Essential stoner rock listening

The albums that define stoner rock.

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

The stoner rock essentials

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

Rated R

Queens of the Stone Age

Rated R

Raucous riffs and gritty vocals create a desert rock landscape steeped in hedonism and dark humor.

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Polygondwanaland

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

Polygondwanaland

A sprawling, immersive journey through intricate melodies and hypnotic rhythms that showcase the band's psychedelic prowess.

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Sieg Howdy!

Melvins

Sieg Howdy!

A chaotic blend of punk energy and experimental noise that challenges musical norms with relentless creativity.

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Never Breathe What You Can't See

Melvins

Never Breathe What You Can't See

A chaotic blend of sludge metal and experimental rock that challenges conventional song structure.

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Stone Age Complication

Queens of the Stone Age

Stone Age Complication

A gritty blend of hard rock riffs and stoner grooves, infused with dark humor and infectious energy.

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Fishing for Fishies

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

Fishing for Fishies

A playful blend of psychedelic rock and garage grooves that captivates with its whimsical charm and infectious rhythms.

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Pitchfork

Clutch

Pitchfork

A gritty blend of blues rock and hard-hitting stoner riffs that lays the groundwork for Clutch's unique sound.

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Clutch

Clutch

Clutch

A gritty fusion of stoner rock riffs and bluesy grooves, propelled by dynamic, narrative-driven lyrics.

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Cosmic Egg

Wolfmother

Cosmic Egg

Psychedelic riffs and heavy grooves intertwine, evoking a cosmic journey through classic rock landscapes.

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New Crown

Wolfmother

New Crown

Raw, riff-driven hard rock melds with psychedelic elements, creating a vibrant and energetic listening experience.

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04092001

Boris

04092001

A sprawling exploration of texture and rhythm that melds ambient soundscapes with heavy, distorted instrumentation.

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Klatter

Boris

Klatter

A meditative blend of drone and noise that envelops the listener in minimalist textures and haunting melodies.

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Clone of the Universe

Fu Manchu

Clone of the Universe

A heavy blend of fuzzy riffs and rhythmic grooves immerses listeners in a stoner rock odyssey.

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Eatin' Dust

Fu Manchu

Eatin' Dust

A gritty blend of heavy riffs and stoner grooves that evoke a laid-back desert vibe.

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Volume 1

CKY

Volume 1

A gritty blend of alternative metal and stoner rock, infused with dark humor and catchy riffs.

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An Answer Can Be Found

CKY

An Answer Can Be Found

A blend of raw energy and introspective lyrics, layered over heavy guitar riffs and dynamic rhythms.

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Lucifer Songs

Ufomammut

Lucifer Songs

A sprawling odyssey of heavy riffs and hypnotic rhythms that encapsulates cosmic despair.

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Godlike Snake

Ufomammut

Godlike Snake

A swirling maelstrom of heavy riffs and hypnotic rhythms that evokes an otherworldly experience.

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Transmission from Mothership Earth

Nebula

Transmission from Mothership Earth

A cosmic journey blending heavy riffs and psychedelic melodies that evoke the vastness of space.

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