10 Perfect Trip-Hop Albums With No Bad Songs

10. The Mirror Conspiracy - Thievery Corporation (2000)

Although many consider trip-hop to have originated in Bristol, electronic acts in America were putting their own downtempo spin on things. Thievery Corporation formed during the '90s, in Washington D.C. Their first album was a mellow mix of world music and and hip hop samples.

The incorporation of wider ranging influences, on their second album, made the group hard to pin down, however. Early tracks like, Le Monde, utilised French vocals for a distinctly European sound. Whereas, Lebanese Blonde, laid on Middle Eastern themes. Coupled with the jazz stylings of vocalist, Pam Bricker. it's an instant mood setter. Not many tracks will simultaneously imbue you with a drive to get up and go, while imparting a sense of relaxation.

As the record progresses, it builds in momentum. More uptempo tracks like, Air Batucada, serve to move everything along in a satisfyingly subtle way. There'll be moments when you want to do nothing, but blissfuly surrender to the album's mood. At others you'll be pulled into an inescapable desire to dance.