Starting to get into shoegaze? This unique genre is known for creating dreamy atmospheres with sound, obscure vocals, feedback, distortion, and amped-up volume. There are plenty of excellent shoegaze albums that are essential listening for any newcomer to the genre (such as My Bloody Valentineโs genre-defining 1991 album Loveless), but we think these four albums deserve some praise and recognition as well. Letโs take a look!
1. โTo See The Next Part Of The Dreamโ by Parannoul
This more modern gem of shoegaze albums comes from South Korean musician Parannoul. To See The Next Part Of The Dream has all the elements of a gorgeous shoegaze record, but with a few added emo-leaning influences that oddly brighten the whole thing up. It was recently released in 2021, but almost immediately gained a substantial cult fanbase.
Videos by American Songwriter
2. โHeaven Or Las Vegasโ by Cocteau Twins
Even if youโre not super familiar with shoegaze, you probably recognize the title track from this incredible 1990 album. Heaven Or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins has the defining sound of 90s rock music, complete with a dreamy pop atmosphere that hits just right. Elizabeth Fraserโs vocal prowess is incredible, even if you canโt really understand what sheโs saying at times. Thatโs a pretty common shoegaze element, anyway.
3. โSo Tonight That I Might Seeโ by Mazzy Star
This is another entry on our list of essential shoegaze albums that youโve probably heard at least once before, even if you havenโt been searching for shoegaze music specifically. โFade Into Youโ is the most well-known track from this 1993 album from Mazzy Star.
However, there are quite a few standout songs on So Tonight That I Might See, from the beautiful and toned-down โInto Dustโ to the ascending โFive String Serenadeโ.
4. โ23โ by Blonde Redhead
Sometimes, no matter how good your music is, it might fall into โmemeโ infamy. Thatโs what happened to Blonde Redheadโs song โFor The Damaged Codaโ, which played during an episode of Rick And Morty and quickly became an internet meme. They shouldnโt be pigeonholed, though, considering how gorgeous their catalog of music is.
23 was released in 2007 and is so much more than just shoegaze. This polished, stunning record moves between shoegaze and dream pop and art rock and chamber pop in the best way.
Photo by Dave Tonge/Getty Images
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.