Indulge in Ethereal Bliss: 20 Dreampop Vinyl Records You Can't Miss

Chances are you've been blasting The Cranberries on repeat lately. We see you. We hear you. We are you.

Whether you've discovered their absolute classic "Linger" from the countless TikTok videos on your feed or you're an OG who has been rocking with them since the '90s, one thing is for certain. It's an absolute hell of a track. And we're forever in so deep.

It's a timeless song that is drenched in otherworldly sonics, poetic songwriting, and a fine example of the widely popular genre, dreampop – the genre that's like a lullaby for your soul and a trip to the cosmos in a single vinyl spin. It's that perfect blend of ethereal melodies and shimmering textures that will have you floating to the stars.

Inspired by the recent resurgence in the genre (everyone say thank you to The Cranberries, Mazzy Star & Beach House for uniting all the generations – we love to see it!), let's dive into the realms of 20 dreampop masterpieces. Get ready to swoon!

1/ 'Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?' by The Cranberries (1993)

The Cranberries' 'Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?' is like the rebellious teenager of '90s music; it dared to be different in a sea of grunge and pop. With tracks like "Linger" and "Dreams," this album became the unofficial soundtrack to youthful angst and romantic yearning. Let Dolores O'Riordan's hauntingly beautiful vocals take you to space!

2/ 'So Tonight That I Might See' by Mazzy Star (1993)

Mazzy Star's 'So Tonight That I Might See' is the sonic equivalent of staring into a velvety night sky. With tracks like "Fade Into You" and "Into Dust," Hope Sandoval's ethereal vocals will have you dimming the lights, grabbing a glass of wine, and contemplating the mysteries of existence.

3/ 'Depression Cherry' by Beach House (2015)

You already know the vibes. Long night drive to no particular destination. Feeling your car is about to lift off into the cosmos at any given second. It goes without saying that Beach House are masters at conjuring compelling dreamy soundscapes with their fifth album 'Depression Cherry' being the masterful epitome of exactly this. Haunting tracks like "Space Song" and "Levitation", it's the kind of album that makes you wanna put on your headphones, stare at the ceiling, and contemplate the mysteries of the universe. 

4/ Cigarettes After Sex's self-titled (2017)

Cigarettes After Sex's self-titled record oozes sensuality and introspection, making it a must-have for modern romantics. Velvety tracks like "K.," "Apocalypse," and "Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby" has earned themselves a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide with its atmospheric and hypnotic storytelling.

5/ 'Blue Bell Knoll' by Cocteau Twins (1993)

Cocteau Twins' 'Blue Bell Knoll' is like a musical spellbook that, when opened, transports you to an otherworldly realm of enchantment. With tracks like "Blue Bell Knoll" and "Carolyn's Fingers," this album's dreamy textures and Elizabeth Fraser's heavenly vocals have influenced countless artists. 

6/ 'everything is alive' by Slowdive (2023)

'everything is alive', Slowdive's fifth album, lives up to its name by diving deep into the shimmering essence of existence. While it draws upon the ethereal qualities of their 1993 masterpiece 'Souvlaki', this album also boldly breaks boundaries. It takes you on a journey through psychedelic soundscapes, pulsating '80s electronica, and John Cale-inspired adventures, making it a sound for the future. As their fanbase keeps getting younger, Slowdive proves they're the masters of pushing the genre beyond limits, resulting in a record that's as emotional and cathartic as it is filled with hope. 

7/ 'Superclean, Vol. 1 & II' by The Marías (2017)

The Marías' 'Superclean Vol. I & II' is like a sonic cocktail blending retro vibes with a modern twist, creating a dreamy concoction that's impossible to resist. Tracks like "I Don't Know You" and "Over The Moon" have become the ultimate cool elixir for dream-pop lovers.

8/ 'xx' by The xx (2009)

The xx's debut album 'xx' is a one-of-a-kind, memorable journey into subtle sensuality and romantic intrigue. "Intro" serves as a long, monochromatic symphony, setting the cool and evocative tone that The xx would come to be known for. Tracks like "VCR" boast clangy guitars, while "Infinity" slips seamlessly into post-punk territory.

9/ 'Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill' by Grouper (2008)

Grouper's 'Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill' is like the soundtrack to a midnight séance – haunting, mysterious, and perfect for conjuring ethereal energy. Atmospheric songs like "Heavy Water/I'd Rather Be Sleeping" and "Disengaged" have earned Grouper a cult following in the ghostly realms of lo-fi dreampop. 

10/ 'Gemini' by Wild Nothing (2010)

Wild Nothing's 'Gemini' is a solo flight into the dreamy stratosphere, and it's anything but your average starry-eyed affair. Tracks like "The Witching Hour" and "Summer Holiday" have become the anthems for anyone yearning for the hazy, carefree days of the past. 

11/ Melody Echo Chamber's self-titled (2012)

Melody Echo Chamber's self-titled record is the ultimate dreampop concoction of a kaleidoscope and a vintage French film soundtrack – it's whimsical, unpredictable, and oh-so-chic. Hits like "I Follow You" have become the soundtrack for anyone daydreaming in slow motion. 

12/ 'Serotonin II' by yeule (2019)

yeule's 'Serotonin II' is like a sonic spaceship through a cyberpunk wonderland – it's glitchy, ethereal, and the perfect soundtrack for hacking into the matrix. Tracks like "Pixel Affection" and "Poison Arrow" have turned heads in underground electronic circles, making yeule the cool kid's choice for a dystopian dance party. 

13/ 'Giving the World Away' by Hatchie (2022)

Hatchie's sophomore album 'Giving the World Away' cranks up the dreamy shoegaze and pop vibes with a volume knob turned up to eleven. Produced by Jorge Elbrecht, it's a sonic opulence featuring input from longtime collaborator Joe Agius and Beach House drummer James Barone on percussion. Originally geared for a dance party vibe, the album took a detour into introspection during Covid lockdowns, resulting in a rich and vulnerable exploration of self-discovery, dismantling shame, and finding gratitude.

14/ 'Floating Into The Night' by Julee Cruise (1989)

Julee Cruise's 'Floating Into The Night' is the dream-pop masterpiece that feels like a midnight cruise through a starlit sea – it's smooth, mysterious, and the soundtrack to your own Lynchian love story. With ethereal hits like "Falling" and "The Nightingale," Cruise's collaboration with David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti resulted in a cultural ripple that's still felt in the hushed corridors of surreal soundscapes today. It's the musical equivalent of a damn fine cup of coffee – bold, unforgettable, and a little bit mysterious.

15/ 'Titanic Rising' by Weyes Blood (2019)

Weyes Blood's 'Titanic Rising' is a sonic ship that sails through dreamy realms, leaving a wake of cosmic impact. With ethereal hits like "Andromeda" and "Movies," Natalie Mering's collaboration with producer Jonathan Rado creates a cultural wave that's part symphony, part time-traveling séance. It's the kind of album that makes you reconsider life choices and wonder if maybe, just maybe, you should have pursued that astronaut career.

16/ 'Saturdays = Youth' by M83 (2008)

M83's 'Saturdays = Youth' is the dream-pop prom you wish you had – it's like the soundtrack to a John Hughes movie if it were set in a galaxy far, far away. With hits like "Graveyard Girl" and "We Own The Sky", M83 crafted the sonic embodiment of teenage dreams, complete with neon-lit memories and a sprinkle of stardust.

17/ 'On Fire' by Galaxie 500 (1989)

Galaxie 500's 'On Fire' is the musical equivalent of an underground cool-kids club in the late '80s – it's like finding a secret handshake to a realm of dreamy guitar distortion and shoegaze before it was even a thing. With hits like "Blue Thunder" and "Strange," this album became the blueprint for indie kids looking to soundtrack their moody introspection. 

 18/ 'Forever' by Cranes (1993)

Cranes' 'Forever' is the dream-pop time capsule that's like a flannel-clad ghost haunting the '90s – it's ethereal, moody, and the ultimate soundtrack for a rainy day in an abandoned gothic mansion. With hits like "Jewel" and "Adrift," the band's ethereal soundscapes will take you on a mesmerizing trip to the dream-pop afterlife. 

19/ 'Oshin' by DIIV (2012)

DIIV's stylish debut album 'Oshin' is akin to riding a skateboard through a neon-soaked sunset. With dreamy hits like "How Long Have You Known?" and "Doused," DIIV crafted a cultural moment that redefined the indie and dream-pop intersection. 

20/ 'And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out' by Yo La Tengo (2000)

Yo La Tengo's 'And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out' is the album you play when you want your neighbors to think you're cooler than you actually are – it's sophisticated, it's dreamy, and it's the soundtrack to your most introspective moments. With tracks like "Cherry Chapstick" and "Our Way to Fall," the album feels like a quiet late night moment in a library with your head in the clouds. 

So there you have it, 20 otherworldly dreampop albums that will take you on a journey through sonic dreamscapes. And what better way to experience these ethereal sounds than on vinyl? So, go ahead, treat yourself to these mesmerizing records and let the spacey vibes wash over you. Happy spinning!

(Photo of Dolores O'Riordan from The Cranberries by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)