Synthwave Genre - Top Artists, Songs, and Albums

Step into the retro-futuristic world of the synthwave genre, inspired by 1980s cinema and electronic music. Explore works by synthwave artists who craft atmospheric tracks using vintage synthesizers, pulsating rhythms, and cinematic themes transporting listeners to another era.

Discover the best synthwave songs capturing nostalgia fused with futurism, and delve into albums defining the genre's aesthetic. These synthwave albums enthrall fans of electronic music, offering a captivating blend of past and future influencing modern artists and pop culture.

Popular Songs

  • "Nightcall" by Kavinsky

    A defining track of the genre, known for its dark, cinematic sound, featured in the film Drive.

  • "Running in the Night" by FM-84 feat. Ollie Wride

    A popular track characterized by its nostalgic and emotive melody.

  • "Future Club" by Perturbator

    Known for its high-energy and dark synth elements, this track exemplifies the darker side of synthwave.

  • "A Real Hero" by College & Electric Youth

    Another iconic track from Drive, capturing the essence of 80s nostalgia.

  • "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd

    A modern hit that brought synthwave elements into mainstream pop culture.

Albums/Compilations

  • "OutRun" by Kavinsky

    Often considered the first true synthwave album, setting a high standard for the genre.

  • "Endless Summer" by The Midnight

    A beloved album that blends nostalgic synths with contemporary production.

  • "Dangerous Days" by Perturbator

    Known for its dark and intense synthwave sounds.

  • "Atlas" by FM-84

    Features several standout tracks that have become staples of the synthwave scene.

  • "Dreams of Neo-Tokyo" by Scandroid

    This album features remixes of tracks from Scandroid's debut album, showcasing a rich, cyberpunk-inspired soundscape.

Artists/Bands

  • Kavinsky

    Known for the iconic album "Floral Shoppe," which has had a lasting impact on the gen”

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  • The Midnight

    A duo that blends nostalgic synth sounds with modern pop elements, creating evocative music.

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  • Perturbator

    Renowned for his dark and intense synthwave tracks, often inspired by cyberpunk themes.

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  • FM-84

    Known for emotive and nostalgic synthwave music, featuring collaborations with vocalists like Ollie Wride.

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  • Scandroid

    An artist project by Klayton, bending synthwave with a futuristic cyberpunk aesthetic.

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Subgenres

  • Outrun

    Characterized by fast-paced, driving rhythms and heavy use of synthesizers, often inspired by 80s action and racing games.

  • Dreamwave

    A downtempo subgenre with a focus on high-frequency, mellow synths, creating a dreamy and relaxing atmosphere.

  • Dark Synthwave

    Features moody and ominous atmospheres with heavy and distorted synthesizers, often inspired by horror and cyberpunk themes.

Featured Playlist