[2025] Classic Jazz Vocal Albums: Must-Listen Recommendations

Born To Be BlueBeverly Kenney

Born To Be Blue

Beverly Kenney’s poignant vocals, tinged with a blue hue, are endlessly captivating.

The title track from her album Born To Be Blue, released in July 1959, is a classic that sings of the resolve to accept life’s sorrows.

Composed by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells, the song beautifully expresses the feeling of being unable to truly feel joy even when happy moments surround you.

Kenney’s delicate, emotive voice conveys the depth of the blues with remarkable clarity.

If you love jazz, you should definitely give it a listen.

What Matters MostBarbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand – What Matters Most

Barbra Streisand, whose emotionally rich and sensual vocals are captivating, vividly portrays the essence of love through moving melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart.

The album “What Matters Most,” released in August 2011, reached No.

4 on the Billboard 200.

This gem of a record features works by lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman, her longtime friends.

The album sings of the importance of bonds built through the quality of human relationships and love, rather than physical time or distance.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone wishing to reexamine life’s true value.

Embraceable YouJudy Garland

Embraceable You (From “Girl Crazy”)

George Gershwin, a great American composer, wrote many songs that later became jazz standards.

“Embraceable You” is one of the most representative among them, and Judy Garland’s rendition is especially famous.

StardustRoberta Gambarini

Latvian Radio Big Band ft. Roberta Gambarini – Stardust

The voice of Italian jazz singer Roberta Gambarini shines like stardust.

This work, a beautiful portrayal of lost love, highlights her exquisite collaboration with pianist Hank Jones.

Her vocal prowess—recognized with a Grammy nomination for her 2006 debut album, “Easy to Love”—has drawn comparisons to Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.

With an emotive tone that evokes a twilight-purple sky, her singing is recommended not only for jazz aficionados but also for pop music fans.

Paris SessionsTierney Sutton

Estate – Tierney Sutton

A standout album drawing attention as a soul-stirring jazz vocal masterpiece is Tierney Sutton’s Paris Sessions.

With its simple piano-and-vocal arrangements, this work captivates with expressive power that blends strength and delicacy.

Released in May 2022, it exudes a calm atmosphere while retaining a catchy appeal.

It’s perfect for listening alone on a quiet night or enjoying with someone special.

If you want to fully savor the allure of jazz vocals, be sure to give it a listen.

Left AloneAbbey Lincoln

Abbey Lincoln – Left Alone

Abbey Lincoln was a female singer who deeply admired Billie Holiday.

The classic song “Left Alone,” which late-period Billie Holiday loved to sing, has no surviving recording by Holiday herself.

Lincoln recorded the song—whose lyrics speak of someone who has “gone off alone”—as a dedication to Holiday.