[2025] Classic Jazz Vocal Albums: Must-Listen Recommendations
Jazz vocals are one of the most captivating forms of musical expression created by the human voice.
The sound world woven from heart-stirring melodies, profound emotional expression, and swinging, groovy rhythms heals the listener’s soul and at times offers powerful encouragement.
Timeless masterpieces continue to be loved across generations, and contemporary artists draw out new allure through fresh interpretations.
From classic standards to innovative contemporary jazz vocals, here are exquisite albums that are sure to enchant any music fan.
Encountering these legendary recordings will surely enrich your musical experience.
- Captivating female jazz singers who illuminate the history of jazz. Recommended jazz vocals from around the world.
- Recommended jazz vocals. The world’s greatest jazz singers.
- [For Beginners] Classic Modern Jazz Albums: Recommended Records to Start With
- Hall of Jazz: Classic Blue Note Records. Recommended jazz albums.
- [Start Here] Jazz Masterpieces: A Must-Listen Album Selection
- Recommended classic jazz songs for men
- The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
- Great for karaoke too! Jazz classics you’ll want to sing at least once
- Danceable Jazz! Classic and Recommended Albums of Acid Jazz
- A compilation of jazz insert songs and covers from anime
- [Western Music] Classic Jazz Fusion Masterpieces: Must-Listen Recommended Albums [2025]
- R&B Masterpieces in Western Music: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics [2025]
- [2025] Best Western R&B Love Songs: A Curated Collection of Romance Tracks
[2025] Classic Jazz Vocal Masterpieces: Must-Listen Recommended Albums (11–20)
Harvest MoonCassandra Wilson
This Grammy-winning masterpiece by Cassandra Wilson from the United States transcends the boundaries of jazz to embrace a wide range of musical styles.
Classics from rock, country, and pop—like U2’s “Love Is Blindness” and Hank Williams’s “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”—are reborn through her unique interpretations.
The earthy, acoustic resonance fused with her deep, mysterious voice creates a sound that music lovers will find irresistible.
Why not immerse yourself in its world and discover new facets of timeless songs that never lose their luster?
I Left My Heart in San FranciscoTony Bennett
Released in 1962, this is a signature work by American jazz singer Tony Bennett that won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
The well-known title track, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” is a classic ballad that sings of a nostalgic longing for the fog-shrouded city where he left his heart.
His deep, warm voice resonates soothingly alongside the sweeping orchestra.
You’re enveloped in a soaring feeling, as if scenes of old, beloved America gently unfold before your eyes—always breathtaking, no matter how many times you listen.
His refined expressiveness is simply captivating.
What A Difference A Day MadeJamie Cullum
Jamie Cullum’s Twentysomething, by the British jazz singer and pianist, is a smash-hit album that shows you how fun jazz can be.
Alongside stylish standards, it includes a rock cover of Jimi Hendrix and original songs that capture down-to-earth feelings.
The youthful, energetic piano and mischievous vocals will have your body swinging before you know it! Its warm, analog-recorded sound is another draw, making it perfect as weekend background music.
Many listeners will likely relate to the title track, which portrays the genuine emotional landscape of life in your twenties.
Love is the ThingNat King Cole
It’s an album released in 1957, arranged by Gordon Jenkins.
Although the title track isn’t very well-known in Japan, this album includes Stardust—considered one of Nat King Cole’s signature recordings—and is one of the finest jazz vocal albums.
Black CoffeePeggy Lee
This album was originally recorded as a 10-inch release in 1953, but in 1956 four additional tracks were recorded to expand it into an LP.
The title track, “Black Coffee,” is sung in a slightly husky yet charming voice, expressing the feeling of waiting for a man who won’t return.
Lover Come Back To MeDinah Washington
This is the album recorded by the same members as Clifford Brown’s classic, “Study in Brown,” together with Dinah Washington.
It was recorded in a studio live format, allowing you to enjoy the passionate performances unique to live recordings, different from beautifully arranged studio albums.
[2025] Masterpieces of Jazz Vocals: Must-Listen Recommended Albums (21–30)
You’d Be So Nice To Come Home ToHelen Merrill
Here’s an album featuring Clifford Brown, the genius trumpeter who passed away young.
The arrangements are by Quincy Jones, and it remains a beloved gem of jazz vocals.
Among its tracks, the intro of this particular song is something even non-jazz fans have likely heard.