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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Kygo
Golden Hour
A sun-drenched blend of tropical beats and melodic vocals that evoke a sense of carefree joy.
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Thievery Corporation
Radio Retaliation
A fusion of downtempo grooves and global influences, creating a soundscape that is both relaxing and politically charged.
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Hooverphonic
The Night Before
A lush tapestry of cinematic sounds intertwined with haunting vocals and introspective lyrics.
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Hooverphonic
Hooverphonic Presents Jackie Cane
Ethereal vocals blend with lush instrumentation, creating a cinematic soundscape that evokes dreamlike introspection.
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Hooverphonic
The Magnificent Tree
A lush blend of dreamy soundscapes and haunting melodies that evoke a surreal emotional landscape.
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Thievery Corporation
The Richest Man in Babylon
A rich tapestry of global sounds woven with downtempo beats and lush, laid-back grooves.
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Thievery Corporation
The Cosmic Game
A vibrant fusion of world music rhythms and electronic soundscapes that transports listeners across global musical landscapes.
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Thievery Corporation
Culture of Fear
A fusion of ethereal melodies and socially conscious themes, enveloped in smooth electronic grooves and dub rhythms.
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Thievery Corporation
Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi
A seamless blend of global rhythms, electronic textures, and jazzy undertones creates a sonic tapestry of chill vibes.
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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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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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Portishead
Dummy
A haunting blend of cinematic soundscapes and melancholic vocals that redefine the downtempo genre.
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Bonobo
The North Borders
A lush blend of organic instrumentation and electronic textures that invites introspection and movement alike.
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Bonobo
Black Sands
An immersive blend of organic instrumentation and electronic beats that evokes a sense of tranquil exploration.
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Portishead
Roseland NYC Live
A haunting blend of live instrumentation and electronic elements envelops listeners in a moody, atmospheric soundscape.
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Portishead
Portishead
Haunting melodies intertwine with gritty beats, creating an atmospheric landscape of melancholy and introspection.
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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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Boards of Canada
Tomorrow's Harvest
A haunting exploration of nostalgia wrapped in hazy synth landscapes and intricate rhythms that evoke a sense of unease.
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Boards of Canada
In a Beautiful Place Out in the Country
Ethereal soundscapes weave through nostalgic melodies, creating a serene yet haunting auditory experience.
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Boards of Canada
Music Has the Right to Children
A nostalgic soundscape woven with haunting melodies and intricate textures that evoke childhood memories.
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Boards of Canada
The Campfire Headphase
A dreamy tapestry of nostalgic soundscapes woven with melodic intricacy and organic textures.
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Boards of Canada
Geogaddi
A haunting blend of analog warmth and eerie nostalgia, encapsulating the feeling of lost childhood memories.
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Boards of Canada
Peel Session
Ethereal soundscapes blend with intricate rhythms, creating a mesmerizing auditory journey through nostalgia and the natural world.
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