Essential symphony listening

The albums that define symphony.

Our picks for where to start with symphony — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The symphony essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

The Godfather – Original Soundtrack Recording

Nino Rota

The Godfather – Original Soundtrack Recording

A lush orchestral score weaving haunting melodies with dramatic crescendos, capturing the essence of power and family loyalty.

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Mozart: The Sonata Project - Salzburg

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart: The Sonata Project - Salzburg

A vibrant exploration of classical sonatas, blending intricate variations with expressive melodies and dynamic contrasts.

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Night and Day

Joe Jackson

Night and Day

A vibrant fusion of jazz-inflected melodies and new wave energy, exploring urban themes with sophisticated lyricism.

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Beat Crazy

Joe Jackson

Beat Crazy

Eclectic rhythms and sharp lyrics merge in a vibrant exploration of personal and societal themes.

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Body and Soul

Joe Jackson

Body and Soul

A vibrant blend of jazz-inflected pop and new wave energy, pushing the boundaries of genre conventions.

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Look Sharp!

Joe Jackson

Look Sharp!

A vibrant fusion of new wave, punk energy, and catchy pop melodies that captures late '70s angst.

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Canto General

Mikis Theodorakis

Canto General

A sweeping orchestral journey blending folk melodies with poignant political themes and choral fervor.

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Will Power

Joe Jackson

Will Power

A blend of intricate jazz arrangements and dramatic instrumental storytelling that captivates and challenges listeners.

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Blaze of Glory

Joe Jackson

Blaze of Glory

A vibrant fusion of art rock and jazz-inflected pop, exploring themes of love and disillusionment.

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Laughter & Lust

Joe Jackson

Laughter & Lust

A sophisticated blend of pop and jazz, exploring themes of love and introspection with Jackson's signature wit.

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Live at Rockpalast

Joe Jackson

Live at Rockpalast

A vibrant live performance blending new wave energy with jazz-inflected pop melodies and sharp lyrical wit.

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Joe Jackson - Greatest Hits

Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson - Greatest Hits

An eclectic blend of new wave, power pop, and jazz-infused rock showcasing clever lyrics and catchy melodies.

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Summer in the City: Live in New York

Joe Jackson

Summer in the City: Live in New York

A vibrant live showcase blending jazz, pop, and rock with Joe Jackson's distinctive lyrical storytelling.

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At the BBC

Joe Jackson

At the BBC

A vibrant collection of live performances that captures Joe Jackson's eclectic blend of pop, rock, and jazz-infused energy.

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Fast Forward

Joe Jackson

Fast Forward

A vibrant fusion of jazz-inflected pop and rock, infused with Joe Jackson's sharp wit and melodic sensibility.

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Night Music

Joe Jackson

Night Music

A haunting blend of jazz-influenced melodies and classical nocturnes, evoking introspective late-night reflections.

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Rain

Joe Jackson

Rain

A melodic blend of jazz-inflected pop layered with introspective lyrics and rich instrumentation.

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Afterlife

Joe Jackson

Afterlife

A vibrant mix of jazz-infused pop and new wave rhythms, blending introspective lyrics with infectious melodies.

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Stepping Out: The Very Best of Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson

Stepping Out: The Very Best of Joe Jackson

A vibrant collection blending new wave energy with sharp lyrical wit and eclectic musical styles.

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Tucker

Joe Jackson

Tucker

A vibrant amalgamation of jazz, pop, and theatricality that captures the essence of American life.

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Mike's Murder

Joe Jackson

Mike's Murder

An eclectic blend of jazz, pop, and new wave that evokes the complexity of urban life.

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I'm the Man

Joe Jackson

I'm the Man

A vibrant blend of new wave energy and sophisticated pop sensibilities driven by sharp lyrical wit.

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Symphony No. 1

Joe Jackson

Symphony No. 1

A bold fusion of classical structures and modern sensibilities, seamlessly blending jazz and rock influences.

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Live 1980/86

Joe Jackson

Live 1980/86

A vibrant showcase of Joe Jackson's eclectic blend of new wave, jazz, and pop delivered with electrifying live energy.

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