Herbie Hancock Popular Song Rankings [2025]

You Bet Your LoveHerbie Hancock8rank/position

Herbie Hancock – You Bet Your Love (1979) Remastered

He proved with Head Hunters that long tracks could translate into sales in the pop scene, but to take it this far into a Black Contemporary style—well, at the time of its release the song drew mixed reactions.

Listening now, though, it simply feels like a pleasantly straightforward dance number.

Doin’ ItHerbie Hancock9rank/position

Doin’ It

A vibrant instrumental where jazz and funk blend seamlessly to set listeners’ hearts dancing.

This track by American jazz master Herbie Hancock is included on his 1976 album “Secrets.” Its richly colored soundscapes, woven from synthesizers and electric piano, are like a kaleidoscope of sound.

Even without lyrics, the piece directly conveys the exhilaration and irrepressible passion of “doing” something, just as the title suggests.

In October 1976, it was performed on the TV program “Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert,” captivating many music fans.

It’s the perfect tune for lifting your spirits or adding color to your everyday life.

Maiden VoyageHerbie Hancock10rank/position

Herbie Hancock – Maiden Voyage

Also known in Japan by the title “Shojo Kōkai,” Maiden Voyage is the title track of the 1965 album of the same name by Herbie Hancock—an artist whose ideas and talent extend beyond standard jazz, who has produced many innovative works and compositions, and who continues to perform actively even in the 2020s well into his eighties.

It is a masterpiece that stands in the history of jazz and remains a beloved standard number today, and in the story it is the memorable piece for which Dai Miyamoto earned his first fee for his own performance.

The fact that he expressed this piece using only a single saxophone is remarkable in itself—one can’t help but wonder what that performance was like.

Why not listen to the original track and imagine it?

Lock itHerbie Hancock11rank/position

Herbie Hancock – Rockit (Official Video)

Herbie Hancock is a great pianist in the jazz field, but his name recognition on the popular music side may have been a bit limited.

However, this song, together with its shocking, avant-garde promotional video, took the world by storm all at once.

Back in 1983, that video with the robot doing a wiggly dance was nothing short of sensational.

Needless to say, the song’s high level of craftsmanship—including the arrangement—is remarkable, but what really stood out was the now-familiar “scratching.” This track is said to be the first to incorporate that performance technique.

Actual ProofHerbie Hancock12rank/position

Herbie Hancock – Actual Proof

A track included on the 1974 album “Thrust.” Aside from a single accent phrase in the middle, everything else is free! It’s perfect for jam sessions.

The original doesn’t have a guitar solo section, but thanks to the busy bass and drums, it’s a powerful piece even without keyboards.

Definitely give it a try!

CameleonHerbie Hancock13rank/position

Herbie Hancock – Chameleon (FULL VERSION)

From the late 1960s into the 1970s, jazz began incorporating electric instruments, and one of the key contributors to this shift was Herbie Hancock.

His album Head Hunters was a major hit, and it opens with Chameleon.

It’s a classic that still makes your heart leap, isn’t it?