How to Get Into Ride: A Guide for New Listeners
Ride matters for their role in shaping the sonic landscape of the early '90s, where they became a cornerstone of the shoegaze movement, melding ethereal soundscapes with a driving rock intensity.
Navigating Ride's extensive discography can feel daunting with so many albums and styles to explore. This guide offers a clear starting point with their seminal album 'Nowhere' as an entryway into their unique sound. You'll discover how to appreciate their lush, reverb-drenched music while mapping your journey through their influential catalog.
Start here
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- dreamlike soundscapes for introspection
- haunting melodies for solitude
- immersive listening on quiet nights
- explorative journey through emotions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
After this: Weather Diaries — Modern take on their classic sound, very approachable.
Songs to start with
If you'd rather pick a song than an album.
-
1
"Black Nite Crash" — from Tarantula (1996)
establishes the sonic palette early
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2
"Moonlight Medicine" — from Carnival of Light (1994)
establishes the sonic palette early
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3
"R.I.D.E." — from This Is Not a Safe Place (2019)
establishes the sonic palette early
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4
"Chelsea Girl" — from Smile (1990)
establishes the sonic palette early
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5
"Lannoy Point" — from Weather Diaries (2017)
establishes the sonic palette early
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6
"Leave Them All Behind" — from Grasshopper (1992)
accessible entry with immediate hook
Listening paths
Pick a path through Ride's catalog.
Explore the core albums that define Ride's sound and legacy.
Start with the most inviting albums before diving deeper.
Dive into Ride's diverse soundscapes and artistic growth.
Go deeper
Common questions
Where should I start with Ride?
Start with Nowhere (1990).
What does Ride sound like?
Ride's music envelops the listener in cascading waves of reverb-soaked guitars that pulse with rhythmic urgency yet maintain a dreamlike quality. Rooted in alternative rock and shoegaze.
How many albums does Ride have?
Ride has 27 releases in their discography, including 15 albums and 6 EPs.