instrumental music
music without spoken or sung language
Instrumental music envelops listeners in a rich tapestry of sound, where melodies float freely without the anchor of lyrics. Imagine expansive landscapes painted with gentle piano lines, intricate guitar solos, or sweeping orchestral arrangements that evoke every emotion from blissful joy to deep contemplation. This genre thrives on texture and nuance; crescendos build anticipation, while soft passages invite introspection. It’s a world where each note has the power to tell a story, transcending language altogether.
Emerging prominently in the mid-20th century, instrumental music was often a reaction to the lyrical focus of popular genres like rock and pop. Artists such as Miles Davis with his pioneering work “Kind of Blue” shifted jazz into new territory, creating lush atmospheres that defined an era. Similarly, the progressive rock movement brought forward bands like Pink Floyd, whose album “The Dark Side of the Moon” offered sprawling instrumentals that captured the essence of human experience in an innovative way. The late 90s and early 2000s saw genres like post-rock take shape, with bands like Explosions in the Sky weaving cinematic soundscapes that felt both intimate and grand.
For newcomers looking to dive into instrumental music, start with Sigur Rós’ “Ágætis Byrjun,” which combines ethereal sounds with emotional depth. Chick Corea’s “Return to Forever” offers a captivating blend of jazz fusion that's vibrant and energetic. For something more contemporary, try Hammock’s “Kenotic”—it beautifully melds ambient textures and post-rock influences for a serene listening experience. Finally, don’t overlook Yiruma’s “River Flows in You,” a breathtaking piano piece that resonates with simplicity and emotion. Once you’re familiar with these gems, you might find yourself drawn to film scores or ambient electronica for even richer auditory adventures.
89 artists in the catalog.
Guides for instrumental music artists
Top instrumental music albums
See essentials
All instrumental music artists
Almir Sater
blues, country music
E.S. Posthumus
experimental music
Johann Strauss II
Sithu Aye
Paul Wardingham
Ludwik Konopko
acoustic music, blues
Igor Krutoy
Russian chanson, pop music
Hugo Montenegro
easy listening, film score
Gontiti
J-pop, easy listening
W. G. Snuffy Walden
Apostolos Angelis
Baroque music, ambient music
Tony O'Connor
Ray Lynch
adult contemporary music, classical music
Disparition
ambient music, dark wave
Jónsi & Alex
Andrei Derzhavin
pop music, rock music
About instrumental music
What is instrumental music?
music without spoken or sung language
Where should I start with instrumental music?
Start with "In My Time" by Yanni. It captures what makes instrumental music worth exploring.
What are the best instrumental music albums?
The instrumental music albums worth hearing first: "In My Time" by Yanni, "Ethnicity" by Yanni, "Yanni Voices" by Yanni, "In the Mirror" by Yanni and "Out of Silence" by Yanni.
How many instrumental music artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 89 instrumental music artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.