The albums that define
jazz.
Our picks for where to start with jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top jazz artists
Start with one of these.
The jazz essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Prince
The Black Album
A provocative blend of funk, rock, and provocative lyrics that challenges societal norms and personal boundaries.
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Bing Crosby
Selections from the Paramount Production Going My Way
A warm blend of traditional pop and jazz, filled with heartfelt melodies and Bing's signature soothing voice.
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Fela Kuti
Confusion
A vibrant fusion of complex rhythms and politically charged lyrics, steeped in the essence of Afrobeat.
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Mina
Mina con bignè
A vibrant mélange of disco rhythms and jazz-infused pop melodies that celebrate love and life.
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Keith Jarrett
The Köln Concert
An expansive and improvisational piano journey that melds classical sensibilities with deep jazz intuition.
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Chick Corea
Children's Songs
A playful yet sophisticated collection of brief, whimsical piano pieces that evoke childlike wonder.
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Kendrick Lamar
Untitled Unmastered
A raw and introspective collection of unfinished thoughts blending jazz, hip-hop, and social commentary.
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Herbie Hancock
Takin' Off
A vibrant blend of hard bop and rhythmic grooves, showcasing Hancock's inventive piano work and catchy melodies.
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Bing Crosby
Holiday Inn
A rich tapestry of orchestrated melodies and smooth vocal delivery that defines the golden age of American pop music.
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Gary Burton
The New Quartet
A vibrant fusion of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity, blending jazz with a contemporary touch.
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Terje Rypdal
Crime Scene
A cinematic blend of jazz-infused guitar textures and atmospheric soundscapes that evoke tension and intrigue.
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BadBadNotGood
Talk Memory
Ethereal jazz explorations intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a reflective soundscape that transcends traditional boundaries.
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Emilie-Claire Barlow
Clear Day
A lush tapestry of jazz-inflected covers and originals, blending emotive vocals with intricate arrangements.
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GoGo Penguin
v2.0
A captivating fusion of jazz, electronic beats, and classical influences creating an immersive soundscape.
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Anjani
Blue Alert
Ethereal jazz melodies intertwine with folk influences, creating an intimate and haunting listening experience.
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Prince
Art Official Age
An eclectic fusion of funk, R&B, and pop, infused with Prince's trademark innovation and lyrical introspection.
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John Coltrane
Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall
A vibrant tapestry of improvisation where Monk's quirky piano dances with Coltrane's soaring saxophone.
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John Coltrane
Kulu Sé Mama
A spiritual odyssey blending expansive free jazz with meditative rhythms and transcendent improvisation.
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Stevie Wonder
With a Song in My Heart
A joyful blend of jazz and pop, infused with Wonder's vibrant vocals and melodic piano arrangements.
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Stevie Wonder
Up Tight
A vibrant blend of soul and pop, capturing youthful exuberance with infectious grooves and heartfelt melodies.
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Barbra Streisand
My Name Is Barbra, Two…
A dazzling showcase of Streisand's vocal prowess, blending heartfelt ballads with playful, theatrical numbers.
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Barbra Streisand
The Barbra Streisand Album
Elegant arrangements intertwine with Streisand's powerful vocals, creating a timeless blend of traditional pop and jazz.
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