The best Thelonious Monk albums

20 records, ordered by how much they reward a first listen — not by chart position.

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Thelonious Himself

  1. 1
    Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk

    Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk

    1958

    A vibrant collaboration where Monk's distinct piano style meets Blakey's driving rhythms, creating a dynamic jazz experience.

  2. 2
    Thelonious Monk Nonet Live in Paris 1967

    Thelonious Monk Nonet Live in Paris 1967

    1988
  3. 3
    5 by Monk by 5

    5 by Monk by 5

    1959
  4. 4
    The Unique

    The Unique

    1956
  5. 5
    Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1960

    Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1960

    2017
  6. 6
    At Newport 1963 & 1965

    At Newport 1963 & 1965

    2002
  7. 7
    Thelonious Monk Trio

    Thelonious Monk Trio

    1954
  8. 8
    Solo 1954/Piano Solo

    Solo 1954/Piano Solo

    1954
  9. 9
    Misterioso

    Misterioso

    1965
  10. 10
    Thelonious in Action

    Thelonious in Action

    1958
  11. 11
    Live at the It Club

    Live at the It Club

    1982
  12. 12
    Monk

    Monk

    1964
  13. 13
    Live in Stockholm

    Live in Stockholm

    1987
  14. 14
    Straight, No Chaser

    Straight, No Chaser

    1967
  15. 15
    Thelonious Monk and Sonny Rollins

    Thelonious Monk and Sonny Rollins

    1954
  16. 16
    Misterioso

    Misterioso

    1958
  17. 17
    It's Monk's Time

    It's Monk's Time

    1964
  18. 18
    The Thelonious Monk Orchestra at Town Hall

    The Thelonious Monk Orchestra at Town Hall

    1959
  19. 19
    Brilliant Corners

    Brilliant Corners

    1957
  20. 20
    Sonny Rollins and Thelonious Monk

    Sonny Rollins and Thelonious Monk

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