The Greatest Stoner Albums of All Time
The Best Music to Listen to When High
What’s the ultimate soundtrack to a good high? Everyone has their own preference for what they like to listen to during a smoke session. You may like hazy, reverb-heavy rock, or maybe you prefer the carefree essence of West Coast hip-hop.
There’s something for everyone, according to the Rolling Stone, who assembled a list of the best stoner records of all time. We’ll walk you through the first ten albums on the list.
Wilco – Sky Blue Sky (2007)
On Sky Blue Sky, vocalist Jeff Tweedy sounds like he’s cooling down. Wilco recorded the album shortly after Tweedy’s time in rehab – he had battled with an addiction to prescription painkillers. The record’s breezy soft-rock tracks are polished with fuzzy 70s-rock sounds, and the lyrics bring simple, subconscious ideas to the forefront. Most tracks feature carefree lyrics, but “Please Be Patient With Me” offers a rare glimmer of vulnerability.
Os Mutantes – Os Mutantes (1968)
This Brazilian rock band, whose name translates to “the mutants” from Portuguese, offered a sonic delivery of peace and positivity during the Brazilian dictatorship of the 1960s. Their self-titled debut consists of warped pop sounds and quirky basslines – and it’s sure to take you on a great trip.
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Beach House – Devotion (2008)
Baltimore duo Beach House has swiftly become one of the most critically acclaimed artists within the dream pop genre. Their second record, Devotion, is gently mischievous. Highlights include “Some Things Last a Long Time,” a brilliant cover of the track by alt-rock hero Daniel Johnston, and “Gila,” a haunting chamber pop song perfectly crafted for a late-night smoke session. Recognize that vocal riff from “Gila”? The Weeknd later sampled it on his 2011 mixtape House of Balloons.
David Crosby – If I Could Only Remember My Name (1971)
David Crosby is most known for his work in legendary trio Crosby, Stills & Nash, but this solo record proved his talent as an individual and as a curator. The record offers a who’s who of psych-rock history – it features guests like Joni Mitchell and members of the Grateful Dead. Tracks like “Laughing” and “Cowboy Movie” are rich with outdoorsy vibes – you’ll feel like you’re higher than Mount Everest.
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Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes (2008)
Grab your flannel – this indie-folk masterpiece is perfect for an outdoor high. The Seattle band’s debut record topped many “end of year” lists in 2008, and we can see why. Tracks like “White Winter Hymnal” take your whole body and mind on a white-water rafting trip, while acoustic closer “Oliver James” should make you forget space exists at all.
Sigur ros – Ágætis byrjun (1999)
This Icelandic band makes music that’s difficult to pin down: it’s soaring and orchestral, it’s quirky and weird, and yet it sounds like a breath of fresh air. It transcends genre, too: it’s got a blend of post-rock, ambient music, and glowing electronica. You’ll have a high like no other with this as your soundtrack.
Pharcyde – Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde (1992)
Is this classic hip-hop record in your collection? This 1992 record stands out for the laugh-out-loud storytelling buried in its jazzy production. Kanye West once called it his favourite album of all time, and we’re sure you’ll see where his inspiration came from after hearing tracks like anecdote-heavy “Passin’ Me By” and classic stoner anthem “Pack the Pipe”.
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The Congos – Heart of the Congos (1977)
Heart of the Congos is a must-listen reggae record. The Jamaican group didn’t expect their 1977 album to make history – it was released with only a few hundred copies in print – but music fans grew to love tracks like bouncy opener “Fisherman” and the biblical reference-heavy “Open Up the Gate”.
Herbie Hancock – Head Hunters (1973)
Think jazz is a boring genre? Fall down a YouTube hole of Herbie Hancock songs. The Chicago-born composer plasters his tracks with saxophone riffs and a bassline so funky your brain will melt. Head Huntersis only four tracks long, but each track creates its own expansive universe. Give “Watermelon” a listen for the smoothest high of your life.
King Sunny Adé – The Classic Years (2003)
Nigerian world music artist King Sunny Adé released more than 100 records over a 30-year period. The Classic Years is a compilation of some of his essential works. Opener “Sunny Ti De” offers shimmering instrumentation matched with scorching guitar riffs. Give this record a play for a summer high.
So, there you have it. Those are the best stoner albums according to Rolling Stone. Do you agree with their picks? What kind of music do you listen to when you get high?
