(ThyBlackMan.com) Al Jarreau had a voice unlike any other -- playful, unpredictable, and full of soul. He moved effortlessly between jazz, R&B, and pop, turning every song into a conversation between artist and listener. Whether he was delivering a silky ballad or throwing down a wild scat riff, there was always a sense of spontaneity in his music that made it feel alive.
What makes Jarreau so special isn't just his vocal range or technical brilliance -- it's the way he infused his songs with warmth, wit, and wonder. His work speaks to both the heart and the head, managing to feel sophisticated without ever losing its emotional pull. These nine songs show just how deep his artistry runs, and why his music still feels fresh, even decades later.
Arguably Jarreau's most commercially successful song, "We're in This Love Together" was the smooth pop gem that brought him into millions of homes via radio and MTV. It's drenched in early '80s R&B flavor, but what sets it apart is the blend of Jarreau's jazz instincts with a radio-ready polish. The track is an instant mood-lifter, like sonic sunshine wrapped in a heartfelt promise.
Jarreau's vocals on this track are not flashy, and that's precisely what makes it so special. He delivers the lyrics with sincerity and control, his unique tone wrapping around the melody like a velvet glove. While pop music often prioritizes hooks over nuance, Jarreau brought both to the table. The chorus is infectious, but listen closely to the verses -- his phrasing, vocal dips, and breath control are masterful.
What also stands out is the arrangement. With a laid-back groove, delicate piano, and subtle horns, it captures the best of jazz-influenced pop without going too far in either direction. The melody flows effortlessly, and each instrumental layer adds something to the overall warmth of the track without overshadowing Jarreau's vocal lead.
Even in 2025, it sounds like a warm embrace. Whether you're in a relationship or just reminiscing, "We're in This Love Together" is a reminder that love, when genuine, is a shared shelter from the storms of life. It's the kind of love song that doesn't shout or demand -- it simply reassures. For fans of grown-up romance or those in need of a musical pick-me-up, this song is a timeless staple.
"Boogie Down" captures the funkier side of Al Jarreau -- blending pop, R&B, and a bit of streetwise swagger. It's got a bounce to it that instantly makes your shoulders move. What's more, it's one of the rare Jarreau tracks that flirts unapologetically with the dance floor.
This track features Jarreau in full vocal command, using his voice not just to sing, but to rhythmically converse with the music. His signature vocal percussions make appearances, adding an almost human beatboxing element that predates the rise of that trend in hip-hop and pop. His voice dips and glides through the melody, scatting with precision but always in sync with the infectious rhythm.
The bassline is infectious, and the production slick yet organic. The electric keys and snapping drums give it an '80s sheen, but it's grounded by a deep groove that keeps the energy grounded and danceable. Even when he veers into vocal improvisation, Jarreau never loses control -- he uses his voice like a seasoned funk instrumentalist might use a slap bass or saxophone.
Revisiting "Boogie Down" today, it holds up as a joyful escape. It's great for late-night drives, morning workouts, or simply grooving in your living room. And beyond the beat, there's something empowering about Jarreau's vocal energy -- it's loose, confident, and full of life. It shows that Jarreau wasn't afraid to let loose and boogie -- and you shouldn't be either.
A bold reinterpretation of the Dave Brubeck classic, Jarreau's "Take Five" is a vocal tour de force. Instead of following the conventional melody line, Jarreau treats his voice like a saxophone, improvising and scatting with precision and personality. It's jazz innovation at its finest, a brilliant tribute to the original with a daring new spin.
This track showcases the height of his jazz artistry. Jarreau doesn't just cover the song -- he reshapes it. The 5/4 time signature is notoriously difficult to navigate vocally, yet Jarreau makes it sound as natural as breathing. His rhythmic instincts and pitch control are so refined that every vocal twist feels intentional. He doesn't just match the complexity -- he enhances it.
The live instrumentation on this track deserves praise, too. The band keeps things tight yet adventurous, giving Jarreau the space to experiment while maintaining the integrity of the song's complex rhythm. The interplay between his vocals and the band is nothing short of electrifying. You can almost feel the mutual respect between the musicians and the vocalist as they riff and respond to each other.
In today's music landscape, "Take Five" feels like a masterclass in vocal jazz. For any aspiring jazz vocalist, this is essential listening. And for casual listeners, it's a jaw-dropping reminder that the human voice can be an instrument of pure innovation. It also underscores Jarreau's genius for making even the most cerebral musical feats sound fun, spontaneous, and deeply soulful.
"Mornin'" is one of those songs that feels like waking up to a beautiful sunrise. Bright, optimistic, and utterly soulful, it represents Jarreau at his most radio-friendly without sacrificing musical integrity. The hook is sweet, the instrumentation bubbly, and the lyrics simply joyful.
What's magical about this song is the way it radiates positive energy. Jarreau's vocals bounce with youthful enthusiasm, and the horn section adds a celebratory layer. It's hard not to smile when this song comes on -- it's musical caffeine for the soul. The sunny tone doesn't come across as naive -- it feels earned, as if Jarreau is genuinely inviting the listener into a better day.
Vocally, Jarreau shines by keeping things light but textured. He doesn't overpower the arrangement but rather dances alongside it, inserting playful vocal riffs and flourishes that are signature Al. The phrasing is loose and conversational, giving the song a relaxed feel. Every "mornin' Mister Radio" and "mornin' Mr. Shoeshine" lyric comes off as a wink and nod to his fans and to life itself.
"Mornin'" has found renewed life in recent years through samples and covers, proving its lasting appeal. It's perfect for playlists meant to inspire or uplift. And beyond that, it showcases Jarreau's uncanny ability to bring joy into every note. When life feels a bit heavy, this song is like an open window letting in fresh air. It's a radiant reminder that every morning is a new beginning -- and Al Jarreau was the kind of artist who made you want to greet the day with a smile.
In one of his later performances, Jarreau teamed up with jazz legend Chick Corea for a rendition of "Spain" that is nothing short of breathtaking. Originally a staple of Corea's jazz fusion catalog, "Spain" was already a challenging and intricate composition. But with Jarreau in the mix, it transcends into a dynamic dialogue between voice and instrument, between soul and intellect. From the opening notes, the energy is electric -- both performers fully immersed in each other's brilliance.
Jarreau doesn't merely sing the song -- he interprets it, pulling new life out of its rhythmic complexities. He moves from rapid-fire vocalese to tender lyricism, from impish scatting to plaintive crooning. The elasticity of his phrasing and the precision of his timing show a level of mastery that only a handful of vocalists have ever reached. It's not just technique -- it's his instinct to let the melody breathe, then flip it inside out and make you hear it in a new light.
The chemistry between Jarreau and Corea is the true heartbeat of this version. You can hear them challenge and inspire each other -- Jarreau mimicking Corea's quick arpeggios, then Corea riffing off Jarreau's phrases in return. Their interplay is playful yet profound, showing that great jazz is often as much about listening as it is performing. The crowd feels this too -- you can hear their reactions throughout, fully aware they're witnessing something singular.
Even today, "Spain (I Can Recall)" feels vibrant and immediate. It's a track for deep listeners, musicians, and jazz lovers who appreciate improvisation as a high art. Jarreau elevates it from a classic to a spiritual experience, affirming that his gift wasn't just vocal -- it was conversational, emotional, and unforgettably alive.
"Roof Garden" is Al Jarreau at his most playful and imaginative. From the opening scats and joyful howls, you know you're in for something out of the ordinary. It's a genre-bending journey that fuses funk, jazz fusion, and pop with a dash of theatrical flair. This track doesn't just entertain -- it invites the listener into Jarreau's whimsical world, where the cityscape becomes a dance floor and laughter lives in every groove.
The lyrics are like a fantastical escape from urban monotony: "Meet me up in the roof garden," he sings with a wink. The idea of a hidden oasis above the chaos of the city taps into a timeless desire for sanctuary and joy. His vocal acrobatics -- barking, growling, trilling -- should feel chaotic, but in Jarreau's hands they're polished and perfectly timed. He injects the track with personality, never letting it drift into novelty.
The instrumentation is just as adventurous. Synths weave in and out of funky basslines and percussive accents, while horn stabs and rhythmic flourishes add color and drive. There's a fusion element that pushes boundaries without overwhelming the listener, balancing the experimental with the accessible. It's a tightrope walk that few artists could navigate -- but Jarreau does it barefoot, with a smile.
Even in 2025, "Roof Garden" sounds ahead of its time. It's a reminder that creativity thrives when artists take risks. This isn't just a catchy tune -- it's a masterclass in joy as performance art. Whether you're dancing around the house or just need a mood boost, "Roof Garden" is a radiant invitation to get weird, get free, and get happy.
"My Old Friend" is one of the most moving entries in Jarreau's later catalog -- a heartfelt tribute to the late George Duke, a longtime friend and collaborator. The album it belongs to is filled with homages to Duke's brilliance, but this title track stands out for its emotional rawness and restrained elegance. Jarreau doesn't belt or dazzle with technique here; he lays his heart bare.
His vocals have aged, but they carry an emotional authority that's even more compelling than youthful bravado. Every syllable is measured, and his tone has a slight rasp that gives the lyrics more gravity. When he sings, "Goodbye, old friend," it feels like both a celebration and a surrender. There's something haunting in the way he delivers those lines -- like a man trying to hold onto a memory before it fades.
The instrumentation is appropriately intimate -- gentle piano lines, subtle strings, and occasional harmonies that cushion the vocals without distracting from them. The track is a testament to how Jarreau understood the emotional power of silence and space. He lets the music speak just as much as his words, allowing grief and gratitude to intertwine.
In a world moving at breakneck speed, "My Old Friend" encourages stillness. It's a song for reflection, for those moments when we need to remember and honor what once was. Whether you knew George Duke's music or not, Jarreau's tribute makes you feel like you've lost someone special too -- and that's the mark of a truly great storyteller.