Essential chiptune listening

The albums that define chiptune.

Our picks for where to start with chiptune — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The chiptune essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Deus Ex Machinae

Machinae Supremacy

Deus Ex Machinae

A dynamic fusion of chiptune melodies and heavy metal riffs creates an immersive auditory experience.

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[USA]

Anamanaguchi

[USA]

A vibrant blend of chiptune and indie rock that pulses with retro energy and modern reflections.

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Minecraft – Volume Alpha

C418

Minecraft – Volume Alpha

Delicate ambient soundscapes intertwine with playful melodies, evoking the tranquil yet adventurous spirit of exploration.

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Minecraft – Volume Beta

C418

Minecraft – Volume Beta

Ethereal soundscapes and playful melodies create a soothing auditory journey through the Minecraft universe.

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A View from the End of the World

Machinae Supremacy

A View from the End of the World

An exhilarating fusion of chiptune melodies and heavy metal riffs, crafted for a digital age.

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Dawn Metropolis

Anamanaguchi

Dawn Metropolis

A vibrant fusion of chiptune melodies and rock energy that evokes nostalgia for 8-bit video game soundtracks.

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The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Bear McCreary

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

A sweeping orchestral landscape interwoven with ethereal vocals and intricate motifs that evoke Middle-earth's timeless magic.

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Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Bear McCreary

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

A haunting blend of orchestral depth and electronic textures that mirrors the series' tension and complexity.

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R. Borlax

Horse the Band

R. Borlax

A frenetic fusion of chiptune melodies and hardcore aggression creates an unpredictable and exhilarating sonic experience.

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Chiplust

Inverse Phase

Chiplust

A vibrant collision of nostalgic video game soundscapes and modern electronic rhythms, pulsating with playful ingenuity.

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Pretty Eight Machine

Inverse Phase

Pretty Eight Machine

A vibrant tapestry of 8-bit sounds intertwines with modern electronic rhythms, creating a nostalgic yet fresh sonic landscape.

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Beautiful Songs by Men

Horse the Band

Beautiful Songs by Men

A chaotic blend of metalcore ferocity and whimsical chiptune melodies that challenges genre boundaries.

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Arcade Rock

Karate High School

Arcade Rock

A whirlwind of chiptune-infused pop-punk that merges nostalgia with high-energy rock dynamics.

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The League of Tomorrow

Karate High School

The League of Tomorrow

A vibrant collision of pop-punk energy and chiptune whimsy, echoing the spirit of early 2000s underground music.

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Scotchausen

DJ Scotch Egg

Scotchausen

A frenetic blend of chiptune melodies and playful sound collages that evoke a whimsical digital landscape.

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Welcome to the Breakdown

I Fight Dragons

Welcome to the Breakdown

A vibrant fusion of chiptune and pop-punk that celebrates geek culture with catchy hooks and playful energy.

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KABOOM! (album)

I Fight Dragons

KABOOM! (album)

A vibrant fusion of chiptune and rock, blending playful melodies with sharp lyrics for an electrifying experience.

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The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Koji Kondo

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

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Fakevox

Plus-Tech Squeeze Box

Fakevox

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Adjacent sounds