Miles Davis
The essential Miles Davis records, ranked — where to start and what to reach for next.
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1On the CornerMiles DavisStart here
On the Corner
A dense, funk-and-electronics landmark divisive on release and later revered. Bold and influential. A cult masterpiece.
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2Birth of the CoolMiles DavisEssential
Birth of the Cool
The recordings that codified cool jazz, trading bebop's heat for relaxed, arranged elegance with a nonet. Their influence on West Coast jazz was immense. Restrained, sophisticated and historically pivotal.
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3MilestonesMiles DavisEssential
Milestones
A pivotal modal-leaning hard-bop peak with the first great quintet expanded. Swinging and assured. A bridge to Kind of Blue.
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4Kind of BlueMiles DavisEssential
Kind of Blue
The best-selling jazz album of all time and the gateway record for countless listeners, built on modal improvisation and an unmatched band. Cool, spacious and endlessly calming, it never wears out. If you own one jazz record, start here.
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5Miles SmilesMiles DavisEssential
Miles Smiles
A peak of the second quintet's elastic, exploratory post-bop. Sophisticated and acclaimed. A landmark.
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6In a Silent WayMiles DavisEssential
In a Silent Way
A serene, proto-ambient fusion landmark of hushed electric textures. Spacious and influential. A pivotal record.
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7Porgy and BessMiles DavisClassic
Porgy and Bess
A lush Gershwin reworking with Gil Evans's orchestrations. Gorgeous and beloved. A high point.
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8Sketches of SpainMiles DavisClassic
Sketches of Spain
A lush orchestral collaboration with Gil Evans blending jazz and Spanish classical. Gorgeous and singular. A beloved record.
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9NefertitiMiles DavisClassic
Nefertiti
A peak of the second great quintet, melody and rhythm subtly inverted. Sophisticated and acclaimed. A modern-jazz landmark.
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10Bitches BrewMiles DavisDeep cut
Bitches Brew
The album that birthed jazz-fusion, a dense, electric, studio-assembled brew of rock rhythm and free improvisation. Divisive on release and now revered. Demanding, hypnotic and unlike anything before it.
- So What from Kind of Blue · on Best Jazz Songs of All Time
Tracks we've featured in our best-of lists — tap a title to find it on Amazon Music.