Chick Corea was one of the most innovative and influential jazz musicians of the past century, known for his incredible skills as a pianist and composer, as well as his ability to seamlessly blend different styles and genres of music into a cohesive and highly original sound.
Over the course of his long and illustrious career, Corea produced countless classic songs that have become staples of the jazz canon, and continue to inspire and delight audiences to this day.
In this list, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best Chick Corea songs of all time, showcasing the breadth and depth of his incredible musical legacy. From iconic fusion classics to soulful ballads and everything in between, these songs represent the very best of Chick Corea’s remarkable career, and are a must-listen for any fan of jazz or instrumental music.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy as we take a journey through the amazing musical world of Chick Corea.
1. Now He Sings, Now He Sobs
“Now He Sings, Now He Sobs” is a classic jazz album that showcases the virtuosic talent of pianist and composer Chick Corea. Released in 1968, the album features Corea’s trio with bassist Miroslav Vitous and drummer Roy Haynes, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz albums of all time.
The title track, “Now He Sings, Now He Sobs,” is a masterclass in improvisation and dynamic interplay between the three musicians. Corea’s nimble and inventive piano playing leads the way, with Vitous and Haynes providing a supple and responsive rhythmic foundation.
Other standout tracks on the album include the buoyant “Steps – What Was,” the contemplative “Matrix,” and the driving “The Law of Falling and Catching Up.” Throughout the album, Corea’s compositions and arrangements are both challenging and accessible, showcasing his unique blend of technical mastery and emotional depth.
With “Now He Sings, Now He Sobs,” Chick Corea established himself as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians of his generation, and the album remains a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and captivate listeners to this day.
2. Light As A Feather
“Light As A Feather” is a classic jazz-fusion album by pianist and composer Chick Corea, originally released in 1972. The album features Corea’s band Return to Forever, with a lineup that includes bassist Stanley Clarke, drummer Airto Moreira, and percussionist Flora Purim.
The title track, “Light As A Feather,” is a Latin-infused masterpiece that showcases Corea’s virtuosic piano playing and the band’s tight, rhythmic interplay. With its infectious melody, complex rhythms, and soulful solos, the track is a perfect example of the innovative and boundary-pushing jazz-fusion that Corea and his bandmates were known for.
Other standout tracks on the album include the funky and driving “500 Miles High,” the dreamy and atmospheric “Captain Marvel,” and the introspective ballad “You’re Everything.” Throughout the album, Corea’s compositions and arrangements are both complex and accessible, blending elements of jazz, rock, and Latin music to create a truly unique sound.
“Light As A Feather” is a timeless classic that continues to influence and inspire jazz musicians and fans around the world. With its masterful musicianship, innovative compositions, and genre-defying style, it remains a landmark achievement in the history of jazz-fusion.
3. Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epAQmSNYev4
“Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy” is a dynamic and electrifying jazz-fusion track by pianist and composer Chick Corea, originally released in 1973. The song is the title track of Corea’s album with his band Return to Forever, which features bassist Stanley Clarke, drummer Lenny White, and guitarist Bill Connors.
With its soaring melodies, complex rhythms, and virtuosic solos, “Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy” is a perfect example of the innovative and adventurous jazz-fusion that Corea and his bandmates were known for. The song features a dazzling interplay between Corea’s lightning-fast piano runs and Connors’ intricate guitar work, backed by Clarke’s powerful bass lines and White’s dynamic drumming.
The track’s structure is divided into several sections, each showcasing a different mood and tempo. From the explosive opening riff to the dreamy and atmospheric middle section, and the high-energy finale, “Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy” takes the listener on a thrilling and unpredictable journey.
With its intricate arrangements, impressive musicianship, and genre-defying style, “Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy” remains a landmark track in the history of jazz-fusion. It is a testament to Corea’s visionary talent as a composer and bandleader, and a shining example of the boundless possibilities of jazz when combined with rock and other genres.
4. Where Have I Known You Before
“Where Have I Known You Before” is a jazz-fusion album by pianist and composer Chick Corea, originally released in 1974. The album features Corea’s band Return to Forever, with a lineup that includes bassist Stanley Clarke, drummer Lenny White, and guitarist Al Di Meola.
The title track, “Where Have I Known You Before,” is a masterful composition that showcases the band’s technical virtuosity and musical sensitivity. The track begins with a haunting and atmospheric intro before launching into a high-energy fusion groove that alternates between tight, intricate unison passages and fiery solos by Corea, Di Meola, and Clarke.
Other standout tracks on the album include the driving and funky “Vulcan Worlds,” the dreamy and ethereal “Song to the Pharoah Kings,” and the explosive and dynamic “Beyond the Seventh Galaxy.” Throughout the album, Corea’s compositions and arrangements are both complex and accessible, showcasing his unique blend of technical mastery and emotional depth.
With “Where Have I Known You Before,” Chick Corea and Return to Forever cemented their status as one of the most important and influential jazz-fusion bands of the 1970s. The album remains a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and captivate listeners with its innovative fusion of jazz, rock, and other genres.
5. My Spanish Heart
“My Spanish Heart” is a flamenco-inspired jazz fusion album by pianist and composer Chick Corea, originally released in 1976. The album features a large ensemble of musicians, including percussionist Steve Gadd, saxophonist Joe Farrell, and vocalist Gayle Moran.
The title track, “My Spanish Heart,” is a tour de force of virtuosic musicianship and emotional depth. Corea’s passionate and intricate piano playing is augmented by Farrell’s soaring saxophone lines and Moran’s powerful vocals, while Gadd’s dynamic percussion drives the track forward with a relentless energy.
Other standout tracks on the album include the romantic and lush “Love Castle,” the haunting and evocative “Morning Sprite,” and the funky and upbeat “The Sky.” Throughout the album, Corea seamlessly blends flamenco, jazz, and other styles to create a rich and dynamic musical tapestry.
With “My Spanish Heart,” Chick Corea once again proved himself to be a masterful composer and bandleader, pushing the boundaries of jazz fusion and exploring new musical territories. The album remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate and inspire listeners with its passionate performances and innovative blend of styles.
6. Three Quartets
“Three Quartets” is a complex and dynamic jazz fusion composition by pianist and composer Chick Corea, originally released in 1981. The song is the title track of Corea’s album with his band, The Chick Corea Quartet, which features saxophonist Michael Brecker, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Steve Gadd.
With its intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, and virtuosic solos, “Three Quartets” is a perfect example of the innovative and adventurous jazz fusion that Corea and his bandmates were known for. The song features a dazzling interplay between Corea’s nimble piano runs, Brecker’s searing saxophone lines, and the dynamic rhythm section of Gomez and Gadd.
The track’s structure is divided into several sections, each showcasing a different mood and tempo. From the frenetic opening section to the dreamy and atmospheric middle section, and the explosive finale, “Three Quartets” takes the listener on a thrilling and unpredictable journey.
With its impressive musicianship, innovative compositions, and genre-defying style, “Three Quartets” remains a landmark track in the history of jazz fusion. It is a testament to Corea’s visionary talent as a composer and bandleader, and a shining example of the boundless possibilities of jazz when combined with rock and other genres.
7. Eye Of The Beholder
“Eye of the Beholder” is a jazz fusion instrumental piece composed by the legendary American pianist and composer Chick Corea. Released in 1988 as the title track of his album of the same name, the song showcases Corea’s exceptional talent as a composer and performer.
The song starts with a mysterious and enchanting intro played on the electric piano, which is soon joined by a funky bass line and a driving drum beat. The melody of the song is built on a simple, yet catchy, riff that repeats throughout the piece, gradually building in intensity and complexity as the song progresses.
As the music unfolds, Corea’s virtuosic piano playing takes center stage, with his fingers dancing across the keys in a flurry of intricate and highly expressive improvisation. The song also features an impressive solo by saxophonist Gary Campbell, whose soaring lines and soulful tone add another layer of depth and emotion to the music.
Overall, “Eye of the Beholder” is a stunning display of musicianship and creativity, showcasing Chick Corea’s unparalleled skills as a composer and performer, as well as his ability to seamlessly blend different styles and genres of music into a cohesive and highly original work of art. It is a true masterpiece of jazz fusion, and a testament to Corea’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest musicians of his generation.
8. Spain
“Spain” is an iconic jazz fusion piece composed by the legendary American pianist and composer Chick Corea. Originally recorded in 1971 as part of the album “Light as a Feather” by the band Return to Forever, the song has since become a beloved classic of the jazz genre, and one of Corea’s most well-known and celebrated works.
The song features a vibrant and infectious melody that blends together elements of jazz, Latin music, and flamenco, creating a dynamic and electrifying sound that is both joyful and intense. The intro of the song starts with a captivating piano riff that immediately draws the listener in, before the song bursts into a lively and complex ensemble performance that showcases the incredible skills of each musician involved.
Throughout the song, Corea’s piano playing is nothing short of mesmerizing, with his fingers dancing across the keys in a flurry of intricate and highly expressive improvisation. The song also features impressive solos by saxophonist Joe Farrell and drummer Steve Gadd, whose performances add a level of depth and complexity to the music.
Overall, “Spain” is a dazzling display of musicianship and creativity, showcasing Chick Corea’s unmatched talent as a composer and performer, as well as his ability to seamlessly blend different styles and genres of music into a cohesive and highly original work of art. It is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time, and a testament to Corea’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest musicians of his generation.
9.Five Peace Band Live
“Five Peace Band Live” is a live jazz fusion album released in 2009 by the renowned American pianist and composer Chick Corea. The album features Corea performing with a supergroup of some of the most talented and celebrated musicians in the genre, including John McLaughlin on guitar, Kenny Garrett on saxophone, Christian McBride on bass, and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums.
The album showcases an incredible level of musicianship and creativity, with each member of the band delivering virtuosic performances that push the boundaries of the jazz fusion genre. The songs on the album range from intense and complex instrumental pieces to soulful ballads, each one showcasing the incredible interplay and improvisational skills of the musicians involved.
One standout track on the album is the 20-minute epic “Hymn to Andromeda”, which features Corea and McLaughlin trading off scorching guitar and piano solos over a driving rhythm section. The song builds to a stunning climax, with each musician pushing themselves to their limits and creating a sound that is both explosive and beautiful.
Overall, “Five Peace Band Live” is a thrilling and unforgettable listening experience, showcasing the incredible talents of some of the greatest musicians in the jazz fusion genre. It is a testament to Chick Corea’s enduring legacy as a visionary composer and performer, and a must-listen for any fan of jazz or instrumental music.
10.Antidote
“Antidote” is a jazz fusion instrumental piece composed by the legendary American pianist and composer Chick Corea. The song was released in 2019 as part of Corea’s album “Antidote”, which features his long-time collaborator and jazz drummer Brian Blade.
The song begins with a mysterious and captivating piano intro, which soon gives way to a driving rhythm section featuring Blade’s dynamic and propulsive drumming. The melody of the song is built on a simple, yet infectious, riff that repeats throughout the piece, gradually building in intensity and complexity as the song progresses.
As the music unfolds, Corea’s virtuosic piano playing takes center stage, with his fingers dancing across the keys in a flurry of intricate and highly expressive improvisation. The song also features an impressive solo by Blade, whose dynamic and inventive drumming adds another layer of depth and complexity to the music.
Overall, “Antidote” is a thrilling and dynamic piece of music that showcases Chick Corea’s exceptional talents as a composer and performer, as well as his ability to seamlessly blend different styles and genres of music into a cohesive and highly original work of art. It is a testament to Corea’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest musicians of his generation, and a must-listen for any fan of jazz or instrumental music.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
