The Best Electronic (Not Dance) Music
Contents
A blog about the best in current electronic music. From synth-pop to post-rock, if it’s got a good beat we’ll write about it.
Introduction
It’s no secret that electronic music has taken over the charts in recent years. But with so many different sub-genres and artists, it can be hard to keep up with what’s new and exciting.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best electronic (not dance) music of 2018. From laid-back beats to complex soundscapes, there’s something for everyone on this list.
So without further ado, here are the 10 best electronic (not dance) albums of 2018:
1. LCD Soundsystem – American Dream
2. vitalic – okay awesome
3. The Field – The Follower
4. Four Tet – New Energy
5. HVOB – Trialogues
6. Nils Frahm – All Melody
7. A Winged Victory for the Sullen – Iris
8. Max Richter – Sleep
9. Rival Consoles – Persona
10. Yo La Tengo – There’s a Riot Going On
What is Electronic Music?
Electronic music is a genre of music that is produced using electronic music instruments and technology. It emerged in the late 20th century and has become one of the most popular genres of music today.
The Different Types of Electronic Music
Electronic music encompasses a wide range of genres, all of which are unified by their use of electronic instruments and electronic production. From the early days of synthesizers and drum machines, to the modern day world of digital production and sound design, electronic music has come a long way.
While the term “electronic music” can be used to describe any type of music that uses electronic instruments or production, it is most commonly used to refer to genres such as techno, house, trance, drum and bass, dubstep, and electronica. These genres all share a common lineage, and can trace their origins back to the early pioneers of electronic music like Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, and Jean Michel Jarre.
While techno, house, trance, and drum and bass are all dance-oriented genres that arose in nightclubs in the 1980s and 90s, dubstep and electronica are more experimental genres that have been influenced by a wide range of musical styles. Dubstep is characterized by its dark, Bass-heavy sound, while electronica is more eclectic in its methodology and often incorporates elements of ambient, IDM, hip hop, and even classical music.
Whether you’re a fan of dancefloor anthems or leftfield soundscapes, there’s an electronic genre out there for you. So dive in and explore the wide world of electronic music!
The History of Electronic Music
The roots of Electronic Music can be traced back to the very beginning of the 20th century with early electronic musical instruments such as the theremin, Ondes Martenot and Trautonium. In the 1930s and 1940s, composers such as Oskar Sala and Karlheinz Stockhausen started to experiment with more avant-garde ideas by using tape recorders and other electronics in their music.
The term ‘Electronic Music’ was first coined in 1958 by American composer Milton Babbitt in an article for High Fidelity magazine. In this article, Babbitt described electronic music as “the music of electronic circuits whose generation, distribution and modulation are controlled by voltages”.
During the 1960s and 1970s, composers such as György Ligeti, Luciano Berio and Pierre Boulez continued to push the boundaries of what was possible with electronics in music. The development of new technologies such as synthesizers, sequencers and drum machines also played a major role in shaping the sound of Electronic Music during this period.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Electronic Music became more mainstream thanks to artists such as Jan Hammer, Jean Michel Jarre, Vangelis and Kraftwerk. The emergence of house and techno also helped to increase the popularity of Electronic Music during this time.
Today, Electronic Music is one of the most popular genres in the world with a huge diversity of subgenres ranging from ambient to hard dance.
The Best Electronic Music
When it comes to electronic music, there are a lot of different sub-genres to choose from. It can be difficult to know where to start if you’re new to the genre. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best electronic music, specifically focusing on non-dance music. We’ll go over some of the different sub-genres and what makes each one unique.
The Best Electronic Music of the 2010s
The 2010s was a great decade for electronic music, with more and more genres and sub-genres appearing as the years went on. Here are some of the best electronic (non-dance) albums of the 2010s, in no particular order.
1. Mount Kimbie – Crooks & Lovers
2. Nicolas Jaar – Space Is Only Noise
3. Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma
4. Oneohtrix Point Never – R Plus Seven
5. Burial – Untrue
6. FKA Twigs – LP1
7. James Blake – Overgrown
8. Boards of Canada – Tomorrow’s Harvest
9. Death Grips – The Money Store
10. Kendrick Lamar – good kid, mAAd city
The Best Electronic Music of the 2020s
The 2020s have already seen a wealth of great electronic music, and it’s only getting better.
From the return of Aphex Twin to the rise of 100 gecs, this decade is shaping up to be one of the best for electronic music. Here are our picks for the best electronic albums of the 2020s so far.
Aphex Twin – ‘Syro’
After a 13-year absence, Aphex Twin returned in 2014 with ‘Syro’, his most accomplished album to date. A masterclass in IDM, ‘Syro’ showcased Richard D. James’ unparalleled production skills, with each track sounding like a triumph.
100 gecs – ‘1000 gecs’
The debut album from 100 gecs, ‘1000 gecs’ is a mind-bending explosion of pop, electronic, and hip-hop influences. It’s an assault on the senses that’s ultimately incredibly addictive, with Dylan Brady and Laura Les crafting some of the most unique and exciting music around.
Poppy – ‘Am I a Girl?’
On her debut album ‘Am I a Girl?’, Poppy subverted expectations with her mix of ethereal pop and hard-hitting electronics. It’s an atmospheric record that’s both eerie and captivating, with Poppy’s otherworldly vocal delivery taking center stage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best electronic (not dance) music is a genre that is constantly evolving and expanding. There are no clear boundaries or rules, which makes it an exciting and fascinating genre to explore. There are many different sub-genres and styles within electronic (not dance) music, so there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for something energetic and lively, or something more chilled out and laid back, you’re sure to find it within this genre. So get exploring, and enjoy!
