Rejoice! Grammy-award-winning singer Jon Batiste is back, and he brought more creative, inspired, and unique music with him. His latest album, World Music Radio, is out and I’m glad to report that it is an enjoyable listen.
On top of Batiste’s beautiful vocals, the album also includes features from Lil Wayne, Fireboy DML, JID, and many other talented artists.
With that in mind, The Root thought going through some of the best songs in his already successful career would be a good idea. It wasn’t easy, but here are some of the records we picked.
What songs would you put on our list?
”FREEDOM”
How could we not start with this banger of a song? It has a catchy hook, Batsiste’s voice is captivating and it has a universal message. His excitement and enthusiasm for music ooze out on this track. It combines all of the elements that Jon has come to master, including gospel, jazz, funk, and soul.
“It’s All Right”
One of the things that made “Soul” such a great animated movie was the score, and no song stood out more than Jon Batiste’s “It’s All Right.” Featuring his amazing vocals and beautiful pianos, it’s no surprise that this song is loved by all generations of music listeners.
“I NEED YOU”
Similarly to many other tracks on WE ARE, this song expresses all the best parts of Jon’s style as a musician. The upbeat production, his energetic voice, and the relatable lyrics. “And I never put down that pork chop and salt” hit home for me considering I’m a southern guy myself who loves pork chops.
“WE ARE”
“WE ARE” is a powerful song that is emblematic of the times we’re currently living in. The track includes Batiste’s high school band and many members of his family. It powerfully expresses all the feelings Batiste was trying to get across his entire 2021 album in one song.
“CRY”
Okay, I promise the whole list won’t be filled with tracks from WE ARE but there’s a reason it was beloved by all when it came out in March 2021. This song is incredibly human and hears Jon just being honest about expressing his emotions. It’s not filled with instruments like other songs, it’s just drums, a guitar, and his amazing voice.
“Home”
Alright, now we’re getting into some deep cuts in Jon’s long discography. This track is from Batiste’s collaborative jazz album with Cory Wong, Meditations. One thing that’s often forgotten about Jon is that he is an amazing musician and this track displays it better than no other.
“What a Wonderful World”
Yes, I know it’s a cover of Louis Armstrong’s 1968 track, but it’s hard to deny the justice he gave to it. His soft voice floats over the pianos he’s playing. It’s truly a beautiful rendition of an already amazing song.
“Sunny Side of the Street”
This song is an example of Jon Batiste’s growth, evolution, and talent as an artist. This jazzy track from his 2013 album, Jaxx Is Now, is just a nice light-hearted track that sounds more like it came out in the 1950s than just a decade ago.
“Don’t Stop”
Nothing too complex about this song. It’s just an alluring love song that expresses his admiration and affection for his partner. It’s a very sweet and intimate track.
“Saint James Infirmary Blues”
I don’t think people who aren’t musicians understand how difficult it is to play the piano and sing a song in tune at the same time. Jon Batiste does it as well as anyone in the current music landscape. I love how as the track goes on, more instruments are added to the song, and Batiste’s voice is as smooth as can be.
“ADULTHOOD”
Back to WE ARE. This is Jon Batiste at his soulful best. Assisted by BJ the Chicago Kid, who is a talented singer in his own right, this is just a smooth track that is perfect for playing on a sunny day. Do you feel like bobbing your head? Play this track.
“Tell the Truth”
Yeah, this song is a banger. I love the occasional “Alright” and “No Lie” that is said throughout the track. Makes it sound like a song from a 70s Motown group. It’s a fun update track that will make your parents want to move on the dance floor.
“Higher”
I always love a good live album, and that’s what Jon Batiste gave you with his 2019 record, Chronology of a Dream: Live At the Village Vanguard. Just watched the above video and you’ll see freaking good he is a play the piano. Just put him in a room with one and he’ll make magic.
”Born to Play”
As I already said, even though Soul was an excellent animated film, the work Batiste did on the score and soundtrack is exceptional. This is just another example of his incredible skill as a musician. No lyrics, just music.
”The Very Thought Of You”
Covering Nat King Cole’s 1958 original, Batiste and Corinne Bailey Rae sound absolutely mesmerizing together. Not only did they sing a beautiful cover, but also added their own twist to it. Even though the studio version is great, I love the performance they gave on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
”UNTIL”
Why is it that artists sometimes make their best songs the shortest? This track could be an amazing 4-minute piano solo, but instead, it’s just one minute. Still, it’s another song that showcases his awesome piano skills.
“Meditation”
Yeah I know, it’s a long listen. But this 10-minute track will have you lost in its instrumental brilliance. Just put it on while you are working or meditating and enjoy Batiste’s piano and Wong’s guitar.
“Redbeans”
This track is for the OG Jon Batiste fans. It was released on his 2005 album, Times in New Orleans. The title of the track already had me pulled in considering I grew up on red beans and rice. The fact that it’s a dope jazz song just makes me love it even more.
”My Little Suede Shoes”
Originally recorded by Charlie Parker in 1951, Jon Batiste gave new life to this track and made it song like a song you would hear walking down Bourbon Street on a beautiful afternoon.
”Drop Away”
Unlike many songs from Jon Batiste’s early discography, this track has less of a jazz feel and sounds much more alternative. I love that even a decade ago, he was taking risks with his music.
Straight From 
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