Beautiful Electronica: Recommended Masterpieces and Popular Tracks
Although the genre known as “electronica” is often treated as a subgenre of electronic music, in reality it’s quite ambiguous.
Beyond just club-oriented artists, many musicians—especially since the 2000s—have been exploring music that adopts “electronica-like” methods.
Even without being aware of it, we naturally find ourselves hearing electronica-esque sounds.
So this time, starting with emblematic tracks from the early ’90s often labeled IDM, we’ll introduce a wide range of classics spanning into post-rock, electro-shoegaze, and hip-hop!
Feel free to use this as a reference for an introductory electronica playlist.
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Beautiful Electronica: Recommended Masterpieces and Popular Tracks (21–30)
Black PhaseTim Hecker
An ultimate electronica work whose fantastical, beautiful layers of sound seep deep into the heart.
Closing out Tim Hecker’s album “Love Streams,” released by 4AD in April 2016, this piece is distinguished by the eerie vocals of an Icelandic choral ensemble.
The arrangement by Oscar-nominated composer Jóhann Jóhannsson also shines.
The world of sound woven from silence and waves of drone possesses painterly richness, stirring the listener’s imagination.
Highly recommended for moments when you want to step away from the everyday and spend introspective time, or for those seeking new possibilities in music.
CIRKLON3Aphex Twin
This track invites you into a beautiful, intricate world of electronic sound.
Aphex Twin’s distinctive musicality is on full display, guiding listeners toward an unprecedented sonic experience.
Released in July 2016, the piece also drew attention for its first official music video in 17 years.
The bold decision to have a 12-year-old direct it further attests to the artist’s spirit of innovation.
It’s recommended for those who want to delve into the depths of electronica or explore new possibilities in music.
As a work of art that transcends conventional musical boundaries, it will continue to spark the imagination of its listeners.
DroppAutechre
This innovative work unfolds a soundscape imbued with an inorganic beauty, as if the heartbeat of a machine were resonating throughout.
Released by Autechre in June 1999, this track continually stimulates the listener’s senses within a digital acoustic space.
Abstract rhythms and intricately interwoven textures construct a unique worldview, astonishing with a novelty that feels like a foretaste of the music of the future.
The piece presents a form of communication that transcends words, delivering a direct, visceral experience to the listener.
It’s a recommended track not only for those interested in electronic music but also for anyone seeking to explore new sonic possibilities.
GalvanizeThe Chemical Brothers
A masterpiece of electronic music that inspires the human spirit.
Created by a British electronic duo, this work is characterized by its original sound that fuses big beat and hip-hop.
Released in November 2004, it peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart and won Best Dance Recording at the 2006 Grammy Awards.
The exquisite harmony between Q-Tip’s rap and East Asian-inspired tones spurs listeners into action.
When you’re ready to take a step toward your dreams, this one track will give you the push you need.
Used in various ceremonies at the London 2012 Olympics, it is a classic that resonated with people around the world.
Winter LinnClark
Released by Clark in November 2014, this track serves as a sonic canvas depicting winter scenes.
Characterized by synths that feel both cold and warm, it draws listeners into a uniquely sensorial world.
Melodic beats and meticulously designed sound effects bring a dreamlike imagery to life.
The piece appears on the album “Clark” and has been used in film and television.
For example, it features in The Grand Tour Season 2, Episode 10, and was added to the soundtrack of the video game Watch Dogs 2.
Showcasing the rich range of electronica, this work is an essential listen in contemporary music—must-hear for music fans and potentially a gateway to new musical horizons.
Death After Life IThug Entrancer
A track that distills the beauty of electronica is Thug Entrancer’s “Death After Life.” Its intricate rhythms and refined sound are captivating, and its appeal stands out when heard on high-end audio.
It feels like a musical bridge connecting past to future, delivering a vivid impact akin to waking in a quiet forest.
Released in February 2014, the work explores the history of Chicago dance music while spanning everything from early techno to acid house and juke.
Conceived for late-night warehouse parties, it reflects a unique sensibility born from solitude—one to add to your journey through electronica.
They Know Your NameMouse on Mars
An ambitious work by Mouse on Mars, the German electronic music duo with roots in krautrock and dub.
Taken from their album Parastrophics, released in February 2012, this track marks their first new material in five years.
It fuses elements of contemporary club music with their longstanding tradition of sound research.
While retaining their experimental and innovative musicality, they adopt a more accessible approach, featuring groovy beats that shine on the dance floor and intricately crafted electronics.
As a track that embodies the diversity of electronica, it captivates a wide range of listeners beyond genre boundaries.