Albums of 1963
The records from 1963 that made our lists.
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1The Freewheelin' Bob DylanBob Dylan
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
The album that established Dylan as the voice of a generation, home to 'Blowin' in the Wind'. Spare and powerful. A folk landmark.
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2The Black Saint and the Sinner LadyCharles Mingus
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady
An ambitious, through-composed suite blending jazz, classical and flamenco into something cinematic and intense. Singular even within Mingus's catalogue. A bold, rewarding listen.
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3Money JungleDuke Ellington, Charles Mingus & Max Roach
Money Jungle
A spirited, tense summit of three giants. Bold and acclaimed. A singular record.
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4Live at the ApolloJames Brown
Live at the Apollo
An electrifying live document that captured Brown's raw command. Thrilling and historic. One of the great live albums.
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5Page OneJoe Henderson
Page One
A strong hard-bop debut, home to 'Recorda Me' and 'Blue Bossa'. Tuneful and beloved. A Blue Note favourite.
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6BalladsJohn Coltrane
Ballads
A tender, lyrical record of standards played with restraint. Beautiful and beloved. A gentle entry point.
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7John Coltrane and Johnny HartmanJohn Coltrane & Johnny Hartman
John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman
A sublime ballads collaboration of tenor and baritone voice. Tender and timeless. A romantic classic.
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8Midnight BlueKenny Burrell
Midnight Blue
A relaxed, bluesy guitar gem of late-night cool. Smooth and beloved. A perfect mood record.
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9Night BeatSam Cooke
Night Beat
A late-night, bluesy set that shows the depth beneath Cooke's pop sheen. Intimate and soulful. An underrated classic.