The albums that define
psychedelic music.
Our picks for where to start with psychedelic music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top psychedelic music artists
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The psychedelic music essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Beck
Golden Feelings
A lo-fi collage of genres where quirky lyrics meet unpolished instrumentation in a playful exploration of existential themes.
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Beck
Mellow Gold
A kaleidoscopic blend of lo-fi beats, ironic lyrics, and genre-bending sounds that capture the zeitgeist of the early '90s.
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Donald Glover
Royalty
An eclectic blend of genres, merging introspective lyricism with experimental production that reflects a nuanced exploration of identity.
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Donald Glover
Sick Boi
An eclectic blend of introspective lyrics over laid-back beats, merging hip-hop with elements of R&B and comedic flair.
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Travis Scott
Days Before Rodeo
A sonic landscape blending atmospheric beats with introspective lyrics, encapsulating the tension between ambition and vulnerability.
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Travis Scott
Owl Pharaoh
A kaleidoscopic blend of atmospheric beats and introspective lyricism that captures the essence of a modern hip-hop odyssey.
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Flying Lotus
You're Dead!
'You're Dead!' captures the essence of Flying Lotus's innovative approach to music, balancing cerebral compositions with engaging grooves. The album seamlessly transitions through various moods and styles, reflecting his mastery of texture and rhythm.
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Flying Lotus
1983
A vibrant fusion of jazz-inflected beats and abstract soundscapes creates a dreamlike auditory journey.
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Animal Collective
Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished
Ethereal soundscapes blend with fragmented melodies, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive.
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Animal Collective
Fall Be Kind
A whimsical blend of layered harmonies and experimental textures that transports listeners through a vibrant sonic landscape.
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The Incredible String Band
I Looked Up
A whimsical blend of folk melodies and psychedelic textures that transports listeners to a dreamlike soundscape.
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The Incredible String Band
Hard Rope & Silken Twine
A whimsical blend of folk and psychedelia, weaving intricate melodies with surreal storytelling and rich instrumentation.
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Arjen Lucassen
Pools of Sorrow, Waves of Joy
A blend of folk-infused melodies and progressive rock intricacies that evoke introspection and emotional depth.
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Arjen Lucassen
Strange Hobby
An eclectic collection of psychedelic rock covers with an experimental twist and vivid arrangements that challenge the original compositions.
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The Gaslamp Killer
Breakthrough
A kaleidoscopic blend of glitchy beats, psychedelic samples, and hypnotic rhythms that pull listeners into an immersive sonic experience.
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The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
Fruit
A vibrant blend of psychedelic pop and acid jazz, infused with catchy melodies and playful instrumentation.
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The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
Out of Frequency
A vibrant blend of pop and psychedelic sounds that swirl with playful energy and a hint of nostalgia.
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The Fireman
Electric Arguments
A kaleidoscopic blend of electronic textures and organic instrumentation creating an immersive, dreamlike atmosphere.
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The Fireman
Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest
A mesmerizing blend of ambient textures and psychedelic grooves that transport listeners to ethereal soundscapes.
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Sean Lennon
Into the Sun
A whimsical blend of introspective lyrics and eclectic instrumentation creates a dreamlike sonic landscape.
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Sean Lennon
Lime and Limpid Green
A kaleidoscopic blend of experimental rock and psychedelic influences, merging haunting melodies with intricate instrumentation.
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André 3000
New Blue Sun
A surreal blend of introspective storytelling and ambient soundscapes, merging hip-hop roots with experimental textures.
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André 3000
7 Piano Sketches
A contemplative blend of ambient textures and introspective melodies, offering a serene escape through minimalist piano compositions.
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Matuê
Máquina do Tempo
An experimental blend of trap, psychedelic beats, and reggae influences that evoke a sense of whimsical nostalgia.
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By decade
Where psychedelic music landed in each era.