The best Jazz albums
of the 1980s.
Where to start with 1980–1989 jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1980s — jazz
Top picks from 1980–1989, ranked by where we would start.
Prince
Sign "O" the Times
A vibrant tapestry of funk, rock, and pop woven with poignant social commentary and Prince's signature eclecticism.
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Prince
Controversy
A provocative blend of funk, rock, and dance rhythms interwoven with themes of sexuality and social commentary.
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Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium I
A vibrant blend of soul, funk, and pop that showcases Stevie Wonder's signature melodies and intricate arrangements.
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Stevie Wonder
Characters
A vibrant tapestry of funk, soul, and jazz, weaving together heartfelt melodies and intricate rhythms.
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Barbra Streisand
Emotion
A lush blend of soft rock and traditional pop, underscored by Streisand's powerful and emotive vocal delivery.
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Barbra Streisand
Guilty
A lush blend of disco-infused pop and traditional balladry that showcases Streisand's powerful vocals and emotional depth.
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Frank Sinatra
Screen Sinatra
A nostalgic collection of cinematic ballads, where Sinatra's velvet voice weaves through lush orchestral arrangements.
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Frank Sinatra
She Shot Me Down
A reflective blend of lush orchestration and Sinatra's intimate vocals, echoing themes of love and melancholy.
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Bob Dylan
Shot of Love
A blend of gospel-infused rock and poignant storytelling, reflecting spiritual introspection and social commentary.
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Bob Dylan
Real Live
Raw energy combines with Dylan's signature storytelling, delivering a powerful live performance that breathes new life into classic tracks.
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Diana Ross
Silk Electric
A vibrant blend of pop and soul, layered with dance rhythms and lush orchestrations, showcasing Diana Ross's powerful vocals.
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Diana Ross
Workin' Overtime
A vibrant blend of dance grooves and soulful melodies that showcase Ross's enduring charisma and vocal prowess.
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Ella Fitzgerald
Easy Living
A seamless blend of jazz standards infused with Fitzgerald's rich vocals and Joe Pass's intricate guitar work.
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Ella Fitzgerald
The Stockholm Concert
Ella Fitzgerald's voice glides effortlessly over lush jazz arrangements, blending sophistication with heartfelt emotion.
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Charles Aznavour
Autobiographie
A lush tapestry of orchestral arrangements and intimate storytelling captures the essence of love, loss, and identity.
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Miles Davis
The Man with the Horn
A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, characterized by soulful trumpeting and intricate rhythmic interplay.
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Miles Davis
Amandla
Amandla weaves intricate melodies with African rhythms, echoing the fusion of jazz traditions and contemporary sounds.
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Chet Atkins
Street Dreams
A seamless blend of jazz, country, and classical guitar that paints vivid musical landscapes.
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Chet Atkins
Stay Tuned
A genre-blending tapestry of fingerstyle guitar, merging elements of country, jazz, and classical with playful creativity.
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Paul Bley
BeBopBeBopBeBopBeBop
A vibrant exploration of bebop's complexity, blending intricate melodies with improvisational flair and rhythmic dexterity.
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Paul Bley
Sonor
A contemplative interplay of textures and harmonies, merging minimalist motifs with intricate improvisation.
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Ray Charles
From the Pages of My Mind
A soulful blend of blues and gospel, infused with heartfelt storytelling and Ray Charles' unmistakable vocal prowess.
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Ray Charles
Just Between Us
A soulful blend of blues and gospel, infused with heartfelt emotion and Ray Charles's signature vocal prowess.
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Sting
The Dream of the Blue Turtles
A fusion of jazz, pop, and reggae underpinned by poignant lyrics and Sting's distinctive vocal delivery.
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