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 Songs Ranking (91–100)
StratusBilly Cobham99rank/position
When it comes to drummers with jaw-dropping technique who are indispensable to the history of jazz-rock, one immediately thinks of Billy Cobham, the Panamanian-American born in 1944.
In addition to his historic work with groundbreaking jazz artists and groups like Miles Davis and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Billy has released many recordings as a solo artist.
Among his brilliant discography, this time I’d like to introduce “Stratus,” a track from his landmark 1973 solo debut, Spectrum.
The band ensemble—rooted in a crossover fusion sound informed by his Mahavishnu Orchestra experience, but pushed even further toward rock—is electrifying and incredibly cool.
Billy’s drumming drives the dramatic song development, raging between subtlety and power, and the impassioned performances from the guest musicians are also outstanding.
A particular highlight is the scorching, freewheeling guitar solo by Tommy Bolin—Deep Purple’s guitarist, who tragically passed away two years after this album at the young age of 25.
As a side note, this track is quoted in Massive Attack’s classic “Safe From Harm,” so be sure to check that out as well!
L-O-V-ENat King Cole100rank/position
L-O-V-E, one of the signature songs by American jazz pianist and singer Nat King Cole.
If you’re into jazz, you probably know it, and even if you’re not, there’s a good chance you’ve heard it before.
Its charm lies in the way it sings about love with a mellow, silky voice over a sprightly rhythm.
The tune is so pleasing to the ear that you can remember it after just one listen—an appeal that sets it apart from other songs.
It has been featured in commercials such as Y!mobile and Asahi Beer, so you’ve likely heard it somewhere.
