Acid jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks.
Acid jazz is a music genre that was born in the UK in the 1980s.
Many of you have probably heard the name.
However, since acid jazz blends various genres into jazz, the vibe can differ greatly from track to track, so I imagine few people can instantly recall its melody.
This time, I’ve picked out some classic acid jazz tracks for those people.
There are plenty of lesser-known songs as well, so even those who regularly listen to acid jazz will find recommendations here!
Acid jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
Cosmic GirlJamiroquai
Jamiroquai’s classic “Cosmic Girl,” released in 1996.
When you think of Jamiroquai, you might picture stylish, smooth tracks.
This song is a bit different from that image, with an overall funky vibe.
The bouncy, popping bass is especially striking.
With its frequent key changes, it never gets boring to listen to and is arranged for a highly satisfying experience.
If you like funk music, be sure to check it out.
Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A ThingIncognito
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.
Never StopThe Brand New Heavies
Here’s a classic acid jazz track I’d recommend to fans of funk: “Never Stop.” It’s by the Brand New Heavies, an acid jazz group formed in London in 1985.
Their musical roots trace back to James Brown, and you can hear the essence of funk in many of their songs.
This track, too, is a crisp, clean slice of acid jazz overall, but the springy bass playing conveys a clear respect for James Brown.
Virtual InsanityJamiroquai
When it comes to quintessential acid jazz artists, many people think of Jamiroquai first.
Their track Virtual Insanity is the most famous of Jamiroquai’s works, and it astonishingly won ten awards at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards.
While acid jazz can seem a bit hard to approach for some, this song combines stylish flair with plenty of catchy sections, making it a perfect gateway track for anyone just getting into the genre.
Space CowboyJamiroquai
When it comes to Jamiroquai, people tend to focus on Virtual Insanity, but in fact, their other songs are also incredibly stylish and sophisticated.
Among them, the one I’d especially recommend is Space Cowboy.
This track features a crisp melody that feels like a mix of smooth jazz and house music.
And of course, the groove is solid, so it’s not just refreshingly light—it also has an energizing structure that makes you want to move.
Can’t Hide LoveGazzara
Gazzara is the solo project of Francesco Gazzara.
There isn’t much information available about this artist, so details are scarce, but he seems to specialize in an avant-garde musical style that favors key changes.
With a classical background, he’s able to create such complex structures.
His track “Can’t Hide Love” is a recommended piece among his works.
It’s a famous song covered by many artists, but this version stands out as a highly sophisticated take that brings acid jazz to the forefront.
CantaloopUS3
Us3 is a jazz-rap group formed in London.
They helped lay the foundation for hip-hop jazz, and their achievements are highly acclaimed around the world.
Their track “Cantaloop” is one of their signature works, featuring a stylish, downbeat melody that blends smooth jazz with old-school hip-hop.
Incidentally, due to their significant contributions, they reportedly received special permission from Blue Note Records, the world-renowned jazz label, to freely sample any of its recordings.