Miles Davis Popular Song Rankings [2025]

GénériqueMiles Davis22rank/position

miles davis “generique”

“Générique” is the main theme of the French film masterpiece Elevator to the Gallows.

It’s a jazz piece perfectly tailored to the film’s tense atmosphere.

The track was created by Miles Davis, known as the king of jazz—a name you’ve likely heard even if you’re not a jazz fan.

It’s said that Davis actually watched the film and improvised the piece on the spot.

Even for jazz, where improvisation is a hallmark, improvising a film score is quite surprising!

In A Silent WayMiles Davis23rank/position

In a Silent Way

Miles Davis, a giant who transcended the bounds of jazz and opened new musical horizons.

Born in America, he led jazz in its many forms.

Released in July 1969 and reaching No.

3 on the jazz LP charts, the classic album “In a Silent Way” heralded the dawn of fusion and continues to influence fans today.

Its title track, even without lyrics, resonates deeply with the heart.

The meditative soundscape woven by electric instruments makes you forget the noise of everyday life and invites calm introspection.

This is an album to meet when you want to immerse yourself in music or experience truly innovative sound.

MilestonesMiles Davis24rank/position

Miles Davis – Milestones (Official Audio)

“Milestones,” performed by trumpeter Miles Davis, known as the King of Jazz, is a jazz standard that had a major impact on the jazz world to come.

The album Milestones, released in 1958 and featuring this track, is also counted among the great records as “one of the important albums that helped shape the history of jazz.” Its driving, tight performance is incredibly cool—definitely a track I recommend listening to on a blustery autumn day!

MoveMiles Davis25rank/position

Move (Remastered 1998)

Move, created by Miles Davis, a towering figure in the modern jazz world.

While it offers an exceptionally pleasant melody for listeners, it’s famously difficult for performers, demanding a high level of technical skill.

Because of this difficulty, many artists have covered it.

Stella By StarlightMiles Davis26rank/position

Miles Davis – Stella by Starlight (Audio) (Official Audio)

Here is a piece composed by Victor Young for the 1944 horror film The Uninvited.

It was originally an instrumental, but lyrics were added in 1946.

Despite its origins in a horror film, this song features a beautiful melody and continues to be performed worldwide as a jazz standard by many artists.

Songs with “stars” in the title are especially appealing to listen to during winter or the Christmas season, when the stars shine so beautifully.

There’s a Boat That’s Leaving Soon for New YorkMiles Davis27rank/position

There’s a Boat That’s Leaving Soon for New York (Remastered)

This song, performed in the 1935 production of Porgy and Bess, may not be as famous as the theme song Summertime, but its lively, hopeful character seems perfect for summer.

The lyrics are about a ship departing for New York—inviting someone to come along to New York and enjoy a fun life together.

Smoke Gets in Your EyesMiles Davis28rank/position

Miles Davis – Smoke gets in your eyes

In this story-driven piece, the trumpet’s wet tone resonates as if it were stinging the eyes in just the right way.

It reminded me once again how a single arrangement can change a song’s impression in many ways.

Miles’s trumpet has a beautiful flow that touches the heartstrings.