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Last updated on Jun 2,2025, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Death In Vegas - AishaReleased in 1999, *Aisha* by Death In Vegas is a gripping blend of electronic and rock. Iggy Pop’s stark, spoken-word delivery adds a sinister layer to its atmospheric, obsessive tone. Peaking at #9 on the UK Singles Chart, the track anchors the Mercury Prize-nominated *The Contino Sessions*. With a haunting video and a brooding soundscape, it became a defining moment for late-'90s experimental music. The music video is directed by Terry Richardson. Writer(s) : Richard Fearless, Steve Hellier, Iggy Popp, Tim Holmes Publisher(s) : Deconstruction Songs Ltd, Warner Chappell Music Ltd, Kassner Assoc Publ Ltd, Osterberg James Music Featured on the 1999 album The Contino Sessions
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 2 . Roots Manuva - Witness [1 Hope]"Witness (1 Hope)" arrives with a jagged electronic bassline, sculpted by Roots Manuva as a pointed critique of club sound systems. The rhythm lurches between dancehall grit and funk undertones, while the melody nods to the "Doctor Who" theme. Lyrically, the track drops wry cultural references, from cheese on toast to everyday struggles. The music video places him in a school sports day, sprinting with the same understated wit that defines his delivery. The music video is directed by Mat Kirkby. Writer(s) : Rodney Smith Hylton, Publisher(s) : Sony Music Publishing (Uk) Ltd Featured on the 2001 album Run Come Save Me
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 3 . Portishead - Sour Times"Sour Times" by Portishead, released in 1994, is an iconic trip hop track. Built around a sample of Lalo Schifrin's "Danube Incident" from the Mission: Impossible soundtrack, the song features dark, melancholic sounds and explores themes of disillusionment and solitude, carried by Beth Gibbons' ethereal voice. Directed by Alexander Hemming, the music video uses footage from the band's short film "To Kill a Dead Man". "Sour Times" has appeared in media including the TV series "The Vice" and "Warehouse 13", as well as the films "Assassins" and "Killing Time". The music video is directed by Alexander Hemming. Writer(s) : Geoff Barrow, Otis C Turner, Beth Gibbons, Adrian Francis Utley, Henry Roscoe Brooks, Lalo Schifrin Publisher(s) : Chrysalis Music Ltd Featured on the 1994 album Dummy
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 4 . The All Seeing I - Beat Goes OnSampling the drum beat from "The Beat Goes On" by Buddy Rich and His Orchestra featuring Cathy Rich, this 1998 cover of the Sonny & Cher classic by The All Seeing I combines modern electronic production with 60s nostalgia. More covers of Sonny & Cher hits 
I Got You Babe - UB40 featuring Chrissie Hynde (1985)This cover brought a reggae twist to the classic Sonny & Cher hit.
I Got You Babe - Cher with Beavis and Butt-Head (1993)A humorous version featuring the animated characters from the MTV show.
I Got You Babe - Etta James (1968)A soulful rendition by the legendary blues singer.
The Beat Goes On - Britney Spears (1999)Included in her debut album, this cover brought the classic into the pop realm.
The Beat Goes On - The All Seeing I (1997)A cover/interpolation that samples the drum beat from "The Beat Goes On" by Buddy Rich and His Orchestra featuring Cathy Rich
Baby Don't Go - Dwight Yoakam (1988)A country version by the famous country artist. Writer(s) : Sonny Bono (US) Publisher(s) : Cotillion Music Inc, Chris Marc Music Featured on the 1997 album Pickled Eggs & Sherbet
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 5 . Olive - You'Re Not Alone"You're Not Alone" by British group Olive, released in 1996, skillfully blends trip hop and electronic music. The track achieved great success in Europe, topping the UK charts. The song is built around a pulsating bassline and Ruth-Ann Boyle's expressive vocals, creating a sense of comfort and support. After her success with Olive, Ruth-Ann collaborated with artists like Enigma, contributing to several of their albums, including "The Screen Behind the Mirror" and "Voyageur". The music video is directed by Pascal d'Hoeraene. Writer(s) : Antony Taylor Firth Robin, Tim Kellett Publisher(s) : Unknown Publisher, Sony/Atv Music Publishing Allegro (Uk) Featured on the 1997 album Extra Virgin
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 6 . Portishead - All mine"All Mine" by Portishead, released in 1997, stands as another trip hop staple, blending orchestral elements with electronic beats. The song, with lyrics depicting a possessive, obsessive relationship, highlights Beth Gibbons' unique voice amidst a rich, atmospheric instrumental arrangement. The accompanying music video draws inspiration from a 1968 Italian music show and the series "The Outer Limits", featuring a young girl singing in front of an orchestra. The music video is directed by Dick Carruthers. Writer(s) : Adrian Utley, Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons Publisher(s) : Chrysalis-Music-Ltd
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 7 . Zero 7 - In The Waiting LineWith ethereal vocals by Sophie Barker, this Zero 7 track from Garden State (2004) embodies introspection and existential musings. Its acoustic warmth, subtle percussion, and electronic embellishments create a contemplative atmosphere, underscored by themes of patience and questioning life’s direction. The music video is directed by Tommy Pallotta. Writer(s) : Sam Hardaker, Sophie Alexandra Barker, Henry Binns Publisher(s) : Just Isnt Music Limited Featured on the 1989 album Simple Things
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 8 . Groove Armada - I See You BabyGroove Armada’s “I See You Baby,” with vocals from Gramma Funk, lands on their 1999 album "Vertigo," blending irreverence with funky house energy. Its Fatboy Slim remix amplifies the track’s reach, pushing it to No. 17 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 30 in Australia. From Renault Megane ads to Ministry of Sound compilations, its presence is inescapable. A vivid music video and its spot in Groove Armada’s festival sets anchor it in the late-’90s club scene. Writer(s) : Fatboy Slim, Dale Thomas Peters Publisher(s) : Polygram Music Publishing Ltd (Gb) Featured on the 1999 album Vertigo
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 9 . Morcheeba - OtherwiseOtherwise by Morcheeba slips effortlessly into the late-night haze of trip-hop with Skye Edwards' silky vocals gliding over lush, downtempo production. The track, from their 2002 album *Charango*, blends introspection with a dreamy soundscape, offering a signature mix of electronic beats and organic textures. Its surreal video and inclusion in early 2000s chillout mixes cemented its understated appeal. The music video is directed by Shynola. Writer(s) : Skye Edwards, Paul David Godfrey, Ross Charles Godfrey,, Publisher(s) : Chrysalis-Music-Ltd Featured on the 2002 album Charango
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 10 . Zero 7 - Destiny"Destiny", released in 2001, is a track by the production duo Zero 7 featuring the enchanting voices of Sia and Sophie Barker. The song is characterized by its gentle melody and lush arrangements, typical of Zero 7's downtempo style. Alongside her work with Zero 7, Sophie Barker has a prolific solo career with albums like "Earthbound" (2005) and "Seagull" (2011). Sia gained global recognition in the 2010s with hits like "Chandelier", "Elastic Heart", and "Cheap Thrills". The music video is directed by Howard Greenhalgh. Writer(s) : Zero 7, Sia, Henry Binns, Sophie Barker Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Music Publishing Limited (Uk), Universal Mca Music Limited, Emi Music Publishing Ltd Featured on the 2001 album Simple Things
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 11 . Björk - army of meOpening Björk's second studio album, "Army of Me", released in 1995, is a powerful and industrial track distinguished by its aggressive bassline and martial percussion. The song reflects a transformative period in Björk's career, marking a shift towards darker and more experimental sounds. "Army of Me" has been used in various films and series, including the 1995 movie "Tank Girl". The music video is directed by Michel Gondry. Writer(s) : Graham Vernon Massey Björk Publisher(s) : Wellhart Ltd, Universal Music Publishing Limited (Gb) Featured on the 1995 album Post
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 12 . Morcheeba - Let Me SeeMorcheeba's "Let Me See," from their 1998 album "Big Calm," epitomizes the British trio's deft interplay of trip-hop, rock, and electronic influences. Skye Edwards’ silken vocals thread through the groove-laden production crafted by Paul and Ross Godfrey, while lyrics like "Who can you trust when you need to?" probe themes of betrayal. Peaking at 46 on the UK Singles Chart, the track contributed to "Big Calm’s" UK Albums Chart position of 18 and its BPI silver certification. The music video is directed by Martin Weisz. Writer(s) : Paul David Godfrey, Ross Charles Godfrey, Skye Edwards Publisher(s) : Chrysalis-Music-Ltd Featured on the 1998 album Big Calm
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 13 . Everything But The Girl - I Don't Want To Talk About ItThis track by Everything But The Girl, a cover of Crazy Horse's song popularized by Rod Stewart, became a classic thanks to Tracey Thorn's sensitive and poignant rendition. Released in 1988, Everything But The Girl's version stands out with its minimalist arrangement, highlighting Thorn's emotive voice and Ben Watt's subtle instrumental accompaniment. With lyrics depicting the pain of a breakup and the refusal to discuss it, the song has resonated with many listeners for its simplicity and emotional depth. Writer(s) : Sally Jill Barris, Ashley Lauren Monroe, Jon Lyle Mc Elroy, Sally Jill Barris, Ashley Lauren Monroe, Jon Lyle Mc Elroy Publisher(s) : Rezponsible Songs, Rezemblance Music Featured on the 1988 album Idlewild
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 14 . Death In Vegas - Hands Around My ThroatReleased in 2002, "Hands Around My Throat" by British group Death In Vegas, composed of Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes, is an electronic rock track with industrial influences. The song features the voice of Nicola Kuperus, an American visual artist and singer of the electro-punk band Adult, and stands out for its dark and hypnotic sounds. The music video is directed by Richard Fearless. Writer(s) : Daniel John Bitney, Douglas Andre W Mc Combs, Nicola Kuperus, John Christoph Er Herndon, Kenneth Shin Don Brown, Tim Holmes, Adam Miller, John Cameron Mc Entire, Richard Denis Maguire, Publisher(s) : Deconstruction Songs Ltd, Warner Chappell Music Ltd, The Ghostly International Company, Ersatz Publishing Featured on the 2002 album Scorpio Rising
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 15 . Björk - Hidden Place"Hidden Place" by Björk, released in 2001, is the lead single from the album "Vespertine". The song stands out for its innovative use of harp and micro-beats, creating an intimate and dreamy atmosphere. The track was praised for its complex production, thanks to the collaboration with Matmos and Mark Bell, and its deep lyrical writing. The music video features close-ups of Björk's face, with colorful liquids flowing over her skin, creating a surreal and dreamy atmosphere. The music video is directed by inez van lamsweerde & vinoodh matadin and M/M (Paris). Writer(s) : Björk, Nellee Hooper, Antonio Jobim Publisher(s) : Sigasong Ltd, Wellhart Ltd, Warp Music Limited Featured on the 2001 album Vespertine
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 16 . Björk - HunterFirst performed at the Tibetan Freedom concert in 1997, "Hunter" by Björk, released in 1997, opens the album "Homogenic" with an intense, electronic vibe. Produced by Mark Bell, the song uses glitchy beats from a Roland TR-909 drum machine and orchestral strings to create a dramatic atmosphere. The music video shows a bald Björk transforming into a "techno bear," symbolizing the fusion of organic and technological elements. The music video is directed by Paul White. Writer(s) : Björk Publisher(s) : Wellhart Ltd Featured on the 1997 album Homogenic
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 17 . Air - Sexy BoyAir’s “Sexy Boy,” released on February 9, 1998, by Virgin Records, marks the French electronic duo’s departure from atmospheric tones on *Moon Safari*. Produced and written by Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel, its upbeat melody nearly disqualified it from the album. The track peaked at #13 on the UK Singles Chart and #22 on the US *Billboard* Hot Dance Club Play chart, with a Mike Mills-directed video starring a metamorphic toy monkey aired on JBTV. Godin’s 1960s Höfner bass filtered through a guitar amp adds sonic texture. Dunckel describes the lyrics as exploring male attractiveness and self-image, captured in “Dollars in their eyes / Diamonds in their smiles.” Featured in *10 Things I Hate About You* and covered by names like Franz Ferdinand, it reflects Air’s French electronic prominence during Daft Punk's ascent. The music video is directed by Mike Mills. Writer(s) : Jean Benoit Dunckel, Nicolas Godin Publisher(s) : Revolvair, Delabel Editions Featured on the 1998 album Moon Safari
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 18 . Portishead - Glory BoxPortishead's "Glory Box," released on 24 September 1994 as the final single from their debut album "Dummy," layers the sultry rhythms of Isaac Hayes's "Ike's Rap II" with a hypnotic bassline and warped guitar. Beth Gibbons delivers raw, aching lines like "Give me a reason to be a woman," exploring themes of love and gender dynamics. Despite its UK Singles Chart peak at 13, the band resisted its single release, deeming it overly commercial. Alexander Hemming's jazz-club-set video oddly mirrors this tension. The music video is directed by Alexander Hemming. Writer(s) : Geoff Barrow, Adrian Utley, Beth Gibbons, Isaac Lee Hayes Publisher(s) : Chrysalis-Music-Ltd Featured on the 1994 album Dummy
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 19 . Everything But The Girl - Missing"Missing" by Everything But The Girl, released in 1994, achieved immense international success thanks to its house music remix by American DJ Todd Terry. The remixed version, with its dance beats and Tracey Thorn's poignant voice, topped charts in many countries. In the US, the song remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for 55 consecutive weeks, peaking at number 2. The music video is directed by Mark Szaszy. Writer(s) : Ben Watt, Tracey Anne Thorn Publisher(s) : Sony Music Publishing Featured on the 1994 album Amplified Heart
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 20 . Air - Playground Love"Playground Love" is a collaboration between Air and Gordon Tracks, a pseudonym for Thomas Mars of the French band Phoenix, for the soundtrack of Sofia Coppola's film "The Virgin Suicides" in 2000. Accompanying a scene where the main characters dance at a prom, the song, with its languid melody and delicate orchestral arrangements, perfectly captures the nostalgic and melancholic essence of the film. Fun fact: Thomas Mars later became Sofia Coppola's husband. The music video is directed by Sofia Coppola. Writer(s) : Nicolas Godin, Jean Benoit Dunckel, Nicolas Godin, Jean Benoit Dunckel Publisher(s) : Revolvair, Delabel Editions Featured on the 2000 album The Virgin Suicides
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ABOUT TRIP HOPTrip Hop, from Bristol to the WorldTrip Hop is a musical genre that emerged in the early 1990s, primarily in Bristol, England. Drawing from hip hop for its beats, electronica for its sound textures, jazz and soul for melodic elements, and dub and reggae for rhythms and deep bass lines, this unique mix creates dark and melancholic atmospheres, often enriched with samples and loops. It stands out with its slow rhythms, ethereal female vocals, and introspective lyrics that often explore themes of solitude and urban life, reflecting a certain darkness and emotional complexity. Early Trip Hop artists like Massive Attack, Portishead, and Tricky quickly gained international acclaim. Their albums, such as Massive Attack‘s “Blue Lines” (1991), Portishead’s “Dummy” (1994), and Tricky’s “Maxinquaye” (1995), were critically acclaimed and reached global audiences. Trip Hop artists have performed at numerous international music festivals and embarked on worldwide tours. Trip Hop has influenced many other musical genres, including downtempo, electronica, and chillout. Artists like Radiohead, Björk, and more recent groups like Gorillaz and FKA Twigs have incorporated Trip Hop elements into their music. Trip Hop & MachinesTrip Hop employs a variety of instruments and equipment to create its unique, atmospheric sounds. Key instruments include electric and bass guitars like the Fender Jazz Bass and Gibson Les Paul, as well as synthesizers and keyboards such as the Roland Juno-106 and Korg MS-20. Electric pianos like the Fender Rhodes and Yamaha CP-70, along with wind and string instruments, add rich and melodic textures to tracks. Production equipment is also crucial. Drum machines like the Akai MPC60 and Roland TR-909 are essential for creating beats and rhythmic loops. Samplers such as the Akai S950 and E-mu SP-1200 manipulate samples to create complex sounds. Effects like delay and distortion, along with production software like Logic Pro and Ableton Live, add depth and spacious atmospheres to tracks. These tools, combined with innovative production techniques like sampling and looping, allow artists to create immersive and emotional soundscapes. Trip Hop & CulturesIn cinema, Trip Hop often enhances intense and introspective atmospheres. Films like “La Haine” (1995) and “The Matrix” (1999) use Trip Hop tracks to accentuate key scenes. Similarly, in TV series, Trip Hop underscores moments of tension or reflection, establishing a mysterious and introspective ambiance or enhancing dramatic atmospheres. Examples include “House,” “Breaking Bad,” “Twin Peaks,” and “True Detective.” The visual aesthetic of Trip Hop, often dark and introspective, influences many visual artists. Robert Del Naja (3D) of Massive Attack designs several of the group’s album covers, using abstract images and dark themes. Banksy, the famous street artist, is also linked to the Bristol scene and shares similar themes in his work Nick Knight, a British photographer and director, collaborates with Björk, bringing an avant-garde visual touch to her projects. Jean-Baptiste Mondino works on album covers and videos for Trip Hop artists, creating clean compositions and dramatic lighting. Finally, Michael Nash Associates designed the iconic cover for Portishead’s “Dummy” album, perfectly capturing the melancholic and introspective essence of the genre. Trip Hop : 10 Record LabelsThe following labels are known for having produced Trip Hop artists: – Ninja Tune: Founded in 1990, Ninja Tune is a London-based label known for its focus on electronic music, including trip-hop.. Key artists: Bonobo, Amon Tobin, The Cinematic Orchestra – Mo’ Wax: Founded by James Lavelle in 1992, Mo’ Wax was instrumental in shaping the trip-hop scene, mixing elements of hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. Key artists: DJ Shadow, UNKLE, DJ Krush – Warp Records: Established in 1989, Warp is a pioneering electronic music label known for its experimental releases, which often intersect with the trip-hop genre. Key artists: Nightmares on Wax, Boards of Canada, Flying Lotus – Island Records: A legendary label founded in 1959, Island has a wide range of genres and helped push trip-hop into the mainstream during the 1990s. Key artists: Tricky, Massive Attack, Portishead – K7 Records: Founded in 1985 in Berlin, K7 is known for blending electronica and experimental genres, including trip-hop. Key artists: Kruder & Dorfmeister, Tosca, Thievery Corporation – 4AD: Founded in 1980, 4AD is a British label that contributed to the atmospheric and dark tones of trip-hop. Key artists: Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Blonde Redhead – Cup of Tea Records: A small Bristol-based label, known for its deep association with the local trip-hop scene. Key artists: Purple Penguin, Statik Sound System, Monk & Canatella – Wall of Sound: This British label started in 1994, known for its eclectic electronic music offerings, including trip-hop and downtempo. Key artists: Propellerheads, Röyksopp, Akasha – Virgin Records: Founded by Richard Branson in 1972, Virgin Records released some iconic trip-hop records in the 1990s. Key artists: Massive Attack, Tricky, Sneaker Pimps – Bristol Archive Records: Focused on Bristol’s rich musical history, this label highlights many trip-hop artists who helped develop the genre in the early 1990s. Key artists: Smith & Mighty, The Insects, Talisman. |
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