Return to Forever were one of the defining bands of jazz fusion — the group in which keyboardist Chick Corea fused jazz improvisation, Latin rhythm, rock energy and progressive-rock grandeur into some of the most exhilarating instrumental music of the 1970s. Alongside a rotating cast of virtuosos — bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist Al Di Meola, drummer Lenny White and more — they created a body of work that still dazzles. Here is our fellow fan’s ranking of their finest tracks.

The short version

If you only hear a few, make them “Spain”, “Medieval Overture”, “La Fiesta” and “Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy” — Corea’s beloved flamenco-jazz standard, the thrilling opener of Romantic Warrior, the Latin-jazz gem that closed their debut, and the title track that launched their electric era. The full ranking is below.

Jazz fusion’s virtuoso pioneers

Founded by Chick Corea in 1972, in the wake of his work with Miles Davis, Return to Forever began as a bright, Latin-flavoured group — Corea’s Fender Rhodes alongside saxophonist Joe Farrell, bassist Stanley Clarke and the Brazilian pair of Airto Moreira and vocalist Flora Purim. Within a couple of years it had transformed into a high-voltage electric quartet: Corea’s banks of synthesizers, the astonishing bass of Stanley Clarke, teenage guitar prodigy Al Di Meola and drummer Lenny White. Across albums from the Latin-tinged Light as a Feather to the fusion landmark Romantic Warrior, they stood alongside Weather Report and the Mahavishnu Orchestra at the very peak of the genre. These fifteen tracks are the best.

How we ranked them

This is one fan’s order, weighing melody, ambition, musicianship and lasting impact. The facts are accurate; the order is a starting point for the debate.

The essential six

At the very top sits “Spain” (1973), Corea’s flamenco-inspired masterpiece and one of the most beloved compositions in all of jazz. With it: “Medieval Overture” (1976), the electrifying opener of Romantic Warrior; “La Fiesta” (1972), the joyous Latin-jazz gem that closed their debut; “Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy” (1973), the title track that announced their electric era; “Vulcan Worlds” (1974), Stanley Clarke’s storming showcase; and “The Romantic Warrior” (1976), a sweeping centrepiece of their best-selling album.

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Reliably great

The next tier is essential too. “Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant” (1976) is a dazzling two-part epic; “500 Miles High” (1973) is a shimmering Light as a Feather highlight; “Captain Señor Mouse” (1973) is a playful, intricate favourite; “Celebration Suite” (1975) is an ambitious No Mystery showpiece; and “Sorceress” (1976) is a driving Romantic Warrior standout.

Deeper cuts

For the dedicated, these reward repeat listens. “Captain Marvel” (1973) is a bright, breezy Corea composition; “Song to the Pharoah Kings” (1974) is an expansive Where Have I Known You Before epic; “No Mystery” (1975) is a gorgeous acoustic title track; and “The Musician” (1977) opens the horn-driven final album Musicmagic.

Every song at a glance

All fifteen tracks, in chronological order — each linked to the album it comes from, so you can hear it in context.

Where to start

Begin with the two towering fusion albums, No Mystery (1975) and the best-selling Romantic Warrior (1976), then the earlier, Latin-flavoured Light as a Feather (1973), home to Spain. From there, Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy (1973) and Where Have I Known You Before (1974) capture the electric quartet at full flight.

The players

Return to Forever was Chick Corea’s vision, powered by his piano, Fender Rhodes and pioneering synthesizers; Corea died in 2021. The one constant beside him was Stanley Clarke, whose virtuosic electric and acoustic bass helped redefine the instrument. The classic mid-1970s quartet added guitarist Al Di Meola, who joined at just nineteen and became one of fusion’s great virtuosos, and drummer Lenny White. The earlier, Latin-flavoured lineup featured saxophonist and flautist Joe Farrell, percussionist Airto Moreira and singer Flora Purim, several of whom became stars in their own right.

Why they still matter

Return to Forever proved that jazz could be as thrilling, virtuosic and ambitious as any rock band, drawing huge crowds and inspiring generations of musicians across jazz, prog and metal alike. Alongside Weather Report and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, they defined 1970s fusion, and Chick Corea’s compositions — above all “Spain” — have become part of the standard repertoire. Decades on, the sheer joy and daring of their best music remains undimmed.

Go deeper

Keep exploring: rank their records with our guide to the best Return to Forever albums, or place them in the bigger picture with the best progressive rock songs of all time.

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