The albums that define
synthwave.
Our picks for where to start with synthwave — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top synthwave artists
Start with one of these.
The synthwave essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Gesaffelstein
Hyperion
Dark, pulsating beats intertwine with haunting melodies, crafting an atmosphere both exhilarating and introspective.
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Annie
Don't Stop
Bright synths and infectious melodies create a euphoric dance-pop experience that captures the essence of early 2000s indie electronic music.
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Annie
Anniemal
Bright synths and infectious hooks create a vibrant, danceable pop landscape that captures youthful exuberance.
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Com Truise
Persuasion System
Retro-futuristic synth landscapes intertwine with melodic hooks, evoking nostalgia for a digital age yet to come.
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Annie
DJ-Kicks: Annie
A vibrant blend of dance-pop and indie sounds, infused with playful synth melodies and infectious grooves.
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Annie
Dark Hearts
Synth-laden pop anthems intertwine with poignant lyrics, creating a mesmerizing sonic landscape of nostalgia and longing.
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Com Truise
Silicon Tare
A nostalgic journey through shimmering synths and pulsing beats, evoking retro-futuristic landscapes.
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Com Truise
Wave 1
A nostalgic journey through lush synth landscapes infused with retro-futuristic beats and dreamy atmospheres.
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Carpenter Brut
Carpenterbrutlive
A pulsating blend of retro synths and heavy beats that evoke a cinematic thrill ride.
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Carpenter Brut
Leather Teeth
High-octane synths and pounding beats create a retro-futuristic soundtrack that pulses with dark energy.
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Carpenter Brut
Trilogy
A pulsating blend of retro synths and dark electronic beats that conjures cinematic landscapes.
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Carpenter Brut
Blood Machines
A pulsating blend of retro synths and cinematic soundscapes that evoke a dystopian dreamscape.
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The Midnight
Heroes
A nostalgic journey through shimmering synths and heartfelt lyrics that evoke a yearning for connection.
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Com Truise
Galactic Melt
A nostalgic journey through shimmering synths and retro-futuristic beats that evoke a dreamy, cosmic landscape.
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Com Truise
In Decay
A lush retro-futuristic soundscape filled with dreamy synth textures and nostalgic rhythms.
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Ships In The Night
Latent Powers
Ethereal synth landscapes intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere of introspection and nostalgia.
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Com Truise
Iteration
A lush blend of retro synth textures and modern electronic beats that evoke nostalgic landscapes.
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Com Truise
In Decay, Too
A nostalgic journey through ethereal synth landscapes layered with hypnotic beats and emotive melodies.
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Project Pitchfork
Dream, Tiresias!
Ethereal synths and driving beats intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a darkly immersive soundscape.
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Project Pitchfork
Eon:Eon
A dark and atmospheric blend of pulsating electronics and haunting melodies that encapsulates the restless spirit of the late '90s.
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Project Pitchfork
Daimonion
A haunting blend of dark wave and industrial textures layered with introspective electronic melodies.
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Project Pitchfork
Blood
A pulsating blend of dark wave and electro-industrial textures layered with haunting vocals and introspective themes.
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Project Pitchfork
Kaskade
A haunting blend of dark wave and electronic rock, pulsing with atmospheric synths and brooding lyrical themes.
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Gesaffelstein
Aleph(album)
A darkly atmospheric fusion of techno beats and haunting melodies that evoke a cinematic dystopia.
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