3 Electronic Music Albums For People Who Don't Like Electronic Music

I've been thinking about writing something like this for a while and tonight I feel like I've gotten the space to do this.

First off, I know this title is on some level a false premise. Why would I recommend something to someone who clearly doesn't like a certain genre?

I'll put it this way, when someone says they don't like Electronic Music they normally will follow it with some variation of a statement like "It's too repetitive" or "It's doesn't take any talent to make like a real artist." (Which is a mindblowingly ignorant statement that basically disregards production as a musical talent while displaying a lack of understanding on how nearly every form of music is made in the modern era, but whatever.) So it is nearly always a coded statement meaning that don't like Techno or House and prefer a traditional pop song structure. Hence the rise of EDM in past decade as it embraced pop as it rode into the mainstream.

So... where was I... I've always been that guy trying to introduce friends to new artists without resorting to recommending them pop. Albums that show the range that Electronic Music can really bridge.

So here are 3 albums that I characterize as gateway albums. Accessible enough for those new to the genre that can start a love affair with the music as a whole. These will probably be really obvious to some people, but new to others and that is kind of the point.

1. Trentemøller - The Last Resort
Who Is This For?: Fans of David Lynch, Cinematic music, and downtempo with the slightest of rock edges

This album is a lot of things, but it is certainly not a dancefloor album. When this album hit in 2006 it took many people by surprise. Trentemøller had been mostly known for a string of big room minimal Techno hits, but this album was pure headphone space. Not to say that there aren't big moments on here, but atmosphere always comes first with a touch of live sounding bass that can at times make you forget this is an electronic group.

If You Like This Try: Portishead, Darkside, Nicolas Jaar

2. Tycho - Dive
Who Is This For?: People who secretly like that Lo-Fi Beats to Chill or Study to Station on Youtube or imagine themselves to be the star of their own indie movie.

Here's the thing about this album, I'm personally not a huge fan of it (sorry, but they are like a more accessible Boards Of Canada), but people who are just getting into electronic music seem to absolutely LOVE IT. This album is full of warm production and lovely melodies that seem to strike a note with people who like their downtempo music to be relaxing and full of character, just do yourself a favor and go listen to Boards Of Canada when you are done.

If You Like This Try: Boards Of Canada, Bonobo, Washed Out

3. Jon Hopkins - Immunity
Who Is This For?: You Can Tolerate a little bit of house and techno, but you find that over a course of an album that it is exhausting, you need a quality melody, and need a little variety in between the tracks and also dig things that sound cinematic

Jon Hopkins simply makes beautiful music consistently. He's classical trained and makes full use of it on his albums swiftly moving from techno to ambient and chill out while maintaining a quality of production that holds an album cohesively together. He delves into repetition, but he gives it enough movement and interesting moments that doesn't get old while the piano arrangements are absolutely stunning. His knack of melody is absolutely important here as he manages to makes create music that feels important and memorable. A fully conceived album that feels incredibly detailed and purposeful.

If You Like This Try: Brian Eno, Nhils Fram, Floating Points

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think.