Essential jangle pop listening

The albums that define jangle pop.

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

The jangle pop essentials

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

Collapse into Now

R.E.M.

Collapse into Now

A melodic blend of reflective lyrics and jangly guitars that captures R.E.M.'s signature sound.

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Accelerate

R.E.M.

Accelerate

A brisk, urgent blend of alternative rock and punk energy reflecting a renewed vigor in R.E.M.'s sound.

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Gold

The Cranberries

Gold

A reflective collection where haunting melodies intertwine with poignant lyrics, encapsulating the essence of The Cranberries' emotive sound.

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Meat Is Murder

The Smiths

Meat Is Murder

A blend of jangly guitars and poignant lyrics that explore themes of alienation and social critique.

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In the End

The Cranberries

In the End

A poignant farewell featuring ethereal melodies and heartfelt lyrics enveloped in The Cranberries' signature sound.

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California Son

Morrissey

California Son

A nostalgic collection of covers that blends Morrissey's distinct vocal style with heartfelt, melodic arrangements.

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You Are the Quarry

Morrissey

You Are the Quarry

A blend of sardonic wit and introspective melodies that reflect Morrissey's sharp social commentary.

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Years of Refusal

Morrissey

Years of Refusal

A mix of sardonic wit and poignant introspection wrapped in jangly guitars and Morrissey's distinctive vocal delivery.

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Southpaw Grammar

Morrissey

Southpaw Grammar

A sprawling exploration of melancholic themes delivered with Morrissey's signature wit and biting social commentary.

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El Camino Real

Camper Van Beethoven

El Camino Real

A kaleidoscopic mix of jangle pop and alternative rock that captures California's laid-back vibe and complex narratives.

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Dead Letter Office

R.E.M.

Dead Letter Office

A collage of quirky covers and early B-sides showcasing R.E.M.'s jangly guitars and cryptic lyricism.

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Up

R.E.M.

Up

A reflective blend of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics, capturing a transitional moment in R.E.M.'s evolution.

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Lifes Rich Pageant

R.E.M.

Lifes Rich Pageant

A vivid tapestry of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of mid-80s alternative rock.

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Monster

R.E.M.

Monster

A raw and grungy exploration of fame, layered with catchy hooks and introspective lyrics.

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Man on the Moon

R.E.M.

Man on the Moon

An eclectic mix of whimsical melodies and poignant reflections on life, laced with R.E.M.'s signature alternative rock sensibility.

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New Adventures in Hi-Fi

R.E.M.

New Adventures in Hi-Fi

A vibrant tapestry of jangly guitars, poignant lyrics, and introspective melodies weaving through themes of disillusionment and hope.

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Automatic for the People

R.E.M.

Automatic for the People

Melancholic melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, crafting a poignant reflection on life and loss.

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In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003

R.E.M.

In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003

A reflective collection of alternative rock anthems that blend introspective lyrics with melodic hooks.

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Reckoning

R.E.M.

Reckoning

A vibrant tapestry of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics captures the essence of early '80s alternative rock.

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Eponymous

R.E.M.

Eponymous

A vibrant mix of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that laid the groundwork for alternative rock's ascendance.

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Around the Sun

R.E.M.

Around the Sun

A reflective blend of melodic rock and introspective lyrics, capturing a sense of yearning and nostalgia.

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Reveal

R.E.M.

Reveal

A shimmering blend of introspective lyrics and melodic hooks wrapped in lush instrumentation.

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Green

R.E.M.

Green

Bright jangle pop melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics and political undertones, capturing the essence of late '80s alternative rock.

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Murmur

R.E.M.

Murmur

A shimmering, atmospheric blend of jangly guitars and cryptic lyrics that defines the early alternative rock sound.

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