ChameleonHerbie Hancock1rank/position

Chameleon

Herbie Hancock is a master of fusion who blends diverse musical styles on a jazz foundation.

A prodigious pianist from childhood, he turned professional in 1960 and debuted on the Blue Note label in 1962 with Takin’ Off.

Watermelon Man from that album became a hit and brought him to the attention of Miles Davis.

In the 1960s, while performing with the Miles Davis Quintet, he released landmark albums such as Maiden Voyage.

In the 1970s, Head Hunters became the first jazz album to go platinum, and in the 1980s, Future Shock incorporated electro-funk and won a Grammy.

Known for an innovative musical vision that transcends the boundaries of jazz, Hancock is an artist I recommend not only to jazz fans but to music lovers of all kinds.

Cantaloupe IslandHerbie Hancock2rank/position

Herbie Hancock – Cantaloupe Island

Herbie Hancock, who continually pushes the boundaries of jazz with innovative ideas and outstanding performance, remains at the forefront of the music world.

Among his brilliant achievements, there’s a piece from the 1964 masterpiece Empyrean Isles that perfectly suits the atmosphere of a stylish restaurant.

Its irresistibly catchy, funky piano riff and the bluesy tone of Freddie Hubbard’s cornet create a groove that’s incredibly cool.

It evokes the openness of spending time on a tropical island and makes an ideal BGM for enjoying an elegant meal while lively conversation flows.

In 1993, a track by Us3 that sampled it reached No.

9 on the U.

S.

charts, and it has also been featured in film soundtracks, proving that its appeal remains timeless.

Wiggle WaggleHerbie Hancock3rank/position

Herbie Hancock. – Wiggle Waggle

Featured in the Suzuki Spacia Custom commercial.

The intro is crafted to make you imagine a completely different piece of music, but the chorus melody is something almost everyone has probably heard at least once.

This cool, moody track draws you in no matter how many times you listen.

Watermelon ManHerbie Hancock4rank/position

Watermelon Man

Beloved by players around the world as a jam-session staple, this piece is an original by Hancock included on his 1962 album Takin’ Off.

Built on a 16-bar blues form, it’s marked by a soulful groove, and its catchy piano riff leaves an unforgettable impression after just one listen.

The simple yet deep chord progression makes it approachable for first-time jammers, and the interplay with horns—such as Freddie Hubbard on trumpet and Dexter Gordon on tenor sax—adds to the fun, with a structure that makes trading solos easy for every part.

The anecdote that Hancock drew inspiration from the calls of a watermelon vendor he heard in his Chicago childhood is also intriguing.

Balancing jazz tradition with accessibility, this track is an ideal choice to energize any session.

RockitHerbie Hancock5rank/position

Rockit (12″ Version)

One song that’s also familiar from variety shows—what all these classic tracks have in common is a uniquely cool intro.

This track is one of them.

Many of you may already know, but Herbie Hancock was a musician active in the jazz scene.

This is a masterpiece in which he was among the first to incorporate techniques like scratching and sampling—methods that later became foundational in hip-hop expression.

The one-verse intro tends to overshadow the rest, but it’s what comes after that’s truly urban and incredibly cool.

Ready or NotHerbie Hancock6rank/position

Herbie Hancock – Ready Or Not

Incorporating elements of funk and disco, this track conveys a fresh challenge from Herbie Hancock.

Featured on the album “Feets, Don’t Fail Me Now,” released in February 1979, it stands out for its repetitive lyrics and striking vocoder effects.

The uplifting beat and energetic lyrics naturally draw listeners onto the dance floor.

This is an ambitious work in which Hancock seeks to push beyond the boundaries of jazz and explore new musical horizons.

It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to break out the robot dance.

Speek like a childHerbie Hancock7rank/position

Herbie Hancock – Speak Like a Child

This is the title track released in 1968.

The exquisite harmony between Herbie’s piano and the horns has a deep, nuanced flavor.

The album opens with “Riot,” a fast-tempo, aggressive piece, so the restrained, gentle piano tone of this second track offers a moment to catch your breath.

Savor the beauty of this world, guided by Herbie’s refined playing.