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
Start with one of these.
The psychedelic music essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Donald Glover
3.15.20
A kaleidoscopic exploration of genre blending, seamlessly merging psychedelic grooves with introspective lyricism.
Start here
Donald Glover
Atavista
A kaleidoscopic blend of funk, R&B, and psychedelic sounds that captures existential musings.
Start here
Beck
Golden Feelings
Lo-fi, eclectic soundscapes blend anti-folk wit with raw, unpolished emotion across Beck's early experimentation.
Start here
Beck
Mellow Gold
A genre-blurring tapestry of lo-fi hip-hop, alternative rock, and sardonic wit that defined the '90s sound.
Start here
Travis Scott
Days Before Rodeo
A hypnotic blend of trap beats, ambient soundscapes, and introspective lyrics that define a new wave of hip-hop.
Start here
Travis Scott
Owl Pharaoh
A hypnotic blend of atmospheric beats and introspective lyrics that redefine modern hip-hop artistry.
Start here
Animal Collective
Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished
A surreal blend of ethereal melodies and experimental soundscapes that evoke a dreamlike atmosphere.
Start here
Animal Collective
Fall Be Kind
A mesmerizing blend of ethereal melodies and experimental textures that evoke introspection and wonder.
Start here
Flying Lotus
You're Dead!
A surreal blend of electronic jazz and hip-hop that explores themes of life, death, and existential introspection.
Start here
Flying Lotus
1983
A kaleidoscopic blend of electronic textures and jazzy rhythms creates a dreamlike soundscape.
Start here
The Incredible String Band
I Looked Up
A whimsical blend of folk melodies and psychedelic textures, reflecting a mystical journey through sound.
Start here
The Incredible String Band
U
A whimsical blend of folk and psychedelia, where intricate melodies intertwine with dreamy narratives.
Start here
The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
Fruit
A vibrant blend of indie pop and psychedelic grooves infused with playful energy and eclectic instrumentation.
Start here
The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
Out of Frequency
A vibrant blend of psychedelic pop and jazz-infused grooves that invites listeners into a whimsical auditory landscape.
Start here
The Fireman
Electric Arguments
A kaleidoscopic blend of experimental rock and ambient sounds that invites listeners into a sonic journey.
Start here
The Fireman
Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest
A mesmerizing blend of ambient textures and experimental rhythms invites listeners into a transcendent sonic landscape.
Start here
Sean Lennon
Into the Sun
A whimsical blend of psychedelic pop and avant-garde experimentation that invites listeners into a surreal sonic landscape.
Start here
Sean Lennon
Lime and Limpid Green
A kaleidoscopic journey through avant-garde rock, blending whimsy with haunting melodies and psychedelic intricacies.
Start here
Arjen Lucassen
Pools of Sorrow, Waves of Joy
A lush tapestry of progressive rock and folk influences woven into heartfelt narratives and melodic intricacies.
Start here
Arjen Lucassen
Strange Hobby
A whimsical collection of cover songs that blends progressive rock with touches of psychedelic folk and playful instrumentation.
Start here
André 3000
New Blue Sun
A unique blend of ambient textures and introspective storytelling, transcending conventional hip-hop boundaries.
Start here
André 3000
7 Piano Sketches
A serene exploration of minimalist piano melodies paired with introspective narratives and whimsical storytelling.
Start here
Matuê
Máquina do Tempo
A vibrant fusion of trap beats and psychedelic influences, wrapped in introspective lyricism that transports listeners through time.
Start here
The Gaslamp Killer
Breakthrough
A kaleidoscopic blend of psychedelic beats and eclectic samples that defy genre boundaries.
Start here