Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.
Jazz has a longer history than rock or pop and encompasses many subgenres, so it’s no surprise that many people feel it’s a bit intimidating to get into.
Some may have a mental block because of the image they have of jazz, but in fact, there are countless famous jazz tunes you’ve probably heard somewhere—whether as timeless standards loved across generations, or as songs used in commercials and film scores.
In this article, we’ve gathered recommended classics and popular tracks that even jazz beginners can enjoy.
Focusing on vintage jazz numbers while mixing in standout tracks from contemporary jazz artists who’ve been attracting attention in recent years, we present a richly varied selection.
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Classic Western jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (71–80)
Maiden VoyageHerbie Hancock
Here’s the title track from Herbie Hancock’s fifth album, released in 1965.
While the album features many sea-themed title tracks, it’s not just a concept album; in this piece, Hancock tries something new, resulting in a track that went on to have a major impact on later jazz.
Giant StepsJohn Coltrane
This is an album released by Atlantic Records in 1960.
When it was reissued, six bonus-track takes were added and it was sold on CD.
The title track, “Giant Steps,” drew attention among jazz fans for its rapidly shifting, complex chord progressions—which didn’t fit the hard bop style he had excelled in up to that point—and its densely notated saxophone lines.
Circles On BlackJosh Lawrence
Josh Lawrence’s ambitious project, which fuses modern jazz sensibilities with color theory, arrived in March 2018.
Featured on the album “Contrast,” this piece attempts to revive the innovative spirit of bebop for the present day.
Centered on trumpet, the soundscape woven by accomplished musicians on saxophone, piano, and more is as vivid as a painting.
By conveying jazz history and social messages not through explicit lyrics but via tone and improvisation, it sparks the listener’s imagination.
Highly recommended for those looking to explore new facets of jazz or to experience deep storytelling through music.
Classic Western jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (81–90)
CountryKeith Jarrett
It’s a piece composed by Keith Jarrett, included on his 1987 album My Song.
Rather than a jazz standard, it feels more like earthy pop, showing a different side of Jarrett.
I imagine many of his fans are quite fond of this track.
West End BluesLouis Armstrong
West End Blues, a classic blues piece by Joe “King” Oliver.
It was Louis Armstrong’s performance that made the piece famous.
His unaccompanied trumpet introduction is said to have been groundbreaking at the time and is considered to have had a major influence on later jazz.
Since it’s a 1928 recording, you can also hear his singing voice at age 26.
Memories Of YouLouis Armstrong
Composed in 1930, the song was first recorded by Louis Armstrong, and Benny Goodman’s version later became a hit.
The piece is also known for Goodman’s signature intro.
Because his performance was such a big success, it came to be seen as an essential number for clarinetists.
BoplicityMiles Davis
Trumpeter Miles Davis, sometimes called the “Emperor of Modern Jazz,” walked alongside the history of jazz, taking on different forms of expression in each era.
On his 1957 album Birth of the Cool, however, he performs a relaxed, softly shaded style of jazz.
Known in Japan as “The Birth of Cool,” this album is considered the origin of cool jazz, and among its tracks, Boplicity stands out as a masterpiece whose delicate expression lingers in the ear.