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.
Com Truise
Wave 1
A nostalgic journey through shimmering synth landscapes, pulsating beats, and ethereal melodies that evoke retro-futuristic vibes.
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Project Pitchfork
Kaskade
A mesmerizing blend of dark wave and electro-industrial, laced with haunting melodies and driving rhythms.
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Project Pitchfork
Dream, Tiresias!
A haunting blend of dark wave and electro-industrial textures fused with introspective lyrics and pulsating electronic rhythms.
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The Midnight
Heroes
A nostalgic blend of synth melodies and heartfelt lyrics that evoke a sense of longing for connection and simpler times.
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Gesaffelstein
Aleph(album)
A haunting blend of pulsating techno and atmospheric soundscapes that evoke a sense of urgency and introspection.
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Gesaffelstein
Hyperion
A brooding blend of techno beats and haunting melodies, constructing an immersive auditory experience that feels both futuristic and melancholic.
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Annie
Don't Stop
Bright synths and playful melodies intertwine, creating an infectious dance-pop atmosphere that radiates joy and nostalgia.
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Annie
Dark Hearts
An atmospheric blend of synthwave and dance-pop that intertwines nostalgic melodies with introspective themes.
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Com Truise
Galactic Melt
Galactic Melt is a cohesive collection of tracks that perfectly illustrates Com Truise's signature blend of nostalgia and modernity. The album creates a rich audio experience that invites listeners to lose themselves in its layers and textures.
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Scandroid
Scandroid
Synthwave aesthetics fused with futuristic themes create a vibrant sonic landscape echoing the nostalgia of 80s electronic music.
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Survive
RR7349
A haunting blend of analog synths and atmospheric soundscapes that evoke a sense of dystopian nostalgia.
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Perturbator
I Am the Night
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Perturbator
The Uncanny Valley
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Trevor Something
Soulless Computer Boy and the Eternal Render
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Trevor Something
Death Dream
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Carpenter Brut
Leather Terror
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Carpenter Brut
Leather Teeth
'Leather Teeth' showcases a range of styles within the synthwave genre, allowing listeners to fully appreciate Carpenter Brut's artistic breadth. Its pulsating tracks and cinematic flair make it an ideal entry point.
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Ships In The Night
Latent Powers
Ethereal synths intertwine with haunting melodies, creating a dreamlike soundscape that evokes both nostalgia and melancholy.
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Ships In The Night
Myriologues
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David Grellier
Teenage Color
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David Grellier
Secret Diary
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