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 (31–40)
Someday My Prince Will ComeMiles Davis
This is the song “Someday My Prince Will Come,” performed by trumpet player Miles Davis.
Some people might think of the trumpet as a loud instrument, but it can also produce wonderfully romantic tones.
Pay attention to the richly atmospheric main melody, as well as the solos packed with dazzling virtuosity!
On the Sunny Side of the StreetThe Manhattan Transfer
It was used as a commercial song for Nestlé’s “Home Café Series” and Asahi Beer’s “Clear Asahi,” among others.
The song was released in 1930 for a Broadway musical, with lyrics by Dorothy Fields and music by Jimmy McHugh.
Later, it was performed by a stellar lineup of jazz musicians, including Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey, and Count Basie, and became a jazz standard.
Cleopatra’s DreamBud Powell
This song is among the top five most requested numbers at jazz clubs in Japan.
Composed by the great pianist Bud Powell, it opens his 1959 album The Scene Changes.
Its minor-key, melancholy mood may resonate with Japanese listeners.
It sounds simple, but the original version is also known for being played in a notoriously difficult key.
Moonlight SerenadeGLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA
Composed in 1939 by trombonist Glenn Miller, this piece is well known as his band’s theme song.
It’s also popular in Japan and has been used in many commercials.
There are lyrics as well, and it is often performed in a sung version.
Infant EyesWayne Shorter
Wayne Shorter, a saxophonist who represents the jazz world, left behind numerous masterpieces and is a musician with many Grammy Awards to his name.
This ballad is included on his 1966 album Speak No Evil.
Beyond the beauty of the melody, it’s a track that showcases his freely dynamic playing, shifting effortlessly between restraint and intensity.
Classic jazz songs in Western music. Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
Night in TunisiaArt Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
Here is a famous jazz number that evokes a sense of exoticism—like what the night in Tunisia must surely be like, even if one has never been there.
Dizzy Gillespie composed the piece with Frank Paparelli in 1942.
The performance by Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers is the most well-known, but lyrics were later added, and vocal versions can also be found.
It’s Only A Paper MoonNat King Cole
It’s a song that became a hit for Nat King Cole.
Originally, it was a number from the play “The Great Magoo.” The lyrics were written by Billy Rose and E.
Y.
Harburg, and the music was composed by Harold Arlen.
Its original title was “If You Believed in Me,” which came from the song’s final phrase.