The Bliss List - Albums that Spark Joy

Ever wonder what a mixture of IDM and shoegaze would sound like? The answer is bliss. While the name is kind of odd, the album is absolute gold. This is one of the greatest hidden gems you will ever find.

First rule: Every Igorrr album is great. This is my favorite. It is a mixture of metal, baroque, and breakcore. It's so fucked up, but it gives you that 'stank face' because of how hard these tracks go.

This album is the passage from the real-world into the dream~state. Not the entrance of the tunnel, nor the exit. Just enjoy the journey in~between~.

I actually found the track 'New Year's Eve' on a Ghostly Swim album from an [adult swim] promo. After multiple repeats, I had to find this song's origin. Once I did, I uncovered an ambient pop album that was a pleasure to hear. Just great atmosphere.

Such an interesting concept. It mixes emo and slacker rock with chiptune elements that sit loud and proud in the mix. It is always a good time listening to this.

This is what modern Midwest emo should be. Explosive and powerful tunes with great songwriting. If you thought Cap'n Jazz is where the genre should have ended up, you will love this album.

An album about a young man and woman, following his recollections and life after her suicide. The second song speaks to the last time he saw her—how they both smiled and held back tears, knowing what she was likely to do that night. It captures the emotion of loss in a tragic way I had never heard before. Note: The vocals are in Japanese.

What a way to open an album. This is sonically experimental dream pop that is effortlessly unique. Mew features a high-pitched vocalist who manages not to sound whiny; instead, he demands your attention through emotively powerful lyrics and performance. Each song is incredibly well-written. I'd be surprised if you didn't get hooked after the first track.

Smooth, experimental, ambient, Japanese jazz. The instrument layering is stripped back and bare, leaving minimal noise between you and the music. Beautiful and soothing to lay back to.

The perfect camping album. It is an indie folk record that actually delivers memorable melodies—perfect to throw on while sitting around a campfire. The organic nature of the recording is a refreshing change from the over-processed albums of today.

Every track in this album will keep you on edge, with a feeling of impending doom lurking around every measure. With the 8 string guitar chugging and bellowing out notes, all you can do is adventure deeper into the desolate landscape. Not the hardest, but the HEAVIEST album you will ever hear.

Diablo Swing Metal. Their name says everything you need to know—now go listen.

Perhaps the album cover that best defines City Pop. It captures the warm and cool colors of a memory at the beach. Full of bright, joyful '80s sounds. Nostalgic and undeniably good.

A recent discovery, but such an amazing album to throw on. The versatile sounds of the cello really come through here. I'm not usually a fan of instrumental music, but this one demands my attention.

There are few albums that open with a run of four songs this powerful. They sound as if they were made for God himself; they all appeal to a grander narrative. This is Amorphis at their peak. Epic, melodic, progressive metal.

I was fortunate enough to hear this when it first came out. I was working at a high-end audio store and we used this to demo a 5.1 system (which the original was mixed in). I was able to get a copy back then, and it truly is something special. Written for the birth of his daughter, BT made something that felt uncharacteristically 'not him,' yet his unique musical voice is poured all over it—all without relying on his EDM roots. This is the definition of a love letter. You are missing out if you don't try this electronic/ambient masterpiece.

It is equal parts amazing and unfortunate that this was my introduction to Japanese Jazz Fusion; truly, no other album comes close. Every single instrument shines, playing beautiful, complex runs while the bass and drums carry the tune with amazing grooves. Just try the opening track. You'll find yourself smiling after 44 minutes at the end of the album.

Beautiful, intimate, and emotional. A husband and wife from Japan mesh chiptune and piano in incredible harmony. The blending of the instruments feels like a duet between the couple. The album remains charming, unique, and fun.

Talk about a mix of sounds. This soundtrack is eclectic; you truly never know what sound you’re going to hear next. Not only does nearly every song sound distinct, but they are also genuinely unique. I highly recommend the game—it's every bit as weird as the album.

Such a great collection of songs. I don't typically like live albums, but I prefer every song performed here to the studio versions. The less-produced nature of their live performance allows the music to build a real atmosphere. Filled with dark whimsy and an almost Alice in Wonderland feel, I can't help but feel enchanted when I hit play.

The only Lo-Fi album I actually deeply respect. Others fill the room and create an ambiance that falls into the background, while this one respects your attention.

So fucking awesome. Deep messaging, with some brutal hardcore sound. This is about as authentic as it gets.

Overwhelmingly intimate and genuine. This is a defining album in every word sung and note played. Each song gives a brutal amount of insight into the person behind the mic, using beautiful and almost vile imagery. Nothing is held back.

This is metalcore at its absolute peak. Thick, heavy, and lush guitars color the entire landscape. Equal parts beautiful and aggressive, this is the genre pushed to the form it was always meant to take.

I love this band. The direction they took with this album stands distinctly apart from their previous work. The thoughtful melodies, progressive rhythms, and heavy existential themes come together to create their absolute best work.