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As connoisseurs of the immersive sonic journey, we value the pulsating vibes of a classic stoner G-funk jam like Snoop Dogg's "Tha Doggfather" – an iconic companion to any laid-back session. However, there are times when the ethereal rhythm of our high yearns for sounds that transcend mere allusions to the act of smoking. It seeks the celestial harmonies and abstract echoes that seem to originate from a parallel universe.

This is akin to the transition from the mellow effect of a shared joint to the profound depths unveiled by bold draws from a bong, or the deceptive calm before the exhilarating potency of a second brownie hits. Just as there's a place for chilled, breezy melodies, there's also room for trippy music that transports us to new auditory dimensions.

In this realm of the extraordinary, we encounter artists like Kid Cudi or Grateful Dead, who create vivid, mind-bending auditory experiences through their trippy albums. Today, we journey into this exciting universe of transcendent sounds.

Bump some of our favorite trippy music and trippy artists below.

Moon Safari - Air

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This pioneering studio album from the French electronic duo weaves an ideal tapestry for a psychedelic journey with its signature silky tones. When it was unveiled in 1998, it charted new territories for the emerging downtempo genre, an auditory style synonymous with the perfect rhythm to accompany a relaxed smoke and lounge session on a plush sofa.

The orchestral arrangements in the album paint a vivid soundscape that evokes a state of euphoria akin to a cloud of aromatic smoke gently drifting amongst sun-kissed foliage. The use of vocoder-enhanced vocals, fluttering piano notes, and psychedelic synthesizer sounds craft an audio experience reminiscent of a physical high.

Intriguingly, even the name of the album channels the spirit of a cosmic journey. One can't help but imagine embarking on a moonlit safari through an otherworldly landscape. This is the power of trippy albums - they transport us to realms unknown, driven by the magic of music.

My Life in the Bush of Ghosts - Brian Eno & David Byrne

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In the aftermath of the iconic album Remain in Light, Talking Heads' lead vocalist, David Byrne, alongside ambient music virtuoso Brian Eno, embarked on a creative sabbatical to Mexico. Their shared appreciation for global music rhythms and intriguing radio snippets sparked the idea for a novel project.

Emerging from this eclectic mix of inspiration was the album My Life in the Bush of Ghosts. This trailblazing creation is frequently recognized as a game-changer in the domain of sampling, marked by its audacious quirkiness. It still carries the high-energy, full-bodied funk-rock signature that Talking Heads have honed, but now layered under the intensity of an evangelical sermon or fragments of NPR dialogues rather than Byrne's vocals.

A truly innovative contribution to the world of trippy albums, the latter segment of the record is especially awe-inspiring. It plunges into the depths of traditional Middle Eastern music, blending unearthed vocal samples and the electrifying vibrance of a Moog synthesizer in an unforgettable sonic exploration.

Donuts - J Dilla

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As Dilla crafted the final strokes on Donuts, he was in the throes of a battle for his life - a fight he tragically lost just days after the album was unveiled. This sobering reality imbues an inescapable presence into the record. Themes of life's cyclical journey and the enigmatic nature of existence permeate the album, subtly interwoven within Dilla's exceptional production finesse.

Despite the brevity of each song, averaging around ninety seconds, they each house a distinctive auditory universe. The record showcases an array of moods - from moody soul samples layered over jittery rhythms in tracks like "Walkinonit" and "Two Can Win," to the darker, starkly surreal tones in "The Factory" and "Waves."

Among these multifaceted tracks in this catalog of trippy albums, "Workinonit" stands out with its resonating potency. The pulsating track, assembled from a Beastie Boys sample, is relentless in its captivating allure, demonstrating the album's unyielding power to mesmerize.

Autobahn - Kraftwerk

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Before their metamorphosis into renowned techno-artists, Kraftwerk were simply pioneering synth-loving prog-rockers. Unbeknownst to them, their love for synthesizers would lay the groundwork for synth-pop. Even without their striking mannequin personas, Kraftwerk operated on an entirely distinct wavelength, a testament to their unmatched ingenuity that found its roots with the album "Autobahn."

The word "Autobahn" is German for 'highway,' which aptly symbolizes the revolutionary journey this album embarked on. Unveiled in 1974, the music sphere was taken aback by the audacious opus of the 23-minute title track, an orchestral masterpiece in its own right. A trimmed version of the song found its way onto the charts in both America and Europe, cementing Kraftwerk's legacy as trailblazers in the realm of trippy albums. This remarkable German collective's influence has not been easily forgotten, nor is it likely to fade anytime soon.

Through the Looking Glass - Midori Tanaka

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The sonic landscape of Midori Takada's music is an enchanting odyssey that can effortlessly carry you to a different realm, no hallucinogens required. Her 1983 masterpiece "Through The Looking Glass" interweaves a medley of sounds - African percussion, Oriental melodies, Western jazz, classical music, and minimalism - into a 40-minute auditory journey that mirrors the calming lull of a soft breeze or the rhythm of a deep breath.

The album's artwork itself is an immersive labyrinth for the eyes, yet it's the sheer brilliance of the audio tapestry that renders it the perfect companion for any exploration, whether in an altered state or otherwise. This unique ensemble is a cornerstone in the world of trippy albums, beckoning listeners on an unforgettable voyage into sound.

Mother Earth's Plantasia - Mort Garson

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"Mother Earth’s Plantasia: Warm Earth Music for Plants and the People Who Love Them," is not your typical addition to the classic records shelf. Unless you're an ardent vinyl collector or a YouTube wanderer with an appetite for peculiar rabbit holes, this gem by Mort Garson might have slipped under your radar.

Emerging in 1976, during a cultural shift from acoustic-guitar-plucking, cannabis-smoking hippies to their synth-wielding counterparts, this album is a testament to some of the most exquisite early ventures into electronic music. Light up, recline, and embark on a leisurely journey through this sun-drenched, synth-soaked "plantasia." With whimsically titled tracks such as "Swingin’ Spathiphyllums," "You Don't Have to Walk a Begonia," and "Music to Soothe the Savage Snake Plant," it earns a solid place among trippy albums to savor.

Psychic Chasms - Neon Indian

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Neon Indian's "Psychic Chasms" doesn't shy away from its psychedelic personality, its narrative as evident as the bright streaks of dawn breaking a silent night. Yet, despite its overt imagery, it remains a captivating display of cerebral soundscapes echoing the psychedelic journey of LSD.

Debuting amidst the burgeoning 'chillwave' era in the balmy summer of 2009, "Psychic Chasms" has gracefully stood the test of time, surpassing contemporaries of its epoch. As you delve into the lush synthesizers and veils of reverb, you unearth tender vignettes of adolescence: poolside kisses, stealthy escapes from home, and shared acid trips with a teenage sweetheart. And akin to our own adolescent recollections, time has polished these stories, discarding their awkwardness, leaving only a distilled essence of wistful longing. Undeniably, "Psychic Chasms" has etched its mark in the annals of trippy albums.

Person Pitch - Panda Bear

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Panda Bear, a co-founder of Animal Collective and an esteemed solo artist, has dedicated his career to crafting mesmerizing music. The most radiant gem in his psychedelic tapestry is undeniably his third solo offering, "Person Pitch", a trippy album that, despite a decade passing, hasn't lost any of its revolutionary allure.

Rather than a traditional musical composition, "Person Pitch" feels like a sonic illusion, projecting a scintillating tableau of sweet melodies, profound reverb wells, intriguingly obscure samples, and ceaseless vocal loops - a soundscape that resists being captured and classified. Spanning the sprawling narratives of 12-minute masterpieces like "Bros" and "Good Girl / Carrots" to the deep self-examinations in "I'm Not" and "Search for Delicious," "Person Pitch" defines the concept of a psychedelic journey, escorting listeners to the very edge of their perception.

Dummy - Portishead

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The term 'trip-hop' might seem a little quirky, often triggering stereotypes of bohemian pseudo-intellectuals and the faint odor of well-used bongs. Yet, one cannot deny the genre's profound legacy, and the 1994 album "Dummy" stands tall as an exemplary specimen. This album is the perfect companion to a relaxed, contemplative night in.

"Dummy" unites a remarkable collection of features: laid-back rhythms, psychedelic audio snippets, and the ethereal vibrato of Beth Gibbons, punctuated with just the right touch of turntable scratches. The song "Glory Box," one of the finest closing tracks in the history of music, subtly carries a message of female empowerment. It's this blend of unique sounds and layered narratives that rightfully establishes "Dummy" among the pantheon of unmissable trippy albums.

Dopesmoker - Sleep

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Sporting arguably the most cannabis-fitting title of any album on this list, "Dopesmoker" comprises just two tracks, the centerpiece being the monumental 63-minute eponymous song. This record represents the zenith of Stoner Metal, a genre that genuinely exists and thrives.

If you manage to navigate through the initial eight minutes of rich, smoky distortion, the opening lyrics offer a remarkable insight: "Drop out of life with bong in hand / Follow the smoke toward the riff-filled land." If this hour-long musical voyage on Side A leaves you craving for more, flip the record over. There, you'll find "Holy Mountain," a live track seething with raw energy, ready to round off this unforgettable trip of trippy albums.

Need more lists in your life? Check out our ranking of the best Kendrick Lamar guest verses right here.

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