List of Best Jazz Songs That Should Be In Your Playlist

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Truly, picking out Best Jazz Songs is a hard nut to crack. This genre is popular for improvisation. From the early 20th century, Classical Jazz music has been evolving into new interesting sub genres. So here is a list of best Jazz songs of all the time, a short Jazz music playlist that has shaped up the rich jazz history and also know what is the number one Jazz song of all time?

Did You Know?

While performing, jazz musicians point to their head when they end their solos. This means the main melody of the song needs to be played.

Some Jazz Terms For You!

Scate: Improvising lyrics with meaningless syllables
Lick: Term used for referring to solos
Boogie: Swinging rhythm in jazz and blues
Chops: A term used for referring musician’s proficiency

Best Jazz Songs Of All Time

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

‘What a Wonderful World’ is a timeless classic that captures the beauty of optimistic life. George David and Bob Thiele wrote this number one jazz song, which was released in 1967 and remains forever in our hearts. I love how the song paints a bright-coloured picture of a world full of kind hearted beautiful people. It’s all about enjoying little things like blue skies, follower blossoms and smiles, appreciating small wonders of life. Yet another smooth jazz songs for bass voice type.

The Look of Love by Diana Krall

Perfect example of a classic jazz music standard. Krall’s rendition of ‘The Look of Love’ stands out for its intimate feel in her smooth vocals with subtle swinging accompaniment. She has blended traditional jazz with contemporary sensibilities. At the beginning of this text, I’ve mentioned that jazz music gives a lot of room for improvisation. Krall’s version is simply a best example of re-aligning without breaking the original allure.

My Funny Valentine by Ella Fitzgerald

This most celebrated jazz standard was originally released in 1937. It is also most found in a Jazz music playlist. Ella’s vocal delivery was both tender and intimate showcasing the bittersweet theme of the lyrics. Her version is slower and with smooth arrangements backinging her vocals.

Did You Know?

My Funny Valentine was composed by Richard Rodgers for a Broadway musical ‘Babies in Arms.’ Few singers including Frank sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald made this song a famous Jazz standard.

At Last by Etta James

‘At Last’ has been performed by many artists over the years but Etta James’s version remains most iconic and considered to be one of the top jazz songs of all time. It was released in 1960. This song was originally written by Mack Gordan and Harry Warren.

The powerful and heartfelt vocals convey a deep sense of joy. It’s all about the happiness and satisfaction one gets when one finally finds true love. This popular jazz songs is best suited for romantic occasions and is one of the most found pieces in classic jazz music repertoire.

Take Five- Dave Brubeck

This timeless classic jazz music was released in 1959 in this album Time-out. It is quite popular for its unconventional time signature 5/4 in jazz, well, back in time. The melody is played in an alto saxophone and has harmonies supporting the lead melody. Lots of improvisations are made in the solo sections.

Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra

Most iconic song on anyone’s Jazz music playlist would be ‘Fly me to the Moon’ by Frank Sinatra. It was released in 1964. I blame the elegant melody, romantic lyrics and Sinatra’s smooth delivery for its success. The deep gravelly sound of Sinatra’s voice makes this one of the best jazz songs for bass voices.

Fun Fact

Fly me to the moon was originally written by Bart Howard and titled “In Other Words” in 1964.

Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday

I must begin with Holiday’s emotive delivery bringing out the gravity of the subject matter. Despite the controversial nature of the theme of the song, her fine performance makes this one of the best jazz songs. It was released in 1939, yet is remembered as one of an iconic number in any jazz music playlist.

The phrasing used by Holiday is slow so that the depth of each word can reach the listener crystal clear. The accompaniment includes a small jazz ensemble allowing her vocals to be the focal point.

Mack the Knife-Ella Fitzgerald

Ella’s version of ‘Mack the Knife’ is yet another classic jazz music songs of all time. You may wonder what’s so special about it! Well, it’s her ability to remarkable vocal dexterity and spontaneity. Lets not forget about the playful interpretation and the effortless navigation of the song’s melody and shifting tempo.

Did You Know?

Although it wasn’t her original song, she won a Grammy for performing ‘Mack the Knife’ live in Berlin

It is said that her performance of this song remains a benchmark as to why she is considered one of the jazz music genres greatest artists. It’s also the reason why this number is one of the Best jazz songs ever made.

So What by Miles Davis

‘So what’ was released in 1959 by Miles Davis and is one of the top jazz songs of all time. This song is composed with a Dorian modes of scale.

Another interesting element of this song would be the call and response structure between the piano and vocals. Davis’s ‘So What’ is one of a kind track with a different approach that popularized the usage of modes in music.

Closing Thoughts!

Thanks for reading. Jazz isn’t just about complex harmonies and improvisation, we all from time to time listen to jazz music for relaxing. It is smooth and soothing. Hopefully you discovered some new classic jazz songs and there are other popular jazz songs also, some of it you may want to learn how to sing, if so you can book a free demo with us and start your music journey.