Sun RaBest Sun Ra Albums Ranked

Marshall Allen presents Sun Ra and His Arkestra: In the Orbit of Ra

pitchfork

8.8

“Longtime Sun Ra reedman Marshall Allen’s well-curated In the Orbit of Ra covers as much ground (or, rather, space) as any one set can. Ra alights on almost all aspects of its bandleader’s multidimensional sound and presents a coherent trajectory through it, alternating between otherworldly explorations and earthbound beats.”

Singles: The Definitive 45s Collection, Vol. 1: 1952-1961

pitchfork

8.7

“Strut offers a richly researched and smartly sequenced compilation of all of Sun Ra's singles, offering a compelling and unique look at the cosmic jazz innovator’s genius.”

Lanquidity (Definitive Edition)

pastemagazine

7.5

“A new expanded reissue highlights the ensemble’s affinity for playing up the tension between elegance and chaos”

Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Beyond Saturn)

allmusic

7.0

“Joyous, rousing Arkestra performances recorded live at the Bluebird in Bloomington, Indiana in 1977.”

Sun Ra Plays Gershwin

pitchfork

6.6

“A collection of George Gershwin interpretations by the avant-jazz legend traces his roots in the swing era, fleshing out a seldom-heard side of the astral voyager.”