Best Albums for a Dinner Party

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1. 1
   Getz/GilbertoStan Getz and João Gilberto

   Getz/Gilberto

   Stan Getz and João Gilberto · 1964 · Jazz

   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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2. 2
   Kind of BlueMiles Davis

   Kind of Blue

   Miles Davis · 1959 · Jazz

   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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3. 3
   VoodooD'Angelo

   Voodoo

   D'Angelo · 2000 · Soul & R&B

   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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4. 4
   BaduizmErykah Badu

   Baduizm

   Erykah Badu · 1997 · Soul & R&B

   The debut that helped define neo-soul, jazzy and hypnotic with a singular voice. Cool and assured. A genre cornerstone.

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5. 5
   Chet Baker SingsChet Baker

   Chet Baker Sings

   Chet Baker · 1954 · Jazz

   Fragile, intimate vocal jazz that became a cult favourite, all cool understatement. Tender and timeless. A late-night essential.

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6. 6
   BlondeFrank Ocean

   Blonde

   Frank Ocean · 2016 · Soul & R&B

   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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7. 7
   Moon SafariAir

   Moon Safari

   Air · 1998 · Electronic

   A lush, retro-futurist downtempo landmark of warm synths. Dreamy and beloved. A chill-out classic.

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8. 8
   Talking BookStevie Wonder

   Talking Book

   Stevie Wonder · 1972 · Soul & R&B

   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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9. 9
   Still BillBill Withers

   Still Bill

   Bill Withers · 1972 · Soul & R&B

   Warm, plain-spoken soul of enormous craft, home to 'Lean on Me' and 'Use Me'. Direct and timeless. His finest record.

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10. 10
    AjaSteely Dan

    Aja

    Steely Dan · 1977 · Rock

    Immaculate jazz-rock of obsessive studio polish and cryptic lyrics, played by session legends. Smooth on the surface, deep underneath. An audiophile favourite and their masterpiece.

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11. 11
    Black RadioRobert Glasper

    Black Radio

    Robert Glasper · 2012 · Jazz

    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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