Futuristic accents, 80s soundscapes, analog synths and neon noise? You can expect all of that and more when listening to synthwave albums. What’s really interesting about the pioneering genre is that it only gets better with time, having grown significantly over the past few years.
Just think of some of the great synthwave acts we listen to today: College, Kavinsky, Mitch Murder, Scandroid, Pylot and more. And, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Luckily, we’ve gone one step further for you today.
We’ve compiled a hand-picked selection of 11 must-hear synthwave albums, featuring music from Carpenter Brut, Com Truise, Kavinsky and more. So, tune in below and welcome the return of retro:
Must-Hear Synthwave Albums List:
- Perturbator – Dangerous Days
- Robert Parker – End Of The Night
- Sung – Fahrenheit
- The Toxic Avenger – Globe Vol. 3
- Com Truise – Iteration
- Dance With The Dead – Loved To Death
- Kavinsky – Outrun
- Waveshaper – Station Nova
- Starcadian – Sunset Blood
- Tesla Boy – The Universe Made Of Darkness
- Carpenter Brut – Trilogy
Dangerous Days
Produced By: Perturbator
Why You Should Listen: Perturbator’s Dangerous Days is a fusion of ominous melodies, driving basslines and raw dark wave. Really, the 13-track LP does well to keep listeners on their feet with crisp, yet powerful noise.
Not sure what you’re about to hear? Well, Perturbator said it best: “You are about to embark on a journey into an urban nightmare.” Tune into Dangerous Days below.
End Of The Night
Produced By: Robert Parker
Why You Should Listen: We first discovered Robert Parker back in 2015 when his single, Love Lost, appeared on our radar. Since then, we’ve been avid fans, jamming out to singles, like Guilty Pleasure and Power.
So, what kept us so interested? Well, the Swedish DJ/producer has this special talent to blend synthwave and other genres into epic sound streams. Who knew synth-pop, rock and electro-funk could work so seamlessly with synthwave? Apparently, Parker did because his End Of The Night LP does that and much more.
Fahrenheit
Produced By: Sung
Why You Should Listen: In the wise words of Sung, “it’s a nostalgic future.” Well, that’s exactly the case with his 11-track album, Fahrenheit. Reminiscent of 80s rock and new wave, the beautiful LP ushers old school into a new era, with blazing synths, smashing bass lines and retrowave magic.
We’ll break the anticipation. Expect hard-hitting tracks (ex. City Stars and Cobalt Vision), funky anthems (ex. Starlight Paradise) and much more. Tune in below:
Globe Vol. 3
Produced By: The Toxic Avenger
Why You Should Listen: The Toxic Avenger’s sound and style have certainly shifted since the early days of electro-trash single, Superheroes 2007. Regardless, the French DJ/producer has never ceased to amaze, releasing top-notch music throughout the 2000s.
Recently, the Frenchman has laid noticeably more stake in the synthwave scene, producing releases, like ☰, Globe Vol. I and Globe Vol. II, attributing his genre shift to age in our 2016 interview. But, like a fine wine, his productions only keep getting better.
So today, we set our sights on galactic production, Globe Vol. III. And, while its approach is much cleaner and more minimalistic than most in today’s era, the 8-track LP has a sweet driving sensation that is second to none. Oh, and be sure to check out the collaboration with indie-pop act, Mystery Skulls.
Iteration
Produced By: Com Truise
Why You Should Listen: We said it before and we’ll say it again. The vibe of Iteration is crystal clear: sinister synthwave for internal reflection, the perfect nighttime drive or retro-futurist revival. Really, Com Truise does a brilliant job, balancing atmospheric melodies with futuresynth fun in this 12-track LP.
Loved To Death
Produced By: Dance With The Dead
Why You Should Listen: Dance With The Dead’s music definitely sits on the more robust end of the spectrum, mixing rock energy with synthwave spirit. Nevertheless, the California duo keeps things real with sci-fi themes that will keep you moving all night long.
In 10-track LP, Loved To Death, full-bodied guitars, gritty melodies and bone-crushing synths ultimately lead the way, with nothing to stop them. Expect a rinse of nostalgia with a wave of analog fun.
Outrun
Produced By: Kavinsky
Why You Should Listen: No words can truly describe Kavinsky’s debut studio album, Outrun. From the backstory and cinematic work to the sound design and production, it’s simply perfect. Having achieved top 10 rankings on French, UK and US music charts, it’s no wonder why the 13-track LP featured in our selection of must-hear synthwave albums.
What’s crazy is that it took six years to produce and fine-tune. Realistically, it makes perfect sense, with singles, like ProtoVision, Odd Look, Nightcall and Roadgame, sounding next to perfect. Well done, Kavinsky. Well done.
Station Nova
Produced By: Waveshaper
Why You Should Listen: Listeners have described Waveshaper’s Station Nova as “stimulating and diverse,” “cheerful synthwave beats with just the right flavor of synthpop” and “fit for raiding the space raiders who just done raided your space junker.” If those descriptions don’t make you want to tune in, we don’t know if anything will.
Really, Station Nova is one of the most well-constructed synthwave albums we’ve listened to to-date. Best heard in its entirety, the 10-track LP features a wide array of captivating soundscapes and retrofuturist energy. Check it out now:
Sunset Blood
Produced By: Starcadian
Why You Should Listen: When one of your fans mentions that Sunset Blood is “the best album I’ve ever heard,” you know Starcadian is doing something right. 13 tracks, filled with space disco vibes and galactic funk? What more could you ask for?
From the starlit sounds of Pompey Pirate to the soul-pop harmonies of Ronnie (Album Mix), this LP will hypnotize you in the best way possible. Tune into Sunset Blood now and show your support for Starcadian:
The Universe Made Of Darkness
Produced By: Tesla Boy
Why You Should Listen: Tesla Boy’s The Universe Made Of Darkness is an eclectic mix of 80s pop zest, synth-funk and futuresynth. Really, the 12-track release showcases the Moscow native’s versatility and talent all in one, with sensational sounds through and through. That being said, kick it into overdrive with Tesla Boy’s The Universe Made Of Darkness now:
Trilogy
Produced By: Carpenter Brut
Why You Should Listen: And, the final LP in our selection of must-hear synthwave albums is Carpenter Brut’s monster release, Trilogy. Released in 2015 as a compilation of his first three EPs, the 18-track album delivers in true Carpenter Brut fashion, with raw energy paving the way.
Our favorite track? It’s Disco Zombie Italia. Lots of funk, vintage kits and pumping bass lines in this one. Favorites aside, this is one release you’ll never forget.
Enjoy our selection of must-hear synthwave albums? Looking for more synthwave? Check out these 6 radiant retrowave tracks we know you’ll love.