For those of you who are still wondering what exactly the mysterious “shoegaze” is, here are ten albums which beautifully encapsulate the genre. Shoegaze is a sub-genre of indie rock, often referred to as “dream pop” laden with heavy effects, spacey sounds and neo-psychedelia. The name was coined from the observation that bands of the genre tended to perform on stage detached from the audience, enthralled in the music and yes… gazed at their shoes.
Psychocandy, The Jesus and Marychain
A shoegaze album that came out before the 90s and the public rise of the genre. Dark and grungy guitar effects combine with dreamier lyrics and melodies to create an album which deeply influenced many shoegaze artists to come.
Loveless, My Bloody Valentine
Loveless is an iconic shoegaze album, with a romantic, psychedelic feel and bittersweet melodies.
Souvlaki, Slowdive
Souvlaki is an album to lose yourself to this summer. The guitar effects drift off into the air and carry you with it.
Methodrone, The Bryan Jonestown Massacre
For more rocky, heavier psychedelia.
Lush, Gala
An important part of the shoegaze cannon.
Mescal Head, Swervedriver
A little less dreamy and a little more foreceful. A shoegaze album which rocks hard.
Third Wave, The Telescopes
Very trippy, sometimes creepy and a unique and beautifully chaotic shoegaze album from the 21st century.
Ride, Nowhere
An absolute masterpiece rich with dark and ethereal sounds.
In Ribbons, Pale Saints
Pale Saints’ second album was ranked on the Top 50 Shoegaze albums of all time by Pitchfork.
Ladies and Gentleman We Are Floating in Space, Spiritualized
A beautifully dreamy album which tells the story of a love and loss that is both deeply personal and romantic as well as detached and surreal.
