Al Jarreau – The Definitive Warner Brothers Collection (3CD Review)
This is a 3CD set that brings together Jarreau’s output from his time with Warner Bros. Records, covering a remarkable creative period that spans the mid-1970s through to the 1980s. If you’ve ever been curious about his work, or perhaps only know one or two songs, this set is a fantastic gateway.
Al Jarreau’s voice was an instrument in its own right. His ability to blend jazz phrasing with pop accessibility and R&B groove is something that still feels special today.
His debut album We Got By (1975) immediately set the tone, followed by Glow (1976) and the live album Look to the Rainbow (1977), which really captured the energy and spontaneity of his performances. These early recordings show an artist already in full command of his craft.
But it was the early 1980s where things really took off commercially.
The album Breaking Away became his biggest success, and it’s easy to hear why. Tracks like “We’re in This Love Together” and “Roof Garden” helped bridge the gap between jazz and mainstream radio, bringing Jarreau to a much wider audience.
This period also delivered Grammy-winning moments, including “Mornin’,” further cementing his reputation as a crossover artist who could move effortlessly between genres.
And then there’s the track many people will instantly recognise…
Even if you’re not deeply familiar with Al Jarreau’s albums, there’s a good chance you’ve heard his voice.
His performance of the theme from the TV series Moonlighting introduced him to an entirely new audience. It’s one of those moments where an artist’s voice becomes part of popular culture, whether people realise it or not.
This 3CD collection pulls together the key moments from Jarreau’s Warner Brothers years into one accessible set.
There are some excellent cover versions here too, including interpretations of classics by Elton John and soul staples like “Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay,” alongside a beautiful duet with Randy Crawford.
It’s a reminder of just how versatile Jarreau was – moving between styles effortlessly while always sounding unmistakably like himself.
If you’re already a fan, this is a tidy and well-curated way to revisit a golden era of his career. And if you’re new to Al Jarreau, this might just be the perfect entry point.
It captures the essence of an artist who could move from jazz club intimacy to chart success and television fame without ever losing his identity.
ORDER THE AL JARREAU BOX SET HERE
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
