This is the epitome of cool, sophisticated swing. The laid-back tempo is deceptive; that rock-solid groove, driven by the iconic Basie rhythm section, is pure dance fuel. The melody is simple, memorable, and floats over a bed of pure swing that dancers of all levels can lock into.

If "Shiny Stockings" is the cool-down, "Jumpin' at the Woodside" is the all-out sprint. This is one of the most iconic up-tempo swing tunes ever recorded. It's a relentless, driving force of energy built on a simple, powerful riff. The call-and-response between the brass and sax sections is pure fire.

This track is the raw, gritty, and joyous bridge between big band swing and rhythm & blues. The driving shuffle beat, the powerful vocals, and the honking sax solos are irresistible. It's less polished than some swing era tunes, which gives it an immediate, visceral energy that connects instantly.

Blues is the bedrock of jazz, and every good swing set needs a solid blues. This is one of the best. Jimmy Rushing's powerful, soulful vocals tell a story everyone can feel, laid over a slow, grinding, 12-bar blues structure from the Basie band. It’s dripping with feeling.

No list is complete without this landmark recording. While many artists have covered it, the 1942 Hampton version with Illinois Jacquet's earth-shattering, honking tenor sax solo is the one. It practically invented the "tenor sax battle" and the rock and roll solo. The energy is primal and infectious.