Essential indie pop listening

The albums that define indie pop.

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

The indie pop essentials

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

Born to Die

Lana Del Rey

Born to Die

Melancholic melodies intertwine with cinematic instrumentals, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape of nostalgia and longing.

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Ultraviolence

Lana Del Rey

Ultraviolence

Lana Del Rey's haunting vocals intertwine with rich orchestration, capturing a melancholic yet glamorous exploration of love and loss.

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Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa

A vibrant fusion of pop and dance elements, celebrating empowerment with catchy hooks and infectious melodies.

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The Family Jewels

Marina Diamandis

The Family Jewels

An eclectic mix of dance-pop and synth melodies layered with whimsical, introspective lyrics.

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Electra Heart

Marina Diamandis

Electra Heart

A vibrant blend of dance-pop and synth melodies intertwined with sharp lyrical commentary on fame and identity.

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Milwaukee at Last!!!

Rufus Wainwright

Milwaukee at Last!!!

A lush tapestry of orchestral pop layered with Wainwright's distinctively emotive vocals and intricate melodies.

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Pure Heroine

Lorde

Pure Heroine

Dreamy synths and minimalist beats intertwine with sharp, introspective lyrics about youth and disillusionment.

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Xx (The xx album)

The xx

Xx (The xx album)

Minimalist soundscapes intertwine with intimate vocals, creating a hauntingly atmospheric exploration of love and longing.

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Rarities

Goo Goo Dolls

Rarities

A heartfelt collection of acoustic renditions and live performances that echo the band's enduring emotional resonance.

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Gutterflower

Goo Goo Dolls

Gutterflower

Gutterflower intertwines heartfelt melodies with introspective lyrics, blending alternative rock and indie pop sensibilities.

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Breach

Twenty One Pilots

Breach

A genre-blurring exploration of anxiety and resilience, blending eclectic beats with introspective lyrics.

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Trench

Twenty One Pilots

Trench

A vibrant blend of alternative rock and hip-hop infused with introspective lyrics and dynamic production.

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Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi – Music From The Cartoon Network Series

Puffy AmiYumi

Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi – Music From The Cartoon Network Series

Energetic pop-rock melodies blend with playful lyrics, creating a vibrant soundtrack for the animated series.

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Hit&Fun

Puffy AmiYumi

Hit&Fun

A vibrant blend of catchy melodies and energetic beats, embodying the playful spirit of J-pop.

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Run Into the Light

Ellie Goulding

Run Into the Light

Ethereal remixes transform Ellie Goulding's dreamy pop into a vibrant soundscape that pulses with energy and emotion.

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Higher Than Heaven

Ellie Goulding

Higher Than Heaven

Ethereal synths and pulsating beats intertwine with Goulding's airy vocals, creating a euphoric sonic landscape.

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Sheezus

Lily Allen

Sheezus

A vibrant blend of pop sensibility and sharp lyrical wit, reflecting the complexities of modern womanhood.

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Paris Live Session

Lily Allen

Paris Live Session

A vibrant mix of sharp wit and soulful melodies, capturing Lily Allen's signature blend of pop and R&B.

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Best Of...

Sia

Best Of...

A kaleidoscopic blend of emotive ballads and infectious electropop anthems showcasing Sia's distinctive vocal prowess.

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OnlySee

Sia

OnlySee

A haunting blend of ethereal vocals and atmospheric production that captures the essence of late '90s indie pop.

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Be Here Now

Oasis

Be Here Now

An exuberant blend of anthemic melodies and sprawling instrumentation that encapsulates the hedonism of the late '90s.

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Time Flies... 1994–2009

Oasis

Time Flies... 1994–2009

A sweeping collection of anthemic melodies and heartfelt lyrics that defined a generation of Britpop.

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Nexus-2060

Capsule

Nexus-2060

A vibrant fusion of J-pop melodies and Eurodance beats, wrapped in futuristic soundscapes.

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S.F. Sound Furniture

Capsule

S.F. Sound Furniture

An eclectic blend of J-pop and electronic sounds that invites listeners into a whimsical sonic landscape.

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