tropical house

music subgenre

Tropical house wraps you in a warm embrace of mellow beats and sun-soaked melodies. With its laid-back grooves, expect soothing synth lines, gentle piano riffs, and airy vocal samples that blend seamlessly to create a blissful escape. The genre radiates positivity, often evoking images of sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, making it perfect for lazy afternoons or lively late-night gatherings. Its rhythmic pulse invites you to dance but also offers a comforting backdrop for relaxation.

Emerging around the early 2010s, tropical house found its roots in the deeper sounds of house music while incorporating elements from reggae and pop. It gained traction in response to the sometimes frenetic pace of mainstream EDM, providing a more relaxed alternative that still got people moving. Artists like Kygo, whose breakout remix of Ed Sheeran's “I See Fire” captured global attention, and Felix Jaehn, known for his hit “Ain't Nobody (Loves Me Better),” helped define this breezy soundscape. Their music reimagined house music through a tropical lens, emphasizing melody and mood over sheer intensity.

To dive into tropical house, start with Kygo's debut album *Cloud Nine*, which beautifully encapsulates the genre's signature vibe. Diplo’s collaboration with Wax Motif on “Be Right There” offers an upbeat taste of the infectious energy that defines this style. For a slightly different flavor, check out ODESZA’s *In Return*, which blends lush instrumentals with intricate production. Finally, give a listen to Matoma’s tracks for their seamless incorporation of classic hits into fresh soundscapes. From here, you might be curious about related styles like chillwave or downtempo electronica, which share that laid-back spirit but explore unique sonic terrain.

17 artists in the catalog.

All tropical house artists

About tropical house

What is tropical house?

music subgenre

Where should I start with tropical house?

Start with "Cloud Nine" by Kygo. It captures what makes tropical house worth exploring.

What are the best tropical house albums?

The tropical house albums worth hearing first: "Cloud Nine" by Kygo, "Stargazing" by Kygo, "Thrill of the Chase" by Kygo, "Golden Hour" by Kygo and "Kygo" by Kygo.

How many tropical house artists are there?

northsound.fm covers 17 tropical house artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.