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!
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Acid jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (21–30)
Love is a TempleMario Biondi
The vocals are incredibly deep and gritty.
It features a simple four-on-the-floor beat and gives more of a city pop vibe than acid jazz.
Even so, the rich voice and the repetitive piano phrases are compelling, and the monochrome visuals of the music video evoke a sense of grandeur and poignancy.
I was impressed to learn that there are artists like this in the acid jazz scene.
Jazz in the HouseCount Basic
From the moment the track starts, you can tell: this is acid jazz.
It follows a classic groove style, but the key change in the chorus really hooks you—it’s a striking accent that makes you go “oh!” and I love it.
Overall, the ensemble balance is outstanding, and the clear, panoramic sound image is stylish and cool.
Love Will Keep Us TogetherThe James Taylor Quartet
It’s a track with an exquisitely crisp guitar that sounds really cool.
It has the warm vibe unique to acid jazz, and I love the choral work.
Despite the large ensemble, the balance is just right, and I feel that without any one element, this groove wouldn’t be possible.
I highly recommend the James Taylor Quartet.
Wanna Be Where You AreCarleen Anderson featuring Paul Weller
A wonderful duet with amazing vocals.
Acid jazz is luxurious, cool, and warm, with an appealing, feel-good groove and chorus, and this is an excellent track that embodies all the features of the genre.
The falsetto in the intro is lovely, and it’s packed with charm that makes you want to listen to it over and over again.
Stay This WayThe Brand New Heavies
Formed in the 1980s as an instrumental acid jazz group.
They came into the spotlight and achieved commercial success with the 1991 album “The Brand New Heavies,” which featured vocalist N’Dea Davenport.
A.P.B.A Man Called Adam
Formed by Sally Rodgers and Steve Jones, they debuted on Gilles Peterson’s Acid Jazz label.
They later moved to Big Life Records and released the album “The Apple.” Their sound, which could be described as electronica, drew significant attention.
Lift OffGroove Collective
This track is quintessential acid jazz, from the unison in the intro to the moment the vocals come in.
It’s the kind of song you want to listen to while sipping a drink outdoors at night.
You can feel the nighttime ocean.
The rhythm section has a big presence, and the solid groove is incredibly easy to lock into.