Classic fusion music masterpieces. Recommended staple tracks.
“Fusion” is a music genre that grew out of jazz, and true to its name, it blends a wide range of elements into a genuinely crossover sound that has produced countless classic albums and songs.
If you’re curious about fusion and want to sample a few tracks, this article introduces essential tunes—from soft, stylish numbers to complex, groundbreaking pieces.
Focusing mainly on overseas artists, we’ll cover beloved hits from years past, canonical staples, and standout tracks by artists who blend the hallmarks of jazz fusion with contemporary flair.
Whether you’re feeling nostalgic for the old days or searching for modern fusion, read on.
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Fusion music masterpieces. Recommended classic tracks (121–130)
Don't worry about a thing.Weldon Irvine
It’s one of Stevie Wonder’s signature songs, covered endlessly by famous musicians around the world, but in Weldon’s much-reevaluated hands it gets a bold arrangement that opens straight into a synth solo.
Even so, when you listen to it all the way through, it’s a version that strongly conveys a sense of respect.
A Love SupremeCarlos Santana & John McLaughlin
A track originally created by John Coltrane.
This version by guitarists Carlos Santana and John McLaughlin is included on the album Love Devotion Surrender, released in 1973.
The album reached No.
7 on the UK charts.
Slightly All the TimeSoft Machine
Soft Machine is a British rock and jazz music band active since 1966.
This track is included on the album Third, released in 1970.
It was sampled in Smoke DZA’s 2012 track Playground Legend.
Two Price HitVictor Bailey, Dennis Chambers, Mitch Forman, Chuck Loeb and Bill Evans
A track released by bassist Victor Bailey, drummer Dennis Chambers, keyboard player Mitch Forman, guitarist Chuck Loeb, and saxophonist Bill Evans.
It is included on the 1992 collaborative album Petie Blonde.
Fusion music masterpieces. Recommended classic tracks (131–140)
Three A.m.Cosmosquad
A track by the American instrumental band Cosmosquad that’s packed with the best of each instrument.
Your ears will be busy keeping up with the barrage of truly cosmic technique.
Beyond the sheer skill, the engaging arrangements make it a song that reveals something new every time you listen.
Why not lose yourself in some of the most astonishing, top-tier virtuosity achievable by human hands?
MiragemDjavan
It’s a pop number by one of the world’s foremost melody makers—often compared to Stevie Wonder.
While it’s sprinkled with quintessentially ’80s drum sounds and synthesizers and aims for an American feel, the Portuguese rhythms—and above all, the harmonies—are beautiful.
Lucky Man – 2012 Remastered VersionEmerson Lake&Palmer
A live version by the progressive band Emerson, Lake & Palmer, active since the 1970s.
They were at the forefront of the prog boom of the time, yet they also had tasteful pieces like this one that begin with a guitar timbre.
That said, the synthesizer tones are fascinating as expected, and the synthesizer performance in the latter half is a real highlight.