Ranking of Popular Jazz Songs

Stella by StarlightVictor Young85rank/position

Miles Davis – Stella by Starlight (Audio) (Official Audio)

This work is marked by a romantic melody that evokes whispering of love under starlight.

Originally, it was an instrumental piece composed by Victor Young as the theme for the 1944 Paramount film “The Uninvited.” Lyrics were later added by Ned Washington, and today it is widely cherished as a jazz standard.

After being first recorded by Victor Young’s own orchestra in August 1945, Harry James’s performance also became a hit.

Its rich harmonies—featuring smooth voice leading and modulations—are characteristic, making it ideal for studying the distinctive sound of jazz.

To begin, why not play it as a relaxed ballad, letting the melody sing?

RustYussef Dayes feat. Tom Misch86rank/position

Yussef Dayes feat. Tom Misch – Rust [Official Video]

This is an instrumental track by London-based drummer Yussef Dayes, teaming up with his close collaborator Tom Misch.

Its dreamy sound—rooted in jazz and blended with fusion and ambient—will stylishly elevate your workspace.

Featured on the album Black Classical Music, released in September 2023, the track also made waves for being unveiled after fan comments reached 5,000.

The delicate drumming and low-end-rich guitar melodies make it perfect for boosting focus during studying or desk work.

A modern jazz masterpiece that lets you relax while diving deep into your tasks.

Blue MoonBillie Holiday87rank/position

Billie Holiday – Blue Moon (Audio)

“Blue Moon,” released in 1934 with lyrics by Lorenz Hart and music by Richard Rodgers.

The song remains highly popular today and is well known through covers by American jazz singers such as Billie Holiday.

With its simple lyrics and melody, it’s perfect for those who want to try singing jazz for the first time.

In addition, because the song repeats a straightforward harmonic progression known as a chord cycle, it’s also recommended for solo covers or singing with self-accompaniment on piano or guitar.

Be sure to make use of this song in a wide variety of settings!

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Yuuki

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HopoponoGoGo Penguin88rank/position

GoGo Penguin – Hopopono (Official Video) [Gondwana Records]

A track whose minimal piano melodies and driving rhythms seem to boost concentration.

It’s a song by GoGo Penguin, the piano trio from Manchester, UK.

Included on the acclaimed 2014 album v2.0, its sound is uniquely original, fusing jazz’s improvisational spirit with the pulse of electronica.

The album featuring this piece was also nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize, and its musicality has been praised around the world.

The uplifting repetition woven by piano, bass, and drums stylishly enlivens time spent on tasks or studying, which can easily become monotonous.

It’s a number I recommend as background music when you want to tackle tasks with a café-like vibe and just the right amount of tension.

Rock ItHerbie Hancock89rank/position

Herbie Hancock – Rockit (Official Video)

A track included on jazz pianist Herbie Hancock’s 1983 album Future Shock, from Chicago, USA.

As you’ll hear, it incorporates hip-hop so boldly that you might wonder, “Is this even jazz?” and it became a forerunner of club music.

From the much-discussed Head Hunters onward, he’s a musician known for boundary-pushing, genre-defying work.

Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A ThingIncognito90rank/position

Incognito – Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing

The UK is known as a hotbed for acid jazz and has a longer history with the genre compared to other countries.

Among the legends in the history of British acid jazz is the group Incognito.

While Jamiroquai helped popularize acid jazz, it’s said that Incognito laid its foundations.

Their track “Don’t You Worry ’Bout A Thing” is one of their signature works, delivering lively acid jazz infused with a strong, era-evoking funk essence.

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Ryo

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Time After TimeMiles Davis91rank/position

MILES DAVIS – Time After Time

When we hear the term “standard number,” we tend to picture songs born before the war or in the ’50s and ’60s.

However, the piece introduced here is a gem of a standard that emerged in the 1980s.

“Time After Time,” included on American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper’s blockbuster 1983 album She’s So Unusual—she’s also widely known as a great admirer of Japan—is a quintessential ’80s ballad that remains beloved even now, in the 2020s.

It’s been used countless times in commercials, and even younger music fans can instantly recognize it when they hear its wistful melody.

In fact, “Time After Time” has also become a standard in the jazz world, continually covered by many artists.

A direct catalyst was none other than the emperor of jazz, Miles Davis, who recorded an instrumental version in 1984, shortly after the song’s release, and issued it as a single the following year, in 1985.

After that, it became a recurring feature in Miles’s live performances.

Of course, beyond jazz, it’s an eternal ballad that continues to be covered across genres.

Be sure to enjoy both the original version and Miles’s cover!

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KOH-1

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