If you are relatively new to the world of trip hop music, here is a short list of the top five trip hop songs that are considered classics. While conveying the character and stylistic origins of this electronic music genre, those songs have also found international chart success. The artists and bands behind them have played a significant role in the development of trip hop music.
1. Mass Attack – Unfinished Sympathy
Featured on Massive Attack’s debut album, “Blue Lines,” “Unfinished Sympathy” is often considered the song that marked the beginning of the trip hop genre. What made it one of the best trip hop songs was its fresh new approach, combining acoustic instruments with electronic music techniques. “Unfinished Sympathy” was also notable for its original music video, which was done entirely in one uninterrupted take.
2. Portishead – Glory Box
Beginning with a laid-back hip hop beat and colorful strings, “Glory Box” features the inner dialogue of a woman, who is willing to love again, but afraid of being hurt at the same time. In addition to the unmasked and heartfelt words, singer Beth Gibbons’ voice delivers nuance and detail that further strengthens the song’s emotional depth. The hard-hitting guitar solo complements the vocally intense message, while also making the instrumentation sound more organic.
3. DJ Shadow – Midnight in a Perfect World
DJ Shadow is known for his talent for mixing samples from various artists and musical styles. He has the ability to seamlessly blend loops of hip hop, jazz, classical and electronic music, arranging them into a harmonious whole. The single “Midnight In A Perfect World” is no exception, combining a hefty dose of carefully selected relaxing beats and melodies, ensuring the song will haunt you for a while after you’ve heard it.
4. Difficult – Consequences
This classic tune is partly based on a catchy guitar riff, which was taken from a song “That’s The Way Love Is” by Marvin Gaye. The strong rhythm of the drums and the few samples of flute induce relaxation, while the sudden and heavy guitar motivates and the weak vocals add some restlessness to the general mood. This delicate combination of serenity and subtle tension is probably a key element that has made Tricky’s “Aftermath” one of the greatest trip hop songs of all time.
5. Mass Attack – Tear
“Teardrop” features Cocteau Twins singer Elizabeth Fraser who provides her smooth, melodious voice to the soft, sublime background. A calm harpsichord riff and smooth drum loop, along with dark piano chords, paint a quiet picture of sadness and melancholic beauty. In addition to being one of the best trip hop songs, “Teardrop” is also known as the theme song for an American medical TV drama “House.”