Top Ten Chill-Out Artists

It is fair to say that ‘Chill-out’ music isn’t for everyone. However, most people just haven’t given it a chance. Yes, the use of slow tempos and a lack of vocals can be ‘off-putting’, but when you’re in the mood nothing can beat it! The genre has somehow adopted this reputation of being boring or depressing. Yes, the latter can be true but this does not mean you should dismiss a whole style of music! I would describe Chill-out as something more passive; the emotion is open to interpretation. This is an aspect that sets it apart from other musical styles, in my opinion.

Chill-out music emerged in the early and mid-1990s in nightclubs (mainly in Europe) to allow dancers a chance to "chill out" from the more emphatic and fast-tempo music played on the main dance floor.

Chill-out can be great for dinner parties and social gatherings. People can converse in such a way that they aren’t shouting over mental dance beats or being distracted by the lyrics of a song. It creates a chilled yet buzzing atmosphere I think, a subtle sort of soundtrack to life. I personally can just listen to it as I can listen to any other genre of music, just embracing it for what it is. But if you find it to be too mellow, there are uses to Chill-out that shouldn’t be ignored. I believe this unique genre of music to be very underrated in the sense of the craftwork, musical skill and knowledge that is required to compose it.

I have put together a list of artists who I think represent Chill-out at its best…Enjoy!

Groove Armada

When I say ‘first and foremost’ I really do mean it literally. So, first and foremost I present to you Groove Armada. One of my favourite bands of all time but more appropriately, the heart and soul of Chill-out. They nail it on every tune. Groove Armada is an English duo made up of Andy Cato and Tom Findlay. They are both classically trained musicians and you can  really tell by hearing their music. They’re such talented guys, genius in my opinion. They have done pretty much all walks of dance and electronic music, but started off with mainly Chill-out. So for that, buy their second album ‘Vertigo’ (and for the others styles buy ALL OF THEIR ALBUMS!). I am certain you would all know the track “The River”, this is a classic and unfortunately well-known as being in the cringe-worthy M&S ads, sad times. But a genius track nonetheless. Also hear, “Dusk, You & Me”, it’s just heaven.

Pink Floyd

For me, Pink Floyd are the godfathers of Chill-out, the accidental creators. The genre as we hear it now, would not be the same without these guys (well, music in general wouldn’t be the same without them but this is besides the point!) Listen to “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” and “Breathe”. It’s amazing to think these tracks were made in the late 60s/early 70s! Nobody had ever done anything like this ever before! Their instrumentation, their lyrics, their chord progressions, its just mind-boggling how one band could be so innovatively ahead of their time. Wow.

Air

From ‘breath[ing] in the air’ (lyric from Pink Floyds “Breathe”) to the Air itself! I love these guys so much. Air are a French duo who were part of this particular movement in electronic music from the beginning really. “All I Need” is probably their most famous track along with “Sexy Boy”, and includes the signature mellow, innocent, sweet sounding female vocal. Which you will find is a frequent aspect to Chill-out. Also listen to “La Femme d’Argent” – one of my favourite songs of all time. Air have such an individual sound, and use this signature 70s synth sound, which is so apparent in their tunes. All the tracks I have mentioned are from their  1998 album 'Moon Safari' - a Must-Have record for sure. They have cited Pink Floyd as a main influence, any surprises there?

Portishead

A British band from Bristol, who sort of started that specific style of female singing that I described earlier. The band definitely represents the more intense side of Chill-out. Their song “Glory Box” is another one of my favourite tracks of all time. So subtle yet so in-your-face. The bass line, the vocals, the structure, the loops are just heaven. The song is from their debut album ‘Dummy’, which won the Mercury Prize in 1995. I think it is a classic album (as in ‘Classic Album’) and everyone should own it, by law. There really is nothing like it. Also hear “Roads”, another famous track by Portishead from ‘Dummy’. Or just get the album!

Massive Attack

I think everyone knows this band from their track “Teardrop”, a magnificent piece of music to say the least. Unfortunately used constantly in documentaries and sad bits in reality television, but that isn’t just for any old reason! Massive Attack are a core aspect to Chill-out and electronic music in general. A consistently great band. Also listen to “Weather Storm”.

Morcheeba

This band reminds me of my childhood, I remember their music being played on long car journeys. The lead vocals of Skye Edwards sending me into a trance. Another really important band for Chill-out, Morcheeba managed to incorporate Pop structures and melodies while maintaining their very Chill-out sound (during the late 90s). It brought the genre to a more commercial audience, which in this case was a positive. “The Sea” I would say is their most famous track and one of their best. My other favourite song by them is “Blindfold”. Both these tracks are from the album ‘Big Calm’, which I suggest you hear as a whole.

Röyksopp

“So Easy”, what a great track, so unusual. “Eple” is another one to bring this Norwegian duo commercial success. I remember watching them perform it on Top of The Pops way back in 2003 where they had their turntables on a car with two people in it and thinking, who are these guys? What is this? I want to hear more. So I bought the album, ‘Melody A.M.’

Check out the performance here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk0IrdxqCOQ

FYI…They wrote Annie’s ‘Heartbeat’, which has featured in the latest series of Made in Chelsea, which I loved when I heard it.

Zero 7

Another British duo, becoming a theme much?  What I love about their stuff is that it is so soulful! You can hear this in “Home” and “Destiny”, two great tracks. Their music is used a lot in television, so you may recognise it. “In The Waiting Line” is also quite a popular track. Another really relevant band in Chill-out.

The xx

How could I talk about Chill-out music and not mention this lot? I’m so happy they’ve had the commercial success they’ve had, because they do have such an unusual sound. I love the crossover between indie rock and electronica. They just prove what a broad genre Chill-out is. Many people would just describe them as an indie band, but their 90s electronica influences are so prominent! “Crystalised” is definitely my favourite by The xx along with “Infinity”. Let’s hope their second album will be as good as their debut!

Drake

This may seem like a controversial artist to place in this top ten. You’re probably thinking, “but Drake’s a rapper, nothing to do with the music you’re referring to”…but just hear me out. What I love about Drake, is how he doesn’t conform to what people think current Hip Hop should sound like. Its not just the sublime production he has, it’s the collective sound. His flow is so mellow; his singing vocal is so mellow, his structures, his beats. Drake shows how Chill-out can’t be put into boxes. There’s this side to Hip Hop that can be so subtle yet so thought-provoking, Drake’s music has this. I find his delivery to be captivating; he has such a soothing husky voice. He sort of raps but sings by augmenting the ends of phrases. His debut album is fantastic. His most Chill-out tracks are “The Resistance”, “Shut It Down” (featuring The Dream) and even the more upbeat songs such as “Fancy” (featuring T.I and Swizz Beatz) could be catagorised as Chill-out.

So if you’re a fan of what you are hearing, also check out Bonobo, who I haven’t placed in my top ten but he comes shortly after…

Listen to the middle-eastern influenced “Flutter”, probably his most well known and “Eyesdown” (featuring Andreya Triana).

Before you go...

We all know that Madonna is known for being all about the Pop and Dance side to life. BUT I believe her best work to be her 1998 album 'Ray of Light'. This record is a Chill-out masterpiece. Such an important album for her I think. It really shows her versatility as an artist and 'f**k you attitude' to her stereotyped reputation as a musician. For me it also proves what a great and unique vocalist she really is. Please, please check it out and if you have it already...good on you!

Thanks for reading everyone. Peace, love et La Musique!

MS. GELLI B

X