What is the best 808 State album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Ninety" (1989). It's the most representative of what makes 808 State worth hearing.

How many albums does 808 State have?

808 State has 29 releases in their discography, including 9 albums and 10 EPs.

808 State

Q: Who is 808 State for?

If you're into house and acid house, 808 State is worth your time. With driving basslines and layered electronic textures, their music pulses with a relentless energy that compels movement while evoking a sense of surreal detachment.

With driving basslines and layered electronic textures, their music pulses with a relentless energy that compels movement while evoking a sense of surreal detachment.

acid house

United Kingdom Est. 1987

Read about 808 State on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Ninety (1989)

Presents a cohesive blend of acid house and electronic music, showcasing the driving basslines and layered textures characteristic of their sound.

The song

“Pacific State” from Quadrastate

An iconic track with an immediate hook, it embodies the essence of 808 State's style and serves as a introduction to their music.

See the full guide

About 808 State

808 State matters because they were pivotal in shaping the sound of electronic music during a time when dance culture was blossoming.

Their innovative approach laid the groundwork for what would become a global phenomenon, influencing countless artists and helping to establish the acid house scene as a significant cultural movement. By blending intricate rhythms with hypnotic melodies, they created an immersive experience that resonated with audiences seeking new forms of expression on the dance floor. Their process involved a unique incorporation of technology and live performance, using samplers and synthesizers to construct tracks that felt both spontaneous and meticulously crafted. This balance between the improvisational energy of live sets and the precision of studio production allowed them to create a sonic landscape that felt alive, drawing listeners into a pulsating world where rhythm dictated emotion. Thematically, their songwriting often explores the intersection of technology and human experience, reflecting on urban life, desire, and the transitory nature of modern existence. Their lyrics frequently blur lines between irony and sincerity, painting vivid impressions rather than straightforward narratives. The tone is often playful yet introspective, inviting listeners to engage with both the music's surface and its deeper implications.

9 studio albums· 29 total releases· 3 decades· United Kingdom