Masterpieces of crossover. Recommended popular songs.
Here are some classic and popular tracks recommended by our studio staff from among the world’s leading crossover music.
It’s also a perfect playlist for those new to crossover.
Crossover masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
Black MarketWeather Report
Weather Report, the American band that pioneered the horizons of jazz fusion.
The opening track of their March 1976 album Black Market—sharing its name with the album—truly feels like an international marketplace of sound.
Joe Zawinul’s colorful synthesizers and Wayne Shorter’s deeply expressive saxophone blend beautifully with the vibrant rhythms of African music, leading listeners to a crossroads of cultures.
Though the track has no lyrics, a snippet of conversation from Alex Acuña’s family appears at the beginning, adding human warmth and the bustle of a marketplace to create a unique world.
It’s a piece you’ll want to hear when you’re stepping away from the everyday in search of exotic stimulation, or when you’re hoping to discover new music.
Breezin’George Benson
A delightful guitar piece that breezes through like a refreshing wind, this is a standout instrumental.
Performed by American guitarist George Benson, the track from his classic album “Breezin’” captivated many listeners upon its release in March 1976.
Even without lyrics, its flowing melody vividly paints scenes in the listener’s mind and imparts a gentle sense of freedom.
The album topped Billboard’s Jazz, R&B, and Pop album charts, and the track also earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
Perfect for a relaxing afternoon or as a driving soundtrack, it adds a touch of color to everyday life.
Black GoldEsperanza Spalding
Esperanza Spalding is a jazz-oriented bassist and singer-songwriter from Portland, Oregon, who debuted in 2008.
Her crossover jazz music—spanning jazz, fusion, bossa nova, and neo-soul—has been highly acclaimed.
She won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2011, and her album Radio Music Society won the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
City of Roses was nominated for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).
Cantaloupe islandHerbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock is a jazz pianist, producer, composer, and arranger from Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Since the 1960s, he has been a leading figure in the jazz scene, pioneering new eras in jazz such as fusion, jazz-funk, modal jazz, hard bop, post-bop, and electro, and he has also created crossover works between hip-hop and jazz.
His representative pieces include Watermelon Man, Cantaloupe Island, Maiden Voyage, Dolphin Dance, and Rockit.
Just the Two of Us (feat. Bill Withers)Grover Washington Jr.
American saxophonist Grover Washington Jr.
is one of the pioneers of the smooth jazz genre.
This piece, featuring Bill Withers, can be called a crossover masterpiece in which jazz and R&B blend beautifully.
The poetic words contributed by Bill Withers evoke intimate moments shared with a loved one and gentle feelings of mutual affection, bringing warmth to the listener’s heart.
Released in February 1981, the song appears on the acclaimed album Winelight and reached No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
At the Grammy Awards, the song won Best R&B Song, and the album won Best Jazz Fusion Performance.
Beloved across generations, it has even been used to promote the film Deadpool & Wolverine.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to be wrapped in soothing tones or spend special time with someone dear.