Best Albums for a Dinner Party
Cool, conversation-friendly records — jazz, soul and bossa that set a mood without taking over.
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1Getz/GilbertoStan Getz and João Gilberto
Getz/Gilberto
The album that brought bossa nova to the world, smooth and sun-dappled, introducing 'The Girl from Ipanema'. Effortlessly beautiful. A massive, enduring success.
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2Kind of BlueMiles Davis
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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3VoodooD'Angelo
Voodoo
A slow-cooked, deeply musical neo-soul landmark built on loose, behind-the-beat grooves and Questlove's drums. It rewards patient, repeated listening. One of the genre's defining statements.
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4BaduizmErykah Badu
Baduizm
The debut that helped define neo-soul, jazzy and hypnotic with a singular voice. Cool and assured. A genre cornerstone.
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5Chet Baker SingsChet Baker
Chet Baker Sings
Fragile, intimate vocal jazz that became a cult favourite, all cool understatement. Tender and timeless. A late-night essential.
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6BlondeFrank Ocean
Blonde
An elliptical, gorgeous album of fragmented memory and feeling, stripped of obvious hooks in favour of mood and texture. Initially elusive, it becomes a favourite. A defining record of the 2010s.
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7Moon SafariAir
Moon Safari
A lush, retro-futurist downtempo landmark of warm synths. Dreamy and beloved. A chill-out classic.
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8Talking BookStevie Wonder
Talking Book
Where Wonder's classic period truly opens up, home to 'Superstition' and 'You Are the Sunshine of My Life'. Warm, funky and melodically rich. A perfect entry to his run of 1970s masterpieces.
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9Black 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.