The Best Jazz Albums of the 2010s
Our pick of the essential jazz records released in the 2010s, ranked.
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1The EpicKamasi Washington
The Epic
A nearly three-hour debut of widescreen spiritual jazz with choir and strings. Ambitious and immersive. A landmark of the modern jazz revival.
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2Black RadioRobert Glasper
Black Radio
A genre-melting fusion of jazz, hip-hop, soul and R&B with star guests. Influential and warm. The bridge between jazz and modern Black music.
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3Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep MysteryThe Comet Is Coming
Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery
A propulsive, cosmic jazz-electronic peak. Bold and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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4Your Queen Is a ReptileSons of Kemet
Your Queen Is a Reptile
A fierce, percussive UK-jazz peak of political fire. Bold and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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5Heaven and EarthKamasi Washington
Heaven and Earth
A vast, ambitious double album of widescreen spiritual jazz. Bold and acclaimed. A modern high point.
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6IVBadBadNotGood
IV
A genre-blending modern-jazz peak of hip-hop feel. Cool and acclaimed. A high point.
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7Universal BeingsMakaya McCraven
Universal Beings
An inventive, improvisation-built modern-jazz peak. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.
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8Emily's D+EvolutionEsperanza Spalding
Emily's D+Evolution
An adventurous jazz-rock-soul peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.