The Best Jazz Pop Music of 2020
Contents
A mix of the best Jazz Pop songs released in 2020. Curated by the experts at New Music Weekly.
Introduction
The past year has seen a resurgence in popularity for jazz pop, a genre that combines the catchy melodies and harmonies of pop music with the improvisational elements of jazz. 2020 was a banner year for the genre, with many artists releasing exceptional albums that pushed the boundaries of what jazz pop can be.
Here are some of the best jazz pop albums of 2020:
-Kamasi Washington – Heaven and Earth
-Norah Jones – Begin Again
-Miley Cyrus – She Is Miley Cyrus
-Diana Krall – Turn Up the Quiet
-John Legend – A Legendary Christmas
Best Jazz Pop Albums of 2020
It’s been a big year for jazz pop, with a number of great albums released in 2020. Here are some of the best jazz pop albums of the year.
Norah Jones – Pick Me Up Off the Floor
Norah Jones’ eighth studio album is a return to her jazz roots, but with a modern twist. The result is a gorgeous, soulful album that’s both nostalgic and current. Featuring appearances from Horns, Wayne Shorter, and more, Pick Me Up Off the Floor is a solid entry in Norah Jones’ catalog.
Gregory Porter – All Rise
Released in 2020, Gregory Porter’s All Rise is an excellent example of jazz pop. The album draws on a variety of influences, including jazz, soul, funk, and gospel. Porter’s rich baritone voice is well-suited to the jazz pop genre, and he is backed by a top-notch group of musicians. All Rise is a truly enjoyable album from start to finish.
Michael Bublé – Love
Michael Bublé’s tenth studio album, Love, was released on November 16, 2018. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, becoming Bublé’s sixth album to top the chart. Love also topped the charts in Australia, Canada, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. The album received positive reviews from critics.
AllMusic’s Matt Collar gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, stating that “Love finds Michael Bublé expanding his sound while still staying true to his roots.” Ken Capobianco of The Boston Globe also gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, writing that “Bublé has distilled his essence into these smartly arranged songs.”
The lead single from the album, “When I Fall in Love”, was released on November 16, 2018.
Best Jazz Pop Songs of 2020
It’s been a great year for jazz pop music so far, with a lot of great new releases. Here are some of the best jazz pop songs of 2020.
“All I Need” – Norah Jones
Norah Jones’ song “All I Need” is a beautiful example of the best jazz pop music of 2020. The song has a lovely melody and Jones’ voice is smooth and calming. The lyrics are also very heartfelt and meaningful. This is a perfect song to relax to or to use as background music.
“Mood” – Gregory Porter
One of the best jazz pop songs of 2020 is “Mood” by Gregory Porter. The song has a great beat and is perfect for dancing. The lyrics are also very catchy and easy to sing along to.
“Love You Anymore” – Michael Bublé
Love You Anymore is a single by Canadian singer Michael Bublé, released on October 18, 2018. The song was written by Bublé, along with Charlie Puth and Jon Levine. It was produced by Levine.
Bublé stated that the song is about “letting go of something you thought was true love”, and that he related to the lyrics as he had recently gone through a divorce. The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its “catchy” melody and “relatable” lyrics.
Love You Anymore peaked at number 43 on the Canadian Hot 100 and was certified Platinum by Music Canada. The song also peaked at number 27 on the US Adult Contemporary chart and number 11 on the US Jazz Digital Songs chart. An accompanying music video for the song, directed by Spike Lee, was released on November 8, 2018.
Conclusion
2020 has been a great year for jazz pop music. We’ve seen releases from some of the genre’s biggest names, as well as debuts from exciting new artists. Here are our picks for the best jazz pop albums of 2020.
We start with the latest release from British singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum. His tenth studio album, Taller, is a delightful mix of jazz and pop that showcases his impressive vocal range and songwriting skills. Cullum is joined by a star-studded cast of musicians, including bassist Pino Palladino, drummer Sheila E., and guitarist John Scofield. The result is a fun and catchy album that’s perfect for both long-time fans and newcomers to the genre.
Next up isAmerican singer Norah Jones’s seventh studio album, Pick Me Up Off the Floor. Despite its title, this is a surprisingly upbeat record from Jones, who teamed up with producer Danger Mouse for the first time on this project. The result is a sleek and polished album that still manages to capture the warm and intimate feeling of her previous work. Standout tracks include the catchy lead single “Burn Down the Mission” and the beautiful ballad “Something Good.”
We also have to give a shoutout to Grammy-winning saxophonist Kamasi Washington for his latest release, Heaven and Earth. This double album is a masterclass in jazz composition, with each track feeling like its own mini-suite. Washington is joined by an all-star cast of musicians, including pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Thundercat, and drummer Ronald Bruner Jr. If you’re looking for something truly special, this is it.
Finally, we have to mention saxophonist Joshua Redman’s newest project, Quartet, which features his longtime collaborators pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Larry Grenadier, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. This is a gorgeous album full of soulful melodies and beautiful improvisations. It’s the perfect introduction to Redman’s work for those who haven’t heard him before, and fans will find plenty to love here as well.
