MusicMatch Jukebox 10.00.4015b

MusicMatch Jukebox Editor's Review

Play and manage your music collection this this venerable Windows application.

Back in the day, "in the dark time...before the Empire," I remember using a Diamond Multimedia MP3 player to listen to a new kind of music format, called MP3's. Armed with a 8MB memory card, I was able to put about eight to ten songs on it before it filled up. I remember using this thing for about 4 or so years before I broke down and bought my first iPod. In the early days, before iTunes, MusicMatch JukeBox was the thing. It's still around and still a decent MP3 player for your Windows PC.

MusicMatch JukeBox is a digital audio player which features a playlist library, CD ripping, and CD playback.  Its latest versions also touted online radio streaming and an online music store. The application has been around since 1992; and was originally developed by its founding company MusicMatch. Early versions only included simple jukebox features before becoming more advanced in later versions to include the ability to record mp3s from vinyl, cassette or microphone source.

MusicMatch JukeBox is compatible for Windows NT/98/2000/XP.  It is possible to install MusicMatch JukeBox 10.0 on Windows 7; but only if you install the program in XP compatibility mode.  Most users consider any version prior to when Yahoo! acquired MusicMatch JukeBox as a preferred version.  Yahoo! incorporated too many changes leading to the software becoming bloated and confusing. MusicMatch JukeBox was discontinued in 2008.

Pro’s: Easy to manage playlist library, AutoDJ feature creates playlists suited to your likes, easy to use, sleek UI.

Con’s: Doesn't support Windows Vista and 7 without installing in Compatibility Mode; and may not run well afterwards; Plays audio only,

Conclusion: MusicMatch JukeBox is old and a bit long in the tooth.  However, on older, underpowered systems that run XP or earlier, this is probably the best music player available. Stay away from Yahoo! powered versions of the app, as they are bloated and problematic. Your best bet is to use version 7.5, as it was the best one, prior to the Yahoo! acquisition.