[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] Masterpieces of Jazz Vocals: Must-Listen Recommended Albums (21–30)
Cheek To CheekElla Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
A luxurious collaborative album by Ella Fitzgerald—one of the three great female vocalists—and Louis Armstrong.
Ella even did impressions of Louis’s singing on other albums, so they must have had a lot of fun recording this together.
With the equally illustrious Oscar Peterson on piano, it’s an album packed with highlights.
Come Away with MeNorah Jones
With a uniquely captivating voice that effortlessly crosses the boundary between jazz and pop, Norah Jones enchants listeners.
Featured on her debut album released in February 2002, this track stands out for its delicate emotional expression despite its simple structure.
It evokes the feeling of listening in a quiet nighttime café, gently wrapping the listener’s heart.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to unwind or sink into deep reflection, offering a cleansing listening experience.
With an approachable melodic line, it’s a charming piece that’s also ideal for those new to jazz.
[2025] Essential Jazz Vocal Masterpieces: Must-Listen Recommended Albums (31–40)
Calling YouHolly Cole
Holly Cole is a Canadian female jazz vocalist.
She gained popularity for her clear, transparent voice and performances in a trio accompanied only by piano and bass.
This song, a cover of the theme from the film “Bagdad Cafe,” became a huge hit thanks to her vocals.
My One And Only LoveJohnny Hartman
Here is the album John Coltrane released in 1963 featuring Johnny Hartman on vocals.
It’s rare for him to spotlight a vocalist, and compared to his other albums, this one may be easier to listen to and more approachable.
It’s an album I especially recommend to those who find Coltrane’s playing a bit hard to get into.
But BeautifulBoz Scaggs
A masterpiece that brings the allure of jazz standards into the present, But Beautiful.
Boz Scaggs’s calm vocals blend beautifully with the refined playing of the jazz quartet.
Released in May 2003, the album debuted at No.
1 on the jazz charts.
Scaggs’s gentle voice tenderly embraces a range of emotions—love, loss, longing—and resonates deeply with listeners.
It’s perfect for a leisurely evening or whenever you want to relax with soothing music.
A record that lets you feel the profound charm of jazz.
A Ghost of a ChanceLee Wiley
When it comes to classic jazz vocal albums, Lee Wiley’s “A Night in Manhattan” is always on the list.
Among its tracks, the enduring standard “A Ghost of a Chance” has continued to be performed to this day, and it could be said that this album is what cemented it as a standard.
You’re Looking At MeDiana Krall
Here is a tribute album to Nat King Cole released in 1996.
Diana Krall, who solidified her status as a singer-pianist, delivers relaxed renditions of songs well known from Nat King Cole’s vocals.
It’s an album you’ll want to listen to during a laid-back, leisurely moment.