ()

Tony Bennett Sings… More Great Rodgers & Hart

Tony Bennett, The McPartlands and Friends Make Magnificent Music

Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs

Life Is Beautiful

Sunrise, Sunset

Listen Easy

Summer of '42

The Good Things in Life

With Love

Love Story

Tony Bennett's Something

Tony Sings the Great Hits of Today!

1960s ()

I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face

I've Gotta Be Me

Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album

Yesterday I Heard the Rain

For Once in My Life

Tony Makes It Happen

The Movie Song Album

A Time for Love

If I Ruled the World: Songs for the Jet Set

Who Can I Turn To

The Many Moods of Tony

When Lights Are Low

I Wanna Be Around...

This Is All I Ask

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Mr. Broadway: Tony's Greatest Broadway Hits

My Heart Sings

Tony Sings for Two

Alone Together

Sings a String of Harold Arlen

To My Wonderful One

1950s ()

Count Basie and His Orchestra Swings / Tony Bennett Sings

Blue Velvet

Hometown, My Town

Strike Up the Band

In Person!

Long Ago and Far Away

The Beat of My Heart

Tony