The world of indie music is filled with so many incredible albums, but some go overlooked and underrated. The list of the 10 most underrated indie music albums of all time includes Spiritualized’s “Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space”, Archers of Loaf’s “Vee Vee”, electronic musician Lorn’s “Life after Death”, Mercury Rev’s “The Light in You”, jazz guitarist John Scofield and the avant-garde jazz trio Medeski Martin & Wood’s “A Go Go”, MGMT’s “Little Dark Age”, El-P’s “I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead”, The White Stripes’ “Get Behind Me Satan”, Silversun Pickups’ “Carnavas” and Ben Nichols’ solo album “The Last Pale Light in the West”. While these albums may have been overlooked, they are deserving of recognition as creative, innovative and important additions to the world of music.
The 10 Most Underrated Indie Music Albums of All Time
When it comes to indie music, there are some albums that have gained critical acclaim and are widely regarded as classics. However, there are also those albums that, for one reason or another, have been overlooked and underrated. Here are 10 of the most underrated indie music albums of all time.
1. “Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space” by Spiritualized
Spiritualized’s third studio album, “Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space,” is a stunning mix of rock and roll, dreamy psychedelia, and gospel. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon its release, the album was largely ignored by the general public. The album has since gained a cult following and is now regarded as one of the classic albums of the 1990s.
2. “Vee Vee” by Archers of Loaf
Archers of Loaf’s second album, “Vee Vee,” is a collection of raw, distortion-heavy punk rock anthems that have a timeless quality. Despite being a favorite of critics when it was released in 1995, “Vee Vee” has been overlooked by many music fans. The album’s angular, jagged guitar riffs and driving rhythms make it a must-listen for any fan of alternative rock.
3. “Life after Death” by Lorn
“Life after Death” is the debut album from electronic musician Lorn, and it is a stunning example of dark, brooding electronic music. The album is a mixture of glitchy beats, atmospheric soundscapes, and haunting melodies. Despite receiving high praise from critics, “Life after Death” remains an overlooked gem in the world of experimental electronic music.
4. “The Light in You” by Mercury Rev
Mercury Rev’s ninth studio album, “The Light in You,” is a beautiful, atmospheric album that is filled with lush arrangements and tender melodies. Despite receiving some favorable reviews, the album has largely been overlooked since its release in 2015. With its dreamy soundscapes and ethereal vocals, “The Light in You” is a must-listen for any fan of indie music.
5. “A Go Go” by John Scofield
“A Go Go” is a collaboration between jazz guitarist John Scofield and the avant-garde jazz trio Medeski Martin & Wood. The album is a mixture of jazz fusion and funk, and it deftly balances intricate musicianship with catchy melodies. Despite receiving critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, “A Go Go” has been largely overlooked by music fans outside the jazz world.
6. “Little Dark Age” by MGMT
MGMT’s fourth album, “Little Dark Age,” is a return to form for the band, and it is filled with catchy, synth-laden pop songs that have a dark, brooding edge. Despite receiving some favorable reviews, the album has not achieved the same level of popularity as the band’s earlier releases. With its infectious hooks and clever lyrics, “Little Dark Age” is a must-listen for anyone who loves catchy, alternative pop music.
7. “I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead” by El-P
El-P’s second solo album, “I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead,” is a powerful mixture of industrial beats, hip-hop rhythms and political commentary. The album features collaborations with artists like Trent Reznor and The Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala, and it received mostly positive reviews. However, the album has been largely overlooked in the years since its release, despite its powerful message and innovative sound.
8. “Get Behind Me Satan” by The White Stripes
The White Stripes’ fifth album, “Get Behind Me Satan,” is an experimental departure from the band’s earlier garage rock sound. The album features acoustic guitars, marimbas, and unconventional percussion, and it received mostly positive reviews when it was released in 2005. However, the album has been overshadowed by the band’s earlier releases, despite its inventive sound and adventurous spirit.
9. “Carnavas” by Silversun Pickups
Silversun Pickups’ debut album, “Carnavas,” is a swirling mixture of shoegaze, alternative rock and indie pop. The album features the band’s signature wall of sound guitars and frontman Brian Aubert’s haunting vocals. Despite receiving mostly positive reviews, the album has been largely forgotten in the years since its release, despite it being a shining example of early 2000s indie rock.
10. “The Last Pale Light in the West” by Ben Nichols
The last on our list is Ben Nichols’ solo album, “The Last Pale Light in the West.” The album is a concept record based on Cormac McCarthy’s book “Blood Meridian,” and it features Nichols’ distinctive voice and raw acoustic sound. Though the album was well-received by critics, it has been largely overlooked by fans of both alt-country and indie music.
Conclusion
These albums may have been overlooked by the general public, but they are all examples of how indie music has the power to be innovative, inventive, and meaningful. Each album on this list is deserving of a listen and a second chance to be recognized for what they are: creative and important additions to the world of music.