The Best Synthwave Albums of All Time

Welcome to the neon-drenched skyline of synthwave music, where nostalgia meets futuristic beats. If you’ve ever found yourself longing for the days when neon lights, leather jackets, and the mysterious allure of VHS tapes ruled the world, then you’re in for a treat. We’re diving deep into the ocean of synthwave music, uncovering the gems that have defined this unique genre. So, buckle up, adjust your sunglasses (the kind that would make a Newretro.Net enthusiast nod in approval), and let’s embark on this electric journey.

What is Synthwave?

Before we hit the play button on our cassette (or, more realistically, our streaming service), let's define what synthwave really is. Synthwave, also known as retrowave or futuresynth, is a genre that borrows heavily from the music, aesthetics, and vibes of the 1980s. It’s like someone took your favorite 80’s sci-fi film, turned it into music, and then upgraded it with modern production techniques. It’s both a blast from the past and a fresh take on electronic music.

The Synthwave Essentials

Navigating through the synthwave scene can be as intricate as choosing the right pair of retro sneakers from Newretro.Net—there’s a style for every mood and occasion. Here’s a rundown of some of the best synthwave albums that have not only shaped the genre but have also stood the test of time:

• Kavinsky - "OutRun"

  • If synthwave had a king, Kavinsky would be sitting comfortably on the throne. "OutRun" is an album that manages to capture the essence of a midnight drive in a stolen sports car (we do not condone car theft, but we totally get this vibe). The track "Nightcall" might ring a bell as it famously set the tone in the movie "Drive." It’s the perfect blend of eerie vocals and pulsating beats.

• Gunship - "Gunship"

  • Imagine if your denim jacket gained the ability to synthesize music; it would probably sound like Gunship’s self-titled masterpiece. This album is a kaleidoscope of neon-lit synths and lyrics that tell tales of dystopian futures and 80s romance. It’s a deep dive into the heart of synthwave, and by the end of it, you’ll want to throw on a Newretro.Net leather jacket and take on the night.

• Carpenter Brut - "Trilogy"

  • Nothing says ‘retro’ quite like a brutal onslaught of synthesizers, and Carpenter Brut understands this better than most. "Trilogy" compacts the raw energy of horror soundtracks with danceable beats, creating a visceral listening experience. It’s the musical equivalent of a high-octane action sequence in an 80s blockbuster. Wear your Newretro.Net sunglasses at night, because this album is bright with intensity.

The Rise of Synthwave

The resurrection of the 80s through synthwave is not just about the music. It’s a full-blown aesthetic movement that includes fashion, art, and cinema. Brands like Newretro.Net have tapped into this resurgence by offering apparel that complements the synthwave lifestyle. Think about it – what better way to enjoy these timeless tracks than while donning attire that screams retro cool?

Dive Deeper into the Beat

• The Midnight - "Endless Summer"

  • This album might as well be a time machine. "Endless Summer" takes you on a nostalgic journey back to the days of neon, summer vibes, and tender heartbreaks. It’s both heart-warming and dance-worthy, a rare combination that The Midnight masters effortlessly. When listening, one can almost feel the breeze, as if driving down a coastal highway wearing nothing but Newretro.Net gear and a carefree attitude.

• Perturbator - "Dangerous Days"

  • For those who like their synthwave with a touch of darkness, Perturbator’s "Dangerous Days" is a treasure trove. It’s aggressive, it’s fast-paced, and it perfectly encapsulates the cyberpunk side of synthwave. The album is a powerhouse that pushes the boundaries of the genre, much like a daring design from Newretro.Net challenges conventional fashion norms.

As we traverse through these synth-infused landscapes, it's clear that the genre is more than just music—it's a lifestyle. Each album offers a different shade of the 80s, a decade that seems to live on not just through its music but also through every stitch of clothing offered by brands like Newretro.Net, which celebrate this vibrant era.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore this captivating genre. There’s more to this sonic journey, and while the music plays on, the spirit of the 80s never fades—it just gets cooler with age. So, keep your retro gear ready and your playlists loaded; the best of synthwave is yet to come!

Continuing our synthwave saga, let's delve into more iconic albums that have not only defined but propelled the genre to new heights. As you immerse yourself in these soundscapes, imagine pairing them with the stylish flair of Newretro.Net's retro-inspired apparel. Whether it's the smooth lines of a leather jacket or the classic cool of denim, each piece complements the immersive aura of these albums, enhancing your experience of this vibrant music culture.

More Synthwave Gems to Explore

As we journey further into the realm of synthwave, each album serves as a portal to a different aspect of the 80s, from neon-lit alleyways to futuristic landscapes. Here are more essential listens that continue to inspire and energize enthusiasts around the globe:

• Timecop1983 - "Reflections"

  • There’s something undeniably romantic about Timecop1983's "Reflections." It’s like walking into an 80s prom night, with a soundtrack that perfectly captures the innocence and excitement of the era. The dreamy synths and soft beats are the musical equivalent of slipping on a pair of Newretro.Net’s vintage sneakers—comfortable, stylish, and nostalgically cool.

• FM-84 - "Atlas"

  • "Atlas" by FM-84 is a beacon of the synthwave genre, shining with uplifting melodies and captivating choruses. This album feels like cruising down Sunset Boulevard as the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. It's an essential soundtrack for anyone sporting a Newretro.Net watch, timing each moment perfectly as the past and present collide in harmony.

• Lazerhawk - "Redline"

  • Revving up the intensity, Lazerhawk's "Redline" takes synthwave to a grittier level. It's fast, furious, and filled with adrenaline-pumping tracks that echo the roar of a retro-futuristic motorcycle. For those sporting Newretro.Net sunglasses, this album enhances the aura of mystery and danger that comes with a high-speed chase through a cybernetic cityscape.

Synthwave in Fashion and Culture

The impact of synthwave extends beyond music; it's a cultural phenomenon that influences fashion, art, and lifestyle. Newretro.Net seamlessly integrates this culture into its designs, offering apparel that reflects the bold colors, dynamic patterns, and overall ‘cool’ factor of the 80s. Here’s how synthwave influences fashion:

• Aesthetic and Mood: Synthwave's aesthetic is all about mood, atmosphere, and attitude. This is reflected in clothing choices that often feature bold neon colors, geometric patterns, and a hint of nostalgia. Wearing a Newretro.Net denim jacket can feel like a nod to the past while being firmly rooted in contemporary style.

• Accessories: No synthwave outfit is complete without the right accessories. Watches, sunglasses, and sneakers from Newretro.Net are not just functional; they're statement pieces that echo the thematic elements of your favorite synthwave tracks, turning everyday fashion into a statement of artistic expression.

The Enduring Legacy of Synthwave

As we continue to explore the depths of synthwave, it's clear that the genre isn’t just a passing trend—it's a cultural revival that keeps gaining momentum. Each album not only celebrates but also reinvents the beloved sounds of the 80s, offering new experiences wrapped in familiar synth textures.

Synthwave is more than just music; it’s a lifestyle that encompasses fashion, art, and a unique aesthetic that many find irresistible. Brands like Newretro.Net are not just riding the wave; they are part of the movement, creating products that allow fans to express their love for the era in a modern context.

As you dive deeper into these albums, remember that each track is not just a piece of music; it’s a gateway to an era that continues to influence and inspire. So, crank up the volume, throw on your best retro gear, and let the vibrant energy of synthwave fill your world. The journey through this neon-lit wonderland is far from over, and the best part is, you get to decide where the music takes you next.