Albums of 1964
The records from 1964 that made our lists.
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1Point of DepartureAndrew Hill
Point of Departure
An adventurous post-bop peak of knotty composition and stellar players. Challenging and rewarding. A Blue Note gem.
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2Free for AllArt Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
Free for All
A fiery, hard-driving hard-bop peak. Powerful and acclaimed. A high point.
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3The Times They Are a-Changin'Bob Dylan
The Times They Are a-Changin'
A stark, protest-focused folk peak, home to its anthemic title song. Direct and influential. A 60s landmark.
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4Another Side of Bob DylanBob Dylan
Another Side of Bob Dylan
A more personal, playful turn away from protest. Witty and warm. A pivotal record.
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5Out to Lunch!Eric Dolphy
Out to Lunch!
Angular, adventurous avant-bop that still sounds startling, played by a fearless band. Challenging and rewarding. A landmark of the new thing.
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6Empyrean IslesHerbie Hancock
Empyrean Isles
A spare, adventurous quartet date, home to 'Cantaloupe Island'. Inventive and beloved. A Blue Note gem.
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7CrescentJohn Coltrane
Crescent
A reflective, spiritual peak of the classic quartet. Beautiful and acclaimed. A prelude to A Love Supreme.
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8The SidewinderLee Morgan
The Sidewinder
A funky, danceable hard-bop hit built on an irresistible title-track groove. Accessible and infectious. A crossover classic.
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9Folk SingerMuddy Waters
Folk Singer
A stripped-back, acoustic detour that became a sonic showcase and an audiophile favourite. Intimate and powerful. A different, essential side of Muddy.
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10Getz/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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11A Hard Day's NightThe Beatles
A Hard Day's Night
The first all-original Beatles album, bursting with jangle and youthful energy. Tight and joyful. The sound of Beatlemania at full tilt.