[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
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- 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 (41–50)
You Don’t Know What Love IsCassandra Wilson
After the era of fusion had passed, an African American singer who mixed various styles like jazz, soul, and pop was Cassandra Wilson.
Her rendition of the classic jazz standard ‘You Don’t Know What Love Is’ also features a distinctive, pop-inflected arrangement.
All of MeFrank Sinatra
Released as a 10-inch album in 1954, this record was limited to about 14 minutes of recording time at the time, so each track is arranged in a considerably shorter version compared to recent albums.
It’s an album where you can enjoy Frank Sinatra’s sweet vocals and a relaxed swing feel.
Don’t ExplainNancy Wilson
“Don’t Explain (Don’t Make Excuses)” is a song that seems to have been born alongside the history of jazz, with lyrics said to be based on Billie Holiday’s real-life experiences.
Nancy Wilson became a hugely successful vocalist after moving to New York at Cannonball Adderley’s invitation.
I Put a spell on youNina Simone
Nina Simone, who kept singing numerous songs of African American women without being bound by the boundaries of gospel, blues, and jazz, was in fact a formidable musician who played jazz piano and even graduated from a conservatory.
This song opened the masterful album she released after moving to Philips.
Fly Me To The MoonWestlife
Here is an album by the Irish vocal group Westlife, sung with arrangements and a vocal style that consciously evoke Frank Sinatra’s famous versions.
It sports a witty title with a double meaning—something like “Let Us Be Frank.” It’s the kind of album that conjures up a ‘That’s Entertainment’ vibe.
Let There Be LoveJulie London
Here’s Julie London’s album released in 1960.
It’s said to have been recorded at Julie’s home.
Her relaxed vocals are complemented by the sound of the vibraphone—something you don’t often hear on jazz vocal albums—which adds a really nice touch.
Body And SoulBillie Holiday
JATP (Jazz at the Philharmonic) is the title of jazz concerts and recordings produced by Norman Granz.
Billie Holiday appeared at JATP many times and left some remarkable performances, and this album is a curated selection of those tracks.
It’s an album where you can savor the allure of Billie Holiday as she freely interprets standards without being bound by the original melodies.