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.
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- 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 (21–30)
Watermelon ManHerbie Hancock29rank/position
“Watermelon Man,” a piece released in 1962 by the globally popular jazz musician Herbie Hancock.
Inspired by the cries of a watermelon vendor that Hancock heard in his childhood, the track has an overall cheerful vibe.
It also carries a touch of cool sophistication, making it perfect as background music for summer nights.
There are cover versions with vocals as well, so be sure to check them out.
Moanin’Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers30rank/position
Here is the piece composed by Bobby Timmons that appears as the first track on jazz drummer Art Blakey’s 1958 album.
Classified as funky jazz, the song features an impressive intro influenced by gospel call-and-response, and its fiery performance seems a perfect fit for the sweltering days of summer.
Jazz Popular Songs Ranking (31–40)
My Foolish HeartBill Evans31rank/position
When it comes to jazz piano, this is the man—Bill Evans, who enjoys great popularity in Japan as well.
Among his works, “My Foolish Heart,” included on the celebrated album Waltz for Debby, is originally the theme song from a film of the same name, but many people probably think first of Bill Evans’s rendition.
His piano tone, as if weaving a story, is something you can listen to forever.
Body and SoulColeman Hawkins32rank/position
Coleman Hawkins, the trailblazer who elevated the tenor saxophone to a leading instrument in jazz.
A major star of the Swing Era, he also had a profound influence on later modern jazz.
Among his many celebrated performances, one recorded in 1939 is especially famous.
In this piece, he intentionally departs from the melody, crafting improvisations guided by the sound of the chords.
His deep, lustrous tone evokes a cool atmosphere tinged with the stillness and melancholy of an autumn night.
This performance was included on compilation albums such as Body and Soul.
Give it a listen on an evening when you want to spend some grown-up time.
A Night in TunisiaDizzy Gillespie33rank/position
Dizzy Gillespie, known as a founder of bebop.
The piece he crafted, notable for its Afro-Cuban rhythms, is widely loved as a jazz standard.
Its complex rhythms and harmonies with a distinctive sense of floating instantly transport listeners to an exotic world.
Originally titled “Interlude,” it later took on its current form.
Gillespie’s own recording from February 1946 has been highly acclaimed, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers also featured it on their classic album “A Night in Tunisia.” It’s a perfect track for a night when you want to step away from the everyday and sink into a passionate mood.
Fly Me to the MoonFrank Sinatra34rank/position
An immortal masterpiece by Frank Sinatra that layers a yearning for the vast cosmos with a blazing passion for love.
The original elegant waltz is famously transformed by arranger Quincy Jones into a bold, dynamic 4/4 swing.
Riding on the brilliant performance of the Count Basie Orchestra, Sinatra’s smooth vocals resonate with effortless charm.
Included on the classic album “It Might as Well Be Swing,” released in August 1964, the song is also linked to a dreamy anecdote: it reached the Moon with Apollo 11 in 1969.
Many will recognize it as the ending theme of the anime Evangelion.
It’s the perfect track when you want to feel your spirits lift and your heart skip with excitement.
So BeautifulRobert Glasper35rank/position
I think its chic, mature vibe would suit a stylish restaurant.
It’s a piece by Robert Glasper, a jazz pianist from Houston, USA.
The gentle tone of the piano is soothing to the ears.
If it’s playing during a dinner with your partner, it might lift the mood.
