The albums that define
downtempo.
Our picks for where to start with downtempo — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top downtempo artists
Start with one of these.
The downtempo essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Kygo
Cloud Nine
Ethereal melodies and sun-soaked beats create a blissful soundscape perfect for summer escapades.
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Moby
Animal Rights
A turbulent blend of punk energy and ambient soundscapes that challenges conventions of electronic music.
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Moby
Wait for Me
A contemplative blend of ambient soundscapes and emotive melodies that evoke a sense of longing and introspection.
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Kygo
Stargazing
A vibrant blend of tropical rhythms and melodic hooks that encapsulate summer vibes and emotional resonance.
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Thievery Corporation
The Mirror Conspiracy
A seamless blend of global rhythms and chilled beats that transports listeners across cultures and time.
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Thievery Corporation
Saudade
A soothing blend of downtempo grooves and global influences that evoke nostalgia and warmth.
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Hooverphonic
The President of the LSD Golf Club
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with cinematic melodies, creating a lush and introspective auditory experience.
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Hooverphonic
Reflection
A lush tapestry of atmospheric melodies and ethereal vocals envelops listeners in a dreamy soundscape.
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Zero 7
EP 1
A lush blend of ambient textures and downtempo grooves that evoke a serene yet introspective atmosphere.
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Zero 7
Simple Things Remixes
A lush collection of remixes that transforms mellow downtempo grooves into vibrant, danceable interpretations.
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Portishead
Dummy
A haunting blend of cinematic soundscapes and melancholic vocals that redefine the downtempo genre.
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Portishead
Third
Eerie soundscapes blend with haunting vocals, creating a stark yet intimate atmosphere throughout the album.
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Bonobo
Animal Magic
A lush tapestry of downtempo beats and organic samples that invites deep reflection and introspection.
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Bonobo
Solid Steel: It Came from the Sea
A mesmerizing blend of downtempo grooves and world music textures that evoke a tranquil seaside atmosphere.
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Moloko
Do You Like My Tight Sweater?
A playful collage of electronic beats, quirky vocals, and eclectic samples that defy genre boundaries.
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Moloko
Statues
A blend of infectious grooves and atmospheric soundscapes that meld electronic pop with soulful vocals.
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Photek
Risc vs. Reward
A fusion of intricate breakbeats and ethereal melodies creates a lush sonic landscape that captivates and challenges the listener.
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Photek
Form & Function
A sonic tapestry weaving intricate drum and bass rhythms with atmospheric soundscapes and ethereal melodies.
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Ibeyi
Spell 31
A vibrant tapestry of Afro-Cuban rhythms, soulful melodies, and ethereal harmonies that evoke deep emotional resonance.
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Ibeyi
Ash
A haunting blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and soulful harmonies, enveloping listeners in a mystical soundscape.
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Petit Biscuit
Petit Biscuit
Ethereal soundscapes blend with rhythmic grooves, creating a serene yet invigorating electronic journey.
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Nicolas Jaar
Telas
A meditative journey where ambient textures intertwine with rhythmic pulses, inviting deep introspection and tranquil exploration.
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Nicolas Jaar
Pomegranates
A haunting exploration of soundscapes where ambient textures intertwine with intricate rhythmic patterns.
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Martina Topley-Bird
Some Place Simple
A dreamy blend of downtempo beats and ethereal vocals weaving through introspective lyrics.
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