The Most Beautiful Jazz Song, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the jazz song you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:18

Jazz, known for its rich tones and complex rhythms, offers listeners a vast array of sonic landscapes. Each piece can evoke different emotions and resonate in unique ways with its audience, leading to diverse opinions on which song stands out as the most beautiful. By having a ranked list of beautiful jazz songs, fans can find new music to fall in love with and perhaps see how others perceive the beauty within this genre. A voting-based ranking system serves as a dynamic tool for these discoveries. It not only showcases the popular choices but also introduces lesser-known tracks that merit attention. As a participant, your votes contribute to celebrating the artistry in jazz and guiding new listeners toward outstanding pieces. Such a collective effort enriches everyone's understanding and appreciation of the genre.

What Is the Most Beautiful Jazz Song?

1

68
votes
"Take Five" by Dave Brubeck Quartet

This song is a classic jazz tune with its unique 5/4 meter and unforgettable melody. The saxophone solo by Paul Desmond is also a standout.
"Take Five" by Dave Brubeck Quartet in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Jazz song of all time
2

39
votes
"My Favorite Things" by John Coltrane

This song has a gorgeous melody and showcases Coltrane's masterful improvisational skills.
"My Favorite Things" by John Coltrane in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Jazz song of all time
3

27
votes
"Round Midnight" by Thelonious Monk

This ballad is a hauntingly beautiful composition that highlights Monk's unique piano style.
"Round Midnight" by Thelonious Monk in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular Jazz song of all time
4

6
votes
"In a Sentimental Mood" by Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington

This song is a romantic gem with a lush melody and Ellington's signature sophisticated arrangements.
In a Sentimental Mood is a classic jazz composition with a beautiful and mellow atmosphere, composed by Duke Ellington in collaboration with his longtime collaborator, the saxophonist, and composer Billy Strayhorn. The song was first recorded in 1935 and has since become one of the most iconic jazz standards.

Year of Composition: 1935

Genre: Jazz

Mood: Sentimental, Mellow

Key: F Major

Tempo: Slow
5

2
votes
"A Love Supreme" by John Coltrane

John Coltrane

This four-part suite is a spiritual masterpiece that showcases Coltrane's devotion to his faith and his musical genius.
A Love Supreme is a jazz composition and album created by John Coltrane. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful and influential jazz songs of all time. The track was recorded in December 1964 and released in February 1965 as a four-part suite. Coltrane composed and performed this spiritual jazz masterpiece while inspired by his deep spirituality and his desire to express his devotion to a higher power.

Genre: Jazz

Composition Year: 1964

Release Year: 1965

Duration: 33:02

Number of Parts: 4
6

11
votes

"Georgia on My Mind" by Ray Charles

This song is a soulful and moving tribute to the state of Georgia, and Ray Charles' soulful voice and piano playing make it unforgettable.
7

10
votes
"Body and Soul" by Coleman Hawkins

This song is a timeless ballad that features Hawkins' soulful saxophone playing and a beautiful melody.
Body and Soul is a timeless jazz standard, considered one of the most beautiful and influential jazz songs ever recorded. It was composed by Johnny Green, with lyrics by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, and Frank Eyton. The iconic recording of the song was performed by legendary tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins in 1939. Body and Soul showcases Hawkins' innovative and emotive playing style, making it a defining moment in the history of jazz.

Year: 1939

Genre: Jazz

Duration: 3:00

Instrumentation: Tenor Saxophone, Piano, Bass, Drums

Key: C
8

4
votes
"Maiden Voyage" by Herbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock

This song is a modern jazz classic that features a beautiful melody and Hancock's innovative piano playing.
Maiden Voyage is a beautiful jazz song composed and performed by Herbie Hancock. Released in 1965 as the title track of his fifth studio album, Maiden Voyage is an iconic piece in the world of jazz. It showcases Hancock's unique blend of modal jazz and post-bop styles, featuring intricate melodies and harmonies that evoke a sense of exploration and adventure.

Genre: Jazz

Year: 1965

Album: Maiden Voyage

Length: 7:57

Label: Blue Note
9

6
votes
"Stardust" by Hoagy Carmichael

Hoagy Carmichael

This song is a beloved jazz standard with a beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics. Carmichael's original recording is a classic.
Stardust is a timeless jazz song that was composed by Hoagy Carmichael. It was first recorded in 1927 and has since become one of the most beloved and widely covered songs in the jazz genre. The song's serene and dreamy melody, accompanied by poignant lyrics, creates an enchanting atmosphere that captures the essence of romanticism and nostalgia. Stardust has been performed by various legendary jazz musicians and vocalists, cementing its status as a classic in the American songbook.

Year of Composition: 1927

Genre: Jazz

Length: Approximately 3:10

Featured Instruments: Piano, saxophone, trumpet

Key: B-flat major
10

3
votes

"I Can't Give You Anything But Love" by Louis Armstrong

This song is a joyful and upbeat tune with a catchy melody and Armstrong's exuberant trumpet playing.

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Ranking factors for beautiful jazz song

Harmony

Harmonic complexity and richness are essential elements in jazz music, and a beautiful jazz song has unique and engaging harmonies that blend well with the melody.
Instrumentation

The arrangement and choice of instruments play a significant role in determining the beauty of a song. The best jazz songs typically feature a mix of brass, woodwind, and rhythm instruments that complement each other and create a cohesive sound.
Improvisation

Improvisation is a cornerstone of jazz music and contributes to the spontaneity and creativity prevalent in the genre. A beautiful jazz song should showcase the musicians' ability to improvise and create fresh interpretations of the song's themes.
Emotional impact

A truly beautiful jazz song should be able to evoke strong emotions in the listener, whether it be happiness, nostalgia, sadness, or a sense of longing. The emotional impact of a song is often determined by the skill of the musicians, the arrangement, and the overall atmosphere created by the music.
Rhythm

Jazz music is known for its complex rhythms and syncopation. A beautiful jazz song must have a compelling rhythm that defines its energy and helps drive the melody and harmony.
Musicality

A beautiful jazz song should showcase the musicians' technical abilities and flair. It should feature intricate solos or interplay that demonstrates the musicians' skills and creativity.
Originality

The best jazz songs stand out because they bring something unique to the table. An original composition, an innovative arrangement, or a fresh take on a standard can all contribute to making a jazz song truly exceptional.
Production and recording quality

The quality of the recording and production can play a significant role in enhancing the beauty of a jazz song. A well-produced song should have clean, distinct instrumentals, clear vocals if applicable, and a balanced mix.
Timelessness

Though musical tastes may change over time, a beautiful jazz song should be able to withstand the test of time and remain compelling and engaging even as trends evolve.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful jazz song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or jazz song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2237 views
166 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

"Take Five" by Dave Brubeck Quartet
"My Favorite Things" by John Coltrane
"Georgia on My Mind" by Ray Charles
"I Can't Give You Anything But Love" by Louis Armstrong

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each jazz song once every 24 hours. The rank of each jazz song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful jazz song

Jazz music has been around for over a century, and it's no secret that it's one of the most beautiful genres of music out there. Jazz songs are known for their smooth melodies, soulful rhythms, and complex harmonies. With so many beautiful jazz songs to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the most beautiful one. From iconic classics like "Take the A Train" to newer hits like "Don't Know Why," jazz music has continued to captivate audiences with its beauty and versatility. Whether you're a die-hard jazz fan or just a casual listener, there's no denying the incredible beauty of this timeless genre. So, without further ado, let's explore some of the most beautiful jazz songs ever created.