Take 6

Take 6 sounds like a masterclass in what the human voice can achieve when pushed to its absolute limits of precision and warmth. Their sound is defined by incredibly dense, six-part harmonies that move with the agility of a bebop horn section but retain the soul of a traditional gospel choir. There is a shimmering, liquid quality to their arrangements where voices blend so perfectly they almost sound like a single, multi-tonal instrument.

What makes them truly distinctive is their use of 'jazz chords' in a spiritual context. While many vocal groups stick to traditional triads, Take 6 leans into complex extensions, dissonances, and chromatic movements that would make a theory professor blush. They often eschew instruments entirely, using their voices to mimic bass lines and percussion with such clarity that you'll find yourself double-checking the liner notes for a drum kit that isn't there.

Start with their self-titled 1988 debut to hear the raw impact of their arrival on the scene. It captures the perfect balance of their collegiate a cappella roots and the sophisticated production that would define their career. If you are looking for something more seasonal, 'He Is Christmas' is widely considered one of the finest vocal holiday albums ever recorded.