Essential lounge music listening

The albums that define lounge music.

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

The lounge music essentials

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

At This Time

Burt Bacharach

At This Time

A lush orchestral landscape woven with introspective lyrics and Bacharach's signature melodic flair.

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Caps Lock

Capsule

Caps Lock

A vibrant blend of J-pop and dance music that pulses with electronic energy and playful experimentation.

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Fruits Clipper

Capsule

Fruits Clipper

A vibrant blend of electronic beats and whimsical pop melodies that energizes and captivates the listener.

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The Mirror Conspiracy

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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Saudade

Thievery Corporation

Saudade

A soothing blend of downtempo grooves and global influences that evoke nostalgia and warmth.

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The President of the LSD Golf Club

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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Reflection

Hooverphonic

Reflection

A lush tapestry of atmospheric melodies and ethereal vocals envelops listeners in a dreamy soundscape.

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Hang On Little Tomato

Pink Martini

Hang On Little Tomato

A whimsical blend of jazz, classical, and international influences wrapped in lush arrangements and warm vocals.

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Je dis oui!

Pink Martini

Je dis oui!

A vibrant tapestry of global sounds woven together with eclectic rhythms and multilingual lyrics.

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The Music from Peter Gunn

Henry Mancini

The Music from Peter Gunn

Smooth orchestral arrangements blend jazz and pop influences, creating a captivating sonic backdrop for the era's film noir aesthetic.

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Music from Mr. Lucky

Henry Mancini

Music from Mr. Lucky

A suave blend of orchestral arrangements and light jazz that embodies the charm of early 1960s lounge music.

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The Songs of Bacharach and Costello

Burt Bacharach

The Songs of Bacharach and Costello

A lush orchestral tapestry intertwines with introspective lyrics, showcasing the timeless collaboration of two songwriting legends.

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Christmas Album

Herb Alpert

Christmas Album

A smooth blend of jazzy arrangements and festive melodies that evoke a warm holiday spirit.

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The Lonely Bull

Herb Alpert

The Lonely Bull

A vibrant blend of brass-driven melodies and Latin rhythms, evoking the festive spirit of Tijuana.

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Life in Stereo

The Pinker Tones

Life in Stereo

A vibrant blend of electronic beats and melodic pop-infused rhythms that invites listeners to dance and dream.

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The BCN Connection

The Pinker Tones

The BCN Connection

A vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms and electronic beats creates a playful sonic landscape for dance and celebration.

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Tuxicity

Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine

Tuxicity

A satirical blend of lounge music and pop hits, transforming rock anthems into playful cabaret numbers.

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Silent Nightclub

Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine

Silent Nightclub

Playful lounge renditions of pop and rock classics create a whimsical soundtrack for holiday revelry.

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Save My Soul

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Save My Soul

A vibrant blend of swing revival and jump blues, exuding joyful energy and infectious rhythms.

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Americana Deluxe

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Americana Deluxe

A vibrant blend of swing rhythms and playful lyrics that revitalize the jazz revival movement.

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Voice of the Xtabay

Yma Sumac

Voice of the Xtabay

An enchanting blend of operatic vocals and traditional Peruvian rhythms that transports listeners to mystical landscapes.

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Mambo!

Yma Sumac

Mambo!

A vibrant fusion of exotic rhythms and soaring vocals that transport listeners to a tropical paradise.

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Hôtel Costes, Vol. 12: Douze

Stéphane Pompougnac

Hôtel Costes, Vol. 12: Douze

An eclectic blend of chill-out grooves and sophisticated melodies that encapsulates the essence of luxurious lounge music.

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Hôtel Costes, Vol. 2: La suite

Stéphane Pompougnac

Hôtel Costes, Vol. 2: La suite

A seamless blend of chillout and downtempo grooves that evoke intimate Parisian nightlife.

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