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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Masterpieces of fusion music: Recommended classic tracks (31–40)
The Dominant PlagueAllan Holdsworth
Allan Holdsworth, the British maverick who pursued the guitar’s possibilities to their absolute limit.
He’s renowned for his innovative playing not only in jazz fusion but also in the realm of progressive rock.
This track appears on his 1986 album Atavachron and is distinguished by its cutting-edge use of the SynthAxe at the time.
Its sound world—where Afrocentric rhythms intertwine with complex harmonies—combines a certain coolness with passion, and some even interpret its depth as hinting at social issues of the era.
The classic album Atavachron, which includes this piece, is a perfect showcase of Holdsworth’s singular artistry that transcends the boundaries of fusion.
It’s a work I especially recommend to those who want to enjoy an intellectual and thrilling exploration of sound.
NevermoreU.K.
U.
K.
is a virtuoso unit that Britain proudly offers in progressive rock and jazz fusion—you may have heard the name.
The dramatic, nearly eight-minute track on their 1978 debut album U.
K.
is a must-listen if you want to experience the depth of fusion.
It begins with a delicate acoustic guitar introduction, erupts into thrilling improvisation, and then unfolds into a sweeping flood of sound woven by grand synthesizers and guitar.
The lyrics convey a palpable sense of nostalgia for a changing city and a poignant longing for what’s been lost.
The classic album U.
K.
, which includes this track, became a hit after its release in March 1978, selling over 250,000 copies within six months.
It’s a perfect work for nights when you want to immerse yourself in technically masterful performances and richly narrative music.
UnicornKazumi Watanabe
A masterpiece featured on the album Tochika, produced by Mike Mainieri.
The intro, marked by that striking da-da guitar chopping, is memorable, and it’s also appealing for its guitar solo, which showcases a style distinct from that of overseas guitarists.
Sometimes I…Scott Kinsey
Scott Kinsey is a U.
S.
-born keyboardist who masterfully wields synthesizers and leads the electric jazz/fusion scene.
Also known for his work with the renowned group Tribal Tech, his distinctive playing has earned him praise as “one of the most creative synthesizer improvisers in the world.” One track from his debut as a leader, the October 2006 album Kinesthetics, is truly worthy of being called “conversational music,” exploding with thrilling interplay.
This piece is up-tempo, energetic, and rich in improvisation—sure to elevate the listener.
Precisely because it’s an instrumental without lyrics, you can fully immerse yourself in the story woven by the sound.
The acclaimed album Kinesthetics, which includes this track, has even been hailed as “the best jazz-rock/fusion CD of the past decade.” It’s a fusion tune where virtuosity and intensity collide—perfect for a drive or any moment you want to lift your spirits!
Last Train HomePat Metheny Group
“Last Train Home” is a song by the Pat Metheny Group, led by guitarist Pat Metheny.
It appears on the 1987 album Still Life (Talking) and won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance.
The track is characterized by its distinctive melody featuring the guitar synthesizer—one of Metheny’s trademarks—which creates an otherworldly tone.
“Last Train Home” is a masterpiece that lets you fully enjoy Metheny’s guitar playing, showcasing his genius for crafting beautiful melodies.
Fusion music masterpieces: recommended standard tracks (41–50)
Plastic BambooRyuichi Sakamoto
This is a piece from when the Professor was still in his twenties, before he joined YMO.
In an era when sequencers and similar gear were hardly available, simply recording synthesizers this beautifully was a challenge, yet—as you’d expect from someone already regarded as a master—the result has a razor-sharp sound.
My SweetnessStuff
“My Sweetness” is a track by Stuff, a group formed by top-notch American studio musicians.
The song was included on their debut album, Stuff.
The melody played by pianist Richard Tee on a phaser-treated Rhodes piano is incredibly mellow.
Since the members are studio musicians, the groove they create together has a one-of-a-kind sound—an absolute must-listen for fusion fans!