What makes High Times by Washed Out notable?

High Times played a significant role in popularizing the chillwave movement, influencing countless artists with its laid-back aesthetic and home-recorded feel. The EP received positive reviews from notable publications like Pitchfork, who praised its evocative sound, establishing Greene as a vital voice in modern synth-pop. Released in 2009, High Times marked Washed Out's debut EP, following the viral success of their track Feel It All Around. At this point, Ernest Greene had garnered attention as a pioneer of the chillwave genre, capturing a burgeoning audience with his dreamy soundscapes.

Who is High Times for?

High Times works well if you're into dreamy nostalgia for quiet moments, lush soundscapes for introspective listening and gentle rhythms for relaxed afternoons.

High Times

Washed Out · 2009

13 tracks · synth-pop

A hazy blend of lo-fi synth textures and breezy melodies creating an atmosphere of sun-soaked nostalgia.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Belong — The opening track encapsulates the dreamy essence of the EP, setting a nostalgic tone with its lush synths and emotive vocals.
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Good Luck — This track features an infectious melody paired with atmospheric production that exemplifies Washed Out's signature chillwave sound.
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You Will Be Sad — A standout moment on the EP, it juxtaposes upbeat instrumentals with melancholic lyrics, highlighting Greene's skillful songwriting.
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Clap (intro) — As an introductory piece, it creates an inviting atmosphere with rhythmic claps and layered sounds that effectively transition into the rest of the EP.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

57 /100

Foothills

Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The EP effectively captures the chillwave aesthetic with its dreamy synth textures and cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The first four tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fifth track introduces a brief instrumental interlude that shifts the mood.
Several tracks feature layered synths with reverb-heavy vocals, creating a dreamy atmosphere that persists throughout the EP.
The last three tracks gradually decrease in tempo and intensity, leading to a more subdued conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dreamy nostalgia for quiet moments
lush soundscapes for introspective listening
gentle rhythms for relaxed afternoons
headphone immersion in soft textures

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party tracks
prefer straightforward, fast-paced songs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2009, High Times marked Washed Out's debut EP, following the viral success of their track Feel It All Around. At this point, Ernest Greene had garnered attention as a pioneer of the chillwave genre, capturing a burgeoning audience with his dreamy soundscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: Toro y Moi· Neon Indian· Tycho