The Dave Brubeck Quartet: Time Out (Columbia, 1959)

The pianist and his band were already popular performers when this album was released to mostly dismissive reviews. Originally conceived as a recording of unusual time signatures and melodies inspired by the group’s travels in Europe and Asia, Time Out sold like hotcakes on the back of the hit “Take Five.” Paul Desmond’s infectious tune was the first jazz single to sell a million copies and, improbably considering its 5/4 lope, remains a staple on the playlists of both mainstream and smooth-jazz radio stations. LEE MERGNER

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