Ranking of Popular Jazz Songs
Jazz is a genre of music born in America in the 19th century.
Blending traditional African music with Western music, jazz captivates with its distinctive groove and passionate performances rooted in Black music.
From there, it has influenced a wide range of musical styles, and today its spirit can be felt in countless settings.
In this article, we’ll introduce classic jazz tunes in a ranked list.
In Japan, jazz is often considered “grown-up music,” but I hope the songs featured here inspire many people to fall in love with jazz.
- [2026] A Collection of Classic Japanese Ballads with a Jazz Flavor
- Classic swing jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.
- Introduction! A collection of recommended masterpieces and standard numbers for jazz beginners
- [2026] Discover Today's Jazz! A Roundup of the Latest Spotlight and Popular Tracks
- [Western Jazz] A Special Feature on Standard Numbers You’ve Heard at Least Once
- The Profound Allure of the Saxophone: Iconic Songs Featuring Saxophone [2026]
- Today's Jazz: Tunes for today! A selection of timeless classics and contemporary jazz
- 【2026】A Collection of Masterpieces by Overseas Jazz Bands
- Great for karaoke too! Jazz classics you’ll want to sing at least once
- Jazz commercial songs. Popular commercial songs.
- The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
- [Autumn Jazz] Classic and Popular Jazz Songs to Enjoy in the Fall
- Jacques Ibert Popular Song Ranking [2026]
Jazz Popular Song Rankings (71–80)
Begin The BeguineMichael Bublé78rank/position
This is “Begin the Beguine,” performed by the hugely popular jazz singer Michael Bublé, known for his sweet looks and vocal charm.
Michael Bublé’s rich voice resonates with effortless clarity.
The backing band’s playful performance adds a cheerful feel to the track! It’s a perfect pick for days when you’re in the mood for some feel-good jazz!
SummertimeMiles Davis79rank/position
This piece was composed by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess.
Although it is a lullaby in content, it has been performed by many artists as a jazz standard up to the present day.
It’s short with a simple progression, so it’s a song enjoyed in a variety of arrangements—from ballads to funk.
The Nearness Of YouNorah Jones80rank/position
The sweet and wistful ballad “The Nearness of You” by jazz singer Norah Jones sets tender emotions to a gentle melody, depicting blissful moments with a loved one.
Born in 1938 and covered by many artists, the song was given new life with Jones’s own interpretation on her 2002 album “Come Away with Me.” Her whispery voice, felt in every subtle breath, will resonate closely with listeners’ hearts.
Ranking of Popular Jazz Songs (81–90)
Days of Wine and RosesOscar Peterson81rank/position
Oscar Peterson is a great pianist who received the International Jazz Hall of Fame Award.
His performance skills are said to be unmatched by anyone.
He is also known for the story that, even though his left hand became impaired later in life, he continued to perform.
For those who want to experience his appeal, I recommend “Days of Wine and Roses.” Just by listening, you can tell he uses more keys than usual.
Many artists, including Bill Evans, have performed this piece, so it’s also fun to compare different versions.
Georgia On My MindRay Charles82rank/position
It’s a jazz classic by Ray Charles, whose gospel-like, powerful yet joyful vocals elevate the music into something both refined and stylish while retaining a touch of grit.
With its smooth feel, it offers a sophisticated listening experience that’s perfect for summer.
Cool Struttin’Sonny Clark83rank/position
In the 2020 commercial for Koumi Paste featuring Naomi Watanabe, the classic track “Cool Struttin’” by Sonny Clark is played.
Many people will recognize the album cover that features this song.
The design of the album title and artist name even served as the inspiration for the logo of the variety store Village Vanguard.
In that way, this song drew attention beyond just the music itself, and it’s a cool number where the solos—from piano to trumpet and more—are downright electrifying.
DesafinadoStan Getz feat. João Gilberto84rank/position
Warm and refined tones, like the sunshine of spring, gently envelop the heart.
The graceful melodies woven by American jazz saxophonist Stan Getz and Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto skillfully express the beauty of dissonance in love.
Born as a rebuttal to criticisms of bossa nova, this piece was included on the 1964 album Getz/Gilberto, captivating listeners with a distinctive sense of weightless drift created by syncopation and complex chord progressions.
Getz’s silky tenor saxophone, Gilberto’s delicate guitar, and the whisper-like vocals blend beautifully in a track that is perfect for a morning walk that heralds a new season or for a calm afternoon tea time.