At 79, Chick Corea Finally Names 8 Albums He Calls Untouchable

Why Chick Corea’s idea of an untouchable jazz album continues to reveal so much about the music that shaped his imagination — and how the records he admired helped define one of the most adventurous and influential voices in modern jazz history. What begins as a list of 8 albums quickly turns into a deeper examination of improvisation, harmony, rhythm, and the kind of musical freedom that can change an entire generation. 1960s and 1970s — from New York jazz clubs and experimental recording sessions to the rise of fusion, electric jazz, and global musical exploration. Long before Chick Corea became known for Return to Forever, groundbreaking solo work, and collaborations with legends like Miles Davis, he was listening closely to albums that pushed jazz beyond familiar limits. Their complexity, emotion, and fearless invention left a lasting mark on the way he approached composition and performance. Over the years, Corea spoke with deep respect about records that stood beyond trends — albums that felt complete, daring, and impossible to replace. In this video, we explore the 8 jazz albums Chick Corea finally revealed he calls untouchable, the qualities that made them unforgettable, and how their influence may have shaped the artist the world would later come to know.