is air trip hop

Fact Magazine

• Exhibitions

Now reading:

The 50 best trip-hop albums of all time

Share this:

• Access All Areas
• Against the Clock
• Documentaries
• FACT Freestyles
• In The Studio
• How To Make A Track
• FACT Premieres
• Record Shopping
• Singles Club
• Dubplate Masters
• The Vinyl Factory Films

Illustration by: Mat Pringle

Like it or not, trip-hop is a thing. I say this as someone who, for the past 18 odd years, has loved the music just as much as I’ve hated the term.

Coined in June 1994 by Andy Pemberton in a feature for Mixmag , trip-hop was used to describe the recent stylistic shift of the Mo’ Wax label and that music’s popularity in dance circles, particularly in after hours sessions. Pemberton heralded trip-hop as a psychedelic take on hip-hop and the first valid alternative to America’s dominance of the music.

The DNA of trip-hop was more complex than its reduction to bite-sized adjectives. One strand came from hip-hop, which had fed the musical imagination of a new generation for over a decade, while another strand came from rave, which had provided further stylistic possibilities with its fusion of drum machines, breaks, samples and synthesisers. Sound systems, digging, dub, chill-out rooms, early globalisation and technology also acted like so many molecules attaching themselves to a new idea of what hip-hop could be. Trip-hop was a logical evolution in a decade during which everyone came down from a partying high to face the reality that hip-hop and dance music were being co-opted by the mainstream; dreams of a new sonic utopia crushed by the relentless onslaught of capitalism.

Just as techno had become a synonym for dance music, trip-hop soon became a crutch for journalists and marketers wanting to signify hip-hop without rappers. Most notably, it became a byword for the Bristol sound epitomised by bands like Massive Attack and Portishead. In 1998, The New York Times retconned Massive Attack’s debut album Blue Lines as the so-called genre’s inception point.

On the ground, the sound did resonate in a genuine way among a new generation of musicians seeking freedom to experiment. In London, Ninja Tune played yin to Mo’ Wax’s yang. Both labels crafted a unique visual dimension and assembled expansive rosters. In Paris, DJ Cam pushed out his own blunted beats to eager continental heads. In Austria, Kruder & Dorfmeister added an extra layer of dub and turned trip-hop into downbeat in a haze of weed paranoia. In New York City, a loosely linked group of artists, thinkers and musicians spread from downtown Manhattan to Brooklyn’s cheap warehouses to imagine their own version of the sound, which The Wire magazine dubbed illbient. No matter the names or the execution, the DNA was the same.

It was always going to end badly. Mo’ Wax, often seen as responsible for the sound, originally kicked off riding the acid-jazz wave, a sound that soon exhausted itself into a creative cul-de-sac. By the late 1990s, trip-hop had become nothing more than limp, often stoner-friendly, coffee table hip-hop beats. It was music for people who felt rap was too dangerous. To those who believed in it though, it always held a promise of things weird and wonderful.

Alongside IDM (another etymological faux pas from the 1990s), trip-hop presaged the beat scene of the late 2000s, a continuation of the ideas and aesthetic it first articulated. When I spoke to Daddy Kev in 2012, he pointed to Mo’ Wax as one of the key influences for Low End Theory. Flying Lotus has cited DJ Krush as an influence. And tastemakers like Gilles Peterson have championed the music’s evolution across decades.

https://www.traditionrolex.com/21 In putting together this list, we tried to take all of this into account. There is no purism to indulge in, because there is nothing pure about trip-hop. As DJ Food’s Strictly Kev put it recently, at its best the music was “psychedelic beat collages, usually instrumental, embracing samples, analogue electronics and dub FX.” The list is contained to the 1990s for historical accuracy and tries to steer away from the music’s strongholds to show the width and breadth of the sound. As such, you’ll find artists from France, Northern Ireland, Japan, America, Denmark and Brazil represented as well as releases from Asphodel, Wordsound, Rephlex, Warp and a handful of majors. It’s also worth noting that when an artist had multiple worthy albums (for instance, Portishead or Massive Attack), we only included their most definitive moment.

Listen to the whole list as a playlist via YouTube  or   Spotify .

50. London Funk Allstars London Funk Volume 1 (Ninja Tune, 1995)

London Funk Allstars’ Ninja Tune debut will likely sound dated to most who come across it for the first time today. And yet, amid the simple breakbeats, classic loops and obvious vocal chops there’s a real beauty that captures the essence of a simpler time when the possibilities seemed endless and technology was providing new ways to think about music.

49. Bomb The Bass Clear (4th & Broadway, 1994)

Tim Simenon might not be the most obvious pick for a trip-hop list, but Clear exhibits plenty of the genre’s hallmarks. Tossing away the rave collage aesthetic that had made ‘Beat Dis’ such a massive success, Simenon weaves an ambitious narrative, tying together dub and hip-hop-influenced tracks with heady spoken-word clips from writers Benjamin Zephaniah and Will Self. There are also notable contributions from influential figures such as Leslie Winer (if you haven’t heard her 1993 album Witch , you should seek it out immediately), Bernard Fowler and Bim Sherman, opening up a dialogue between New York, Jamaica and the UK that would remain at the center of the genre for years to come.

48. Slicker Confidence in Duber (Hefty, 1998)

John Hughes’s Chicago-based Hefty imprint was crucial in cementing the relationship between Chicago’s burgeoning post-rock scene (led by Tortoise) and the seemingly more experimental (and more European) IDM and trip-hop genres. This union would reach its peak in 2001 with Telefon Tel Aviv’s massive Fahrenheit Fair Enough , but a few years prior, Hughes himself was making similar strides under his Slicker moniker. Confidence in Duber sits firmly alongside Scott Herren’s early Delarosa & Asora experiments, snatching the breaks ‘n’ blunts from trip-hop and injecting them with digital belches cribbed from the IDM playbook. Oddly enough, it’s aged better than you might expect, and is well worthy of re-investigation.

47. Meat Beat Manifesto Subliminal Sandwich (Interscope, 1996)

Subliminal Sandwich is Meat Beat Manifesto’s fourth album and their first on a major label via Nothing Records, a subsidiary of Interscope helmed by Trent Reznor that was intended to capitalise on the success of Nine Inch Nails. The album proved a critical and commercial flop, though it remains an interesting offering, drawing links between trip-hop, dub, industrial and ambient with a touch of psychedelia. Split across two CDs, it’s the first half that’s of most interest here as the rest focused on drone and ambient compositions. The 18 tracks draw heavily on samples and breaks combined with pulsing basslines, heavily processed vocals and an overall gritty finish that makes it sound like the bastard child of Mo’ Wax and Bill Laswell’s Axiom Records.

46. 9 Lazy 9 Paradise Blown (Ninja Tune, 1994)

Early Ninja Tune beatmakers 9 Lazy 9 might not sound as crucial now as they did back in the mid 1990s, but there’s still fun to be had on Paradise Blown , their second album. The Italy-based group (including Funki Porcini’s James Braddell) added a distinctly light-hearted lounge quality to a genre that could often dwell in the darker crevices, and as such  Paradise Blown can be filed alongside offerings from Tim ‘Love’ Lee and Tipsy, even if it’s not anywhere near as endearingly experimental.

45. UNKLE Psyence Fiction (Mo’ Wax, 1998)

Mo’ Wax boss James Lavelle’s pet project, UNKLE, remains a controversial part of the trip-hop canon. With distance, Psyence Fiction is possibly more enjoyable than it was back in 1998, and it highlights the genre’s crossover potential with guest spots from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft (then riding high after the success of ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’) and Badly Drawn Boy, but it’s hard not to see it as a slightly cynical marketing exercise. DJ Shadow, who was drafted to co-write the album, was quick to speak out about his unhappiness with both the process and the result, but Psyence Fiction is representative of a time and place, and shows trip-hop’s promise as it was being co-opted and transformed into something that labels could whitewash and monetize. Zero 7 was just around the corner.

44. Tipsy Trip Tease – The Seductive Sounds of Tipsy (Asphodel, 1996)

It might be a stretch to classify Tipsy as trip-hop, but the Californian duo of Tim Digulla and David Gardner certainly used many of the same tools as their European peers. Pillaging loops from a wide variety of lounge and exotica records, Digulla and Gardner came up with a dusty, defiant and undoubtedly downbeat look at sound collage. Since it veered away from obvious breaks and beats, Trip Tease actually holds up markedly better than some other records of the era, and ends up sounding closer in style to David Holmes, with a smoky, cinematic quality.

43. Justin Warfield Field Trip To Planet 9 (Qwest, 1993)

Released a year before the term trip-hop was coined in Mixmag , Justin Warfield’s first and only solo album is included here largely thanks to Strictly Kev, who recently pointed out its relevance  with regard to the music’s supposed psychedelic properties. My Field Trip To Planet 9 is a rap album, cut from the same cloth as Check Your Head -era Beastie Boys and Digable Planets. But remove its vocals and behold music that sounds like it wouldn’t be out of place on Mo’ Wax or Ninja Tune a few years later. At its best, trip-hop was music for b-boys on acid, as Warfield sang on the album’s single. A year later, he provided the vocals for Bomb The Bass’s ‘Bug Powder Dust’, another bonafide rap-on-acid classic that got the trip-hop treatment via Paris’s La Funk Mob and Vienna’s Kruder & Dorfmeister.

42. Smith & Mighty Bass Is Maternal (More Rockers/!K7, 1995)

You can’t have a conversation about trip-hop without mentioning Bristol, and you can’t talk about the Bristol scene without giving a nod to Smith & Mighty. The West Country duo took soundsystem culture and a hefty scoop of the ideas informing an increasingly popular jungle scene and helped formulate an entire sound. Without them, Portishead, Tricky and Massive Attack simply wouldn’t sound the same. Bass Is Maternal is the best representation of their scope, and illustrates their experimentation as they attempted to summarize the meeting point between UK rave culture and Jamaican dub. It’s not always successful, but to ignore it is to disregard an important chapter in British musical history.

41. DJ Vadim U.S.S.R Repertoire (The Theory of Verticality) (Ninja Tune, 1996)

The first of Vadim’s four albums for Ninja Tune, U.S.S.R Repertoire is a weeded-out take on an American musical form by a Russian immigrant living in the English capital – an instrumental microcosm of hip-hop’s globalisation. Beneath a layer of simplicity, there is depth to Vadim’s approach; the beats feel expansive, the music inviting the listener to cradle in the grooves of the breaks and warmth of the bass. Much of this debut also acts as an echo of what Wordsound and We™ were doing across the ocean at the same time. As Vadim’s 1995 debut on his own Jazz Fudge imprint proclaimed, heads weren’t ready.

40. Funki Porcini Hed Phone Sex (Ninja Tune, 1995)

After a decade penning film and TV music in Italy, British producer James Braddell decided to head to London and set up his own studio, where he would use some of his commercial writing tricks to come up with Funki Porcini, one of the most recognizable names on Ninja Tune’s early roster. This was trip-hop with a side helping of very English humour, from the moniker itself to the record’s awkwardly suggestive cover. Musically, Braddell laid out a template that would be traced over for years to come with his combination of dusty hip-hop rhythms and booming dub bass. The swirling, reverb-drenched samples just added an extra layer of thick smoke to an already bloodshot premise.

39. Red Snapper Prince Blimey (Warp, 1996)

If the elephant in the room here is acid jazz, Red Snapper are one of the rare acts who addressed it head-on. Prince Blimey is their first full-length and is certainly more overtly jazzy than most of the records we’ve highlighted on this list. That’s not a negative though, the trio – a bassist, guitarist and drummer – had genuine chops, and managed to inject their musical training into a more contemporary mode, touching on trip-hop and drum & bass without ever sounding forced. It’s a concoction that might now sound too close to the coffee table dreck that sat next to a copy of American Psycho and a rolled up tenner at the close of the millennium, but Red Snapper managed, somehow, to keep things edgy and unusual. They even, somewhat inexplicably, ended up touring with The Prodigy.

38. Various Artists DJ Kicks: Kruder & Dorfmeister (!K7, 1996)

Despite becoming the figureheads of Austria’s downbeat scene (a continental take on trip-hop), Viennese duo Kruder & Dorfmeister never released an album. Instead it was through their debut EP, G-Stoned , and absurdly popular mix CDs that they accrued fame. Their 1996 contribution to !K7’s DJ-Kicks series captured the sweet spot between the blunted grooves of chill-out rooms and the rolling breaks of jungle, an approach they’d refine two years later on The K&D Sessions . K&D’s arrival on the scene came at a time when trip-hop had started to resemble a safe version of hip-hop for those seeking thrills without effort, and their mixes remain as close as you can get to the bland, coffee table take on the genre without feeling too sick.

37. Wagon Christ Throbbing Pouch (Rising High Records, 1994)

With releases under a variety of aliases on seminal labels like Ninja Tune, Mo’ Wax, Planet Mu and Rephlex throughout the 1990s, Luke Vibert is one of the artists that best connects the dots between the various styles and ideas that fed into trip-hop. His second release as Wagon Christ pieces together elements from hip-hop, the burgeoning UK dance music scene and electro into a colourful sonic puzzle that glides along in splendid fashion. Or as Select put it at the time, “the missing link between Aphex Twin and Mo’ Wax.”

36. Tim ‘Love’ Lee Confessions of a Selector (Tummy Touch, 1997)

As boss of the Tummy Touch label, Tim ‘Love’ Lee had an important part to play in the development of downbeat and trip-hop, not least thanks to his discovery of future genre stars Groove Armada, but the less said about that the better. Confessions of a Selector might be his finest achievement, not quite reaching fully into the trip-hop cookie jar, instead relying on Lee’s estimable crate digging expertise. The hallmarks of the genre are there, but prettied up with luscious tropical vistas and an eccentric (but smart) cut-and-paste quality that isn’t a million miles from US duo Tipsy.

35. Psychonauts Time Machine (Mo’ Wax, 1998)

Psychonauts were Mo’ Wax’s secret weapon, so much so that James Lavelle had them provide mixes under his name – ghost mixed, if you will. Time Machine was his payment for services rendered, and it’s a fine document of the era, not only rounding up some of Mo’ Wax’s finest moments, but also showing just how important turntablism and truly creative mixing was to the scene’s development. Most songs don’t get more than a minute of air time as the duo power through almost 50 tracks in half an hour, blending together cuts from genre luminaries DJ Krush, Luke Vibert, DJ Shadow, La Funk Mob and more. If you need a quick-to-digest taster of the genre, this is as good as it gets.

34. Prince Paul Psychoanalysis (What Is It?) (Wordsound, 1996)

We can already hear the furious typing of wronged hip-hop heads asking with disgust why Prince Paul is even on this list. Psychoanalysis is here for a bunch of reasons: it was originally released by Wordsound, a label most associated (wrongly or not) with illbient, NYC’s answer to trip-hop; it’s a rare example of a fully instrumental hip-hop album from a city that, in the 1990s, had no time for anything that didn’t have rappers on it (Skiz Fernando Jr., who ran the label, recounted stories of Fat Beats refusing to stock the album at the time); and it’s basically 15 tracks of Prince Paul taking his whole skit philosophy to its most absurd conclusion. For all these reasons and more, Psychoanalysis remains a slept-on classic from the 1990s, a half-way point between trip-hop’s European roots and its infatuation with American hip-hop.

33. The Herbalizer Blow Your Headphones (Ninja Tune, 1997)

Jake Wherry and Ollie Teeba’s The Herbalizer project was a fine example of trip-hop’s most visible back-and-forth with “proper” hip-hop. They weren’t afraid to work with emcees, and on Blow Your Headphones , their second album, they found a kindred spirit in Natural Resource’s What? What?, now better known as Jean Grae. She added an important element to Wherry and Teeba’s jazz-flecked backdrops, and while it’s certainly true that many of trip-hop’s consumers were looking for a safer alternative to charged US rap, The Herbalizer walked the tightrope admirably, and were markedly more successful in bridging the genres than many of their peers, who buckled when attempting to integrate emcees.

32. The Bug Tapping the Conversation (Wordsound, 1997)

Another release that will likely raise a few eyebrows for its inclusion, The Bug’s debut album nonetheless fits within the wider idea of what trip-hop could, and should, be about. There are a few other reasons too: it was released on Wordsound; DJ Vadim provided the drum samples; and, like the best trip-hop releases of the 1990s, it was a soundtrack for life, with the listener invited to let their mind fill in the blanks. The blend of hip-hop, dub and industrial influences that would go on to characterise Martin’s work is found here at its rawest and tracks like ‘Those Tapes Are Dangerous’ show a darker side to trip-hop’s blunted potential.

31. Neotropic Mr Brubaker’s Strawberry Alarm Clock (Ntone, 1998)

Riz Maslen is often more widely associated with electronica (no doubt thanks to her early association with Future Sound of London), but her second Neotropic album Mr Brubaker’s Strawberry Alarm Clock is one of the trip-hop era’s hidden gems. The record appeared on the Ninja Tune sister label Ntone, and is one of the few full-lengths on this list that still sounds truly bizarre and alien. On top of the usual dusty breaks, Maslen lavished elements absorbed from IDM’s palette but left behind its seemingly random, artificial bent. The conversation between trip-hop and IDM was very visible in the late 90s – Plaid being the most obvious example – but Maslen avoided many of the trappings of both scenes, emerging with a record that was probably “too future” for most beatheads.

30. Various Artists Headz (A Soundtrack Of Experimental Beathead Jams.) (Mo’ Wax, 1994)

After a forgettable false start peddling iffy acid jazz, Mo’ Wax made a stylistic shift in 1994, kickstarting a four-year period that continues to resonate two decades on. The first Headz compilation is a neat 18-track digest of that transition, a declaration of what was to come. Influences, ambitions and comments on the status quo of the time are found in the slowed down grooves and samples as well as the track titles: ‘Ravers Suck Our Sound’, ‘Contemplating Jazz’, ‘In Flux’, ‘The Time Has Come’. The titular beatheads may have seemed like a stoned, uncreative bunch at the time but their aesthetic has proven resilient. Alongside obvious names like DJ Shadow, La Funk Mob and R.P.M, Headz also featured Nightmares On Wax, Autechre, Howie B. and various members of Major Force.

29. Various Artists Eleven Phases (Sublime, 1998)

Eleven Phases is a true gem, a little-known compilation of downtempo and instrumental tracks from many of Detroit’s finest techno artists including Robert Hood, Kenny Larkin, Eddie Fowlkes and Anthony Shakir. Originally released in Japan only, the compilation makes for a fascinating snapshot of the hip-hop roots and leanings of the city’s dance music pioneers. Will Web’s ‘Cosmic Kung-Fu Funk’ slows down techno’s rawness to a blunted, hip-hop-influenced slouch while Robert Hood’s ‘Mystique’ wouldn’t be out of place on a !K7 compilation. Despite emerging entirely outside of the 1990s trip-hop world, Eleven Phases shows how the core ideas and principles of the aesthetic bled into various scenes and cities throughout the decade.

28. Solex Solex vs. Hitmeister (Matador, 1998)

It makes sense that one of the best (and weirdest) records in a genre that deifies crate diggers should come from a record store owner. Elisabeth Esselink’s debut album was hard to categorize when it landed in 1998, there were elements pilfered from plenty of genres but not really enough of one or the other for categorization. Not only this, but Solex vs. Hitmeister emerged on the Matador label, then best known for releasing indie records. It was certainly aimed at a different crowd from the usual green-thumbed beatheads with a complete collection of Mo’ Wax 12″s and a line of Gundam figurines on their desk, and that was a good thing. Esselink was a breath of fresh air, and Solex vs. Hitmeister ‘s peculiar charms still resonate as she tangles her voice through hiccuping collages of unwieldy samples and collapsing drum machine loops.

27. Various Artists Funkjazztical Tricknology (Ninja Tune, 1995)

Released in 1995, the first Ninja Tune compilation arrived between the two Headz volumes from Mo’ Wax, providing a perfect counterpoint that showed how similar yet different the London powerhouses were at the time. Focused largely on early Ninja artists such as 9 Lazy 9, The Herbaliser, Coldcut and DJ Food, it also features appearance from Austria’s downbeat kings Kruder & Dorfmeister and Attica Blues, who had just joined Mo’ Wax. As with the first Headz volume, Funkjazztical Tricknology also marked the beginning of a shift for Ninja Tune with its releases becoming essential not just for the music but also their design, packaging and words of in-house scribe Shane Solanki, who invented the Ninjaspeak that played into the label’s growing mythos.

26. DJ Food Recipe For Disaster (New Breed, 1995)

No other artist embodies Ninja Tune quite like DJ Food, the multifaceted DJ project set up in the early days of the label by its founders, Coldcut. As its name implies, DJ Food was set up to provide DJs with the necessary ingredients to do their thing. For the first five years, the collective – Coldcut, Strictly Kev and PC – released loops and other tools via the Jazz Brakes series, some of which is great, while some is just as forgettable as the more tepid early Mo’ Wax releases. In 1995, DJ Food went for a meatier offering with their debut album, A Recipe For Disaster . Using the same approach that had made their Solid Steel mixes and live appearances unmissable, they pieced together 16 tracks that veer from downtempo moody to breakbeat furious and proved that they knew their way around the trip-hop kitchen just as well as the best of them.

25. DJ Krush & Toshinori Kondo Ki Oku (Apollo, 1996)

The collision of avant-garde jazz and trip-hop was bound to happen. Experimental players throughout the world were desperate to open up a conversation with younger producers, and trip-hop (as well as drum & bass) was an obvious crash-pad, considering its liberal pilfering of the genre via sampling. Ki Oku is one of the best examples of this collision, despite trumpeter Toshinori Kondo turning in a surprisingly straightforward performance throughout. (This is a musician who had gone head to head with Peter Brötzmann and John Zorn – we weren’t exactly expecting him to toot out a cover of Bob Marley’s ‘Sun Is Shining’.) But it works. What could, in the wrong hands, have been one of the worst abuses of both jazz and trip-hop tropes, is actually remarkably measured and incredibly listenable.

24. We™ As Is. (Asphodel, 1997)

We™ formed by accident in the early 1990s after DJ Olive had been asked to contribute a track to Wordsound’s Certified Dope Vol.1 compilation for which he roped in fellow Brooklyn musicians Lloop and Once11. In the following years the trio became one of the emblematic acts of New York’s short-lived illbient scene, drunk off the possibilities afforded by the experiments that drove their creative ecosystem, where ambient, dub and hip-hop floated freely in a haze of smoke between cheap Brooklyn lofts and downtown squats. Their 1997 debut for Asphodel is a blistering run through hip-hop instrumentals, ambient lulls and drum & bass exercises that highlight the music’s chill-out roots and breakbeat fetish.

23. Amon Tobin Bricolage (Ninja Tune, 1997)

Known for his virtuoso sound design and increasingly complicated A/V shows, Brazilian producer Amon Tobin might seem like an odd addition to a list of trip-hop albums, but bear with us. His second album Bricolage emerged from the dust of trip-hop, appearing on Ninja Tune and offering a view of the scene through cracked glass. Tobin provided a more precise (and, let’s be honest, less stoned) take on the trip-hop sound, absorbing drum & bass and IDM influences without batting an eyelid. The result is an accomplished midpoint between the edit-heavy trickery of Squarepusher and Aphex Twin and the moody soundscapes of Krush, Vibert and Shadow.

22. Third Eye Foundation Semtex (Linda’s Strange Vacation, 1996)

Matt Elliott may have been a total outlier to most of the scenes that piled up to intersect at trip-hop, but Semtex is an example of how certain musicians could absorb familiar tropes without sacrificing originality. Elliott’s Third Eye Foundation debut fused breaks and booming sub bass with sounds more common to shoegaze: endless reverb, screaming and grizzled distortion. Traces of drum & bass (which would emerge more clearly on Elliott’s follow-up album Ghost ) slipped in-and-out of focus, and Semtex doesn’t really feel like part of one movement or another, rather adjacent and dizzy from ether and cheap draw. If anyone tries to tell you Bristol was just Portishead, Tricky and Roni Size, play ’em this burner.

21. Attica Blues Attica Blues (Mo’ Wax, 1997)

Like many of the artists and albums featured in this list, Attica Blues is trip-hop thanks to the location and affiliations of its creators at the time. A trio composed of producers Charlie Dark (then D’Afro) and Tony Nwachukwu (of CD-R fame) alongside singer Roba El-Essawy, Attica Blues made jazz-influenced hip-hop that happened to have a woman singing on it instead of emcees rapping. In the 1990s, thanks to genre purism, that meant your shit wasn’t rap and therefore wasn’t hip-hop. Attica Blues is one of Mo’ Wax’s better and more slept-on full lengths, a deft exercise in sampling, programming and arranging, back when doing so took more than a few clicks of a mouse.

The best trip-hop owed plenty both to the art of mixing and the cut-and-paste aesthetic of the 1980s, which is why a handful of releases on this list are mix CDs rather than albums. Cold Krush Cuts is a perfect example of how those two ideas influenced the music at its peak, and has the bonus of acting as a handshake between the two London labels most associated with the tag. Krush was Mo’ Wax’s Japanese weapon, and Coldcut and DJ Food were Ninja’s own zen masters of audio collage. The result is a still-classic double CD with the London boys arguably edging it thanks to a wide selection and craftsmanship reminiscent of their acclaimed Journeys By DJ entry; DJ Krush goes for the mind, limiting his selections to only six of Ninja Tune’s artists and slicing the cuts up in his trademark less-is-more approach.

19. Depth Charge 9 Deadly Venoms (Vinyl Solution, 1994)

A natural progression from the movie-obsessed NY rap of Wu-Tang Clan et al, 9 Deadly Venoms used a backbone of cult film samples to underpin gritty hip-hop instrumentals that helped inform a fast-growing scene. This was the blueprint for the Mo’ Wax 12″s to come: music based around the kind of nerd fandom that in 1994 was still a counter-culture. It still plays like an authentic labour of love for Jonathan Saul Kane, as he blends chops from The Evil Dead and Dirty Harry with collapsing breaks and ominous textures – it’s hardly surprising that the producer ended up establishing a company to issue UK versions of Hong Kong action movies.

18. Nearly God Nearly God (Island, 1996)

Described by Tricky as “a collection of brilliant, incomplete demos,” Nearly God is a bright, often-forgotten reminder of just how unmatched Tricky was in the 1990s. He called the record Nearly God , for fuck’s sake, and that wasn’t far from the truth. The album acted as a stop-gap between Tricky’s genre-defining Maxinquaye  and his difficult (but almost equally brilliant) about-turn, Pre-Millenium Tension . It stands apart simply because of its scope – there are appearances from regular collaborator Martina Topley-Bird, but also tracks with Alison Moyet, Björk, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Terry Hall. What sounds like it could have been a self-indulgent victory lap for (back then) one of the UK’s most notorious stars is somehow a coherent, exemplary document of a peculiar time in British music. Tricky also has to be commended for having the good sense to veto a collaboration with Damon Albarn (and then Suggs) which could have easily been the straw that broke the camel’s back.

17. Skylab #2: 1999 “Large As Life And Twice As Natural” (Eye Q , 1999)

Skylab was a short-lived collective composed of Matt Ducasse, Howie B and the Japanese duo of Tosh and Kudo, aka Love TKO from Major Force. They released two albums on Sven Vath’s Eye Q label before disappearing, and their work was among the better but lesser-known of the trip-hop era. Ducasse has gone on record to state that their attachment with the genre was unintentional and that he saw their work as “more expansive, […] more in common with collage music […] or soundtracks.” And yet, those ideas were also at the heart of what the best trip-hop could be. In many ways Skylab were not so different to Portishead in both their intentions and execution. Their second album was released just as the label folded, leading it disappear into the cracks of time until a reissue by Tummy Touch earlier this year. Howie B had left by this point, and vocalist Debbie Sanders joined the trio to craft a beautiful record which really goes out there and was praised by both critics and knowledgeable fans.

16. Laika Silver Apples of the Moon (Too Pure, 1994)

Emerging from post-rock band Moonshake, Laika orbited the trip-hop genre without succumbing to many of its less flattering trappings. When guitarist and vocalist Margaret Fiedler commented in 1995 that her band was “just like trip-hop, but much much faster,” she was doing herself a massive disservice. A cursory listen might not even reveal too many obvious similarities – like Portishead, Laika were taking elements of post-rock, krautrock and certainly hip-hop to provide something reactionary, and different from the pervasive, laddish Britpop that was polluting the charts at the time. While their contemporaries Stereolab (and later, Broadcast) were experimenting with drum machines and synthesizers, Laika were integrating samples and a deep passion for jazz and dub. Silver Apples of the Moon is one of the most singular albums on this list, and one of the most rewarding.

15. Nightmares on Wax Smokers Delight (Warp, 1995)

Few records from this era quite capture the nexus of styles that trip-hop could represent at its best than Nightmares On Wax’s second album for Warp. Pulling from the same influences that defined the late 1980s rave explosion, Smokers Delight reconfigured the UK’s summer of love for the Discman generation while remaining just as suited to chill-out room comedowns or Ibiza sunset sessions.

14. REQ One (Skint, 1997)

Sure, Skint might still be best known for breaking Fatboy Slim, but don’t turn away just yet. Brighton-based producer (and sometime graf writer) REQ offered up one of the most blunted takes on the genre, almost by accident. His compositions didn’t pander to the popularity of the growing trip-hop scene, instead dwelling in a noisy, near-ambient back room. He made hip-hop instrumentals that sounded like they were being beamed in from a parallel universe via 14.4kbps modem, and in doing so, avoided being both pigeonholed and, well, popular. His brilliant debut album One has barely dated, fitting as well alongside DJ Spooky or even Dälek as it does anything the Bristol scene had to offer. One sounds, at times, like an MPC tumbling down a distant stairwell into a muddy lake, and we couldn’t think of a better recommendation than that.

13. Crooklyn Dub Consortium Certified Dope Vol.1 (Wordsound, 1995)

Skiz Fernando Jr.’s Wordsound label was in many ways the dubbed-out New York answer to Mo’ Wax, a home for what its founder coined dub-hop: music that blended the dusty boom bap that ruled the city at the time with the mixing desk mysticism of Jamaican dub. Certified Dope Vol.1 was Fernando’s attempt at cataloguing the music of like-minded artists who populated the Greenpoint and Williamsburg neighbourhoods in the early 1990s, including the likes of We™, Dr. Israel and Bill Laswell. Swinging like a pendulum between full-on dub and head-nod instrumentals, the compilation was one of the first to highlight the parallels between hip-hop’s sampling aesthetic and Jamaica’s dub.

12. DJ Krush Meiso (Mo’ Wax / Sony, 1995)

I imagine that choosing a favourite DJ Krush album is a little like asking parents to pick their favourite kid. A perfectionist who infused an American cultural import with the meticulousness of his own culture, the Japanese producer was the Far East’s answer to DJ Shadow, and together they would become Mo’ Wax’s flagship artists. On Meiso he dug for samples and looped them with the same precision, sensitivity and attention to detail as the finest calligrapher or ukiyo-e artist. The addition of CL Smooth, The Roots’ Black Thought and Malik B as well as Big Shug and Guru showed that trip-hop’s instrumental aesthetic could also provide the backdrop for some fine rap moments.

11. David Holmes Let’s Get Killed (Go! Beat, 1997)

For his second album, Belfast’s David Holmes walked around New York on acid recording voices and sounds. The results were weaved into the music for Let’s Get Killed which, like his 1995 debut, acts as a sort of soundtrack for an imaginary movie. The process also resulted in one of the best albums of the era – a psychedelic collage of rhythms, textures and styles that jumps between hip-hop, dub and dance music and rests on the back of Holmes’ urban trip.  Let’s Get Killed  has aged gracefully and still sounds just as engrossing as it did nearly 20 years ago.

10. DJ Spooky Songs of a Dead Dreamer (Asphodel, 1996)

Say what you like about Spooky and his over-explanation (those liner notes) and academic slant, Songs of a Dead Dreamer might sound better now than it did back in 1996. Hobbled at the time by the “illbient” tag, Spooky had come to the same conclusions as many of his European contemporaries: that a blend of hip-hop rhythms, dub bass and ambient soundscapes sounded pretty damn inspiring. Songs of a Dead Dreamer is his crowning achievement, and while its construction is relatively simple – loops fed through Spooky’s desk and piped through various effects – the effect is hypnotic and beguiling. While others may have pilfered from dub at a surface level, Spooky was using the Jamaican techniques (mixing board trickery, tape delay etc) to produce alien soundscapes that were a million miles from the comparatively safe sounds of Up, Bustle and Out or Funki Porcini.

9. DJ Cam Abstract Manifesto (P-Vine, 1996)

Soon after his debut in 1994, Paris’s DJ Cam positioned himself as the European equivalent to DJ Krush and DJ Shadow – a hip-hop enthusiast capable of weaving together abstract, blunted beats with finesse. Within a few years, he’d parlayed his underground kudos for an attempt at more standard rap fare. Abstract Manifesto is one of his lesser-known releases, a Japan-only album that tapped into the same minimal approach as Krush with added jazz flourishes and junglistic detours. ‘No Competition’ remains one of his best compositions to date, and a staple of sets from the era.

8. Major Force West 93-97 (Mo’ Wax, 1999)

It’s testament to the power of the ideas underpinning trip-hop at the time that this list includes an album spearheaded by a Japanese pop musician who had a hand in the new wave movement. Major Force was the name of Toshio Nakanishi’s hip-hop project, originally conceived in 1988 after a near-decade long infatuation with the music. Comprised of Nakanishi and former Melon bandmates Gota Yashiki and Masayuki Kudo, Major Force released new material as well as an anthology titled The Original Art-Form on Mo’ Wax in the mid-to-late 1990s. The latter is well worth your time, featuring early work and collaborations with Bristol’s DJ Milo, another link in the global thread that supported the music’s most daring leaps. In a 2014 interview, Nakanishi admitted that his fascination with hip-hop stemmed from recognising its links with Burroughs’ cut-ups, stating that “in collage, something happens where you never expected it to.”

93-97 compiles the group’s work during their years living in London, hence the twist to their name. It’s a brilliant and bizarre collection of ideas from a culturally out-of-place trio, who got it because they were so far from the “it” everyone was talking about. In those same years, Nakanishi and Kudo also worked as part of Skylab and you can hear similarities in this collection with the latter’s #1 debut album, especially in how the best of it isn’t the downtempo beats but the drawn-out compositions which have the feel of improvised studio jams. Later on in his interview, Nakanishi points out that London, at the time, felt as psychedelic as the 1960s, with the group seeking to inject some of this spirit into hip-hop, which in England was called trip-hop.

7. Various Artists Headz 2 (Mo’ Wax, 1996)

Just as the first Headz marked Mo’ Wax’s ascendance, the second compilation crowned its achievements and enshrined its best-known artists in an expansive collection of 53 tracks. While the first volume feels a little dated, Headz 2 has aged remarkably well, in part thanks to its broad representation of what trip-hop could be and where it came from. That means music from the Beastie Boys, UNKLE, Money Mark, The Black Dog, Dillinja, DJ Shadow, Danny Breaks, Tortoise and Urban Tribe among many. Headz 2 is also testament to James Lavelle’s impeccable A&R skills, and his talent for making sense of the various 1990s post-rave threads that informed the music.

6. Leila Like Weather (Rephlex, 1998)

Leila Arab’s debut album stuck out like a sore thumb when it appeared on Rephlex in 1998. Not because it was more extreme than Rephlex’s usual fare, but because it was actually a proper album, with songs, a narrative and little of the label’s usual tongue-in-cheek antics. Arab had pieced together a hazy, underwater daydream of a record with half-heard soul, pop and chiming ice cream truck electronics swirling together in a soup of memory and emotion. Not quite trip-hop and not quite illbient, it certainly wasn’t IDM either, despite an intriguing “post production” credit from a certain Richard D. James. It’s one of the most disarming records of the era, and manages to fulfil the promise of trip-hop without succumbing to its trappings. Like Weather might be the one record on this list that has the most in common with Maxinquaye , and that should tell you something about its quality.

5. Luke Vibert Big Soup (Mo’ Wax, 1997)

Luke Vibert’s first record under his real name, Big Soup summed up the Mo’ Wax catalogue perfectly, even if Vibert was only casually adjacent to the scene. Maybe that helped, as his productions have stood the test of time, sitting somewhere in between the sample-rich collages of DJ Shadow and the tight, precise constructions of DJ Krush and Major Force. The thing that Vibert had and which many of his peers always lacked was a sense of humour, and as track titles like ‘No Turn Unstoned’ might suggest, that helped remove some of the inherent pretentiousness of the scene, breaking down another barrier that walled it off to potential listeners. Vibert’s produced more complicated records since, and he’s produced more successful records too, but Big Soup is a perfect picture of a certain moment in time, painted with a British eccentricity that cuts through the posturing that would later derail the scene.

4. Massive Attack Blue Lines (Island, 1991)

In a 1998 feature for The New York Times , Guy Garcia posited Blue Lines as the blueprint for trip-hop, an argument that holds some weight if you consider that parts of the album were as old as the days of The Wild Bunch, from which the trio emerged. Blue Lines made its mark thanks to a mix of ideas: England’s love affair with sound systems; the comedown from its own summer of love in 1989; and hip-hop’s nascent dominance and rapacious aesthetic. Blue Lines was all of these things and more. Whether or not you consider it trip-hop is at this point in time purely a matter of personal beliefs and largely irrelevant considering its legacy. In 2009, Daddy G told The Observer : “What we were trying to do was create dance music for the head, rather than the feet.” A statement of intent for trip-hop if there ever was one.

3. DJ Shadow Endtroducing (Mo’ Wax, 1996)

DJ Shadow’s first album for Mo’ Wax is the kind of debut that places the bar so high in its mastery of a new musical vocabulary that even its creator can never hope to better it, forever living beneath the weight of what he’s accomplished. Endtroducing is the lingua franca of trip-hop, an album crafted by a hip-hop fanatic outside of any direct sphere of influence but his own. Like all of the releases on this list, to define Endtroducing as trip-hop is to limit it, to take away the transformative powers it had to imbue listeners with a new understanding of the potentials of hip-hop as an instrumental music. It’s not just the music that made hip-hop suck in 1996, it was also the critics who couldn’t conceive that albums like Endtroducing were what they claimed to be and nothing more.

2. Portishead Dummy (Go! Beat, 1994)

Portishead’s 1994 debut was soaked in the same DIY, melting pot approach that typified much of Bristol’s output at the time. From Massive Attack to Smith & Mighty and early Full Cycle releases, the city’s greatest hits in that decade were all about the blending of aesthetics with a brazen irreverence for rules. As a result the music felt both impossible and irresistible. Two decades on, Dummy still sounds as hypnotic and engrossing as it did then, a gritty take on hip-hop, 1960s movie soundtracks and traditional songwriting that laid bare the potentials afforded by sidestepping rigid genre formats.

1. Tricky Maxinquaye (Island, 1995)

This is the one, really. Tricky named his debut solo album after his mother, Maxine Quaye, and that should already indicate just how personal the record is. He’d sharpened his skills as a member of Massive Attack (indeed some of his rhymes from Blue Lines were recycled here), but his solo material went far beyond his former collaborators’ scope. Tricky was pulling from a darker well, and allowed his struggles, both external and internal, to sit at the album’s epicentre. The result was some of the most tortured and original electronic music cut to wax which gave birth to an era where “weird” became fashionable.

He was assisted by his then-girlfriend Martina Topley-Bird, whose nonchalant purrs offered a foil for Tricky’s hoarse raps. She was the smooth to Tricky’s tab-addled rough, and grounded the project for many listeners, no doubt helping people to lump it in with the similarly located Portishead.

Tricky hated being labeled trip-hop (“This is not a coffee table album. I don’t think you can have dinner parties to it,” he stated in 1996) and has rallied against it ever since, but there can be no argument that, for better or for worse, he left an indelible mark on British music, electronic and otherwise. If covering Public Enemy’s racially charged ‘Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos’ and recasting Chuck D as a mixed-race female from Bristol (singing, instead of rapping) isn’t hitting the genre’s conceit squarely in the face, we’re not sure what is. “If I supposedly invented it, why not call it Tricky-hop?” he said, before releasing Pre-Millenium Tension . He wasn’t wrong.

More from Featured Top

Patch Notes: Atomised Listening

Friday, June 7

Interview: Lyra Pramuk

Friday, April 5

Interview: 404.zero

Friday, March 29

Feature: object blue

Friday, March 22

Interview: Martine Syms

Friday, March 15

Interview: Rabit

Friday, March 8

Interview: Ivan Michael Blackstock

Friday, February 23

Interview: VTSS & Actual Objects

Friday, February 16

Interview: Theo Triantafyllidis

Monday, February 12

United Visual Artists: Synchronicity

Wednesday, February 7

More from Featured Stories

The Vinyl Factory celebrates art and sound with immersive exhibition at 180 Studios

Thursday, April 11

9 years ago

2 months ago

4 months ago

5 months ago

6 months ago

7 months ago

8 months ago

11 months ago

2 years ago

• The Most Famous Rapper in the World Right Now
• Who Puts on the Best Live Show?
• Diss Tracks That Disrespected
• British Rappers
• Best Rappers of the 2000s
• New York Rappers
• The Greatest Rappers of the Decade
• Florida Rappers
• Southern Rappers
• New School Rappers
• All-Time Greatest
• Lyrical Geniuses
• Worst of All Time
• Best Hip Hop Albums Ever
• '90s Rappers
• Rappers with the Most Respect
• White Rappers
• Female Rappers
• '80s Rappers
• Funniest Rappers
• Rappers Who Are Already Gone
• Young and New School Rappers
• Surprisingly Great Singers
• Chicago Rappers
• Jamaican Rappers
• Los Angeles Rappers
• The Best New Rappers of 2024
• The Best Rappers of 2024
• The 25+ Shortest Rappers

The 40+ Best Trip Hop Artists, Ranked

If you are ready for a journey through one of the most eclectic music forms, consider trip hop. Trip hop music awakens the senses and unlocks a treasure trove of rhythm, style and emotion. This genre is steeped in the roots of British electronica, breakbeat, and hip hop. It's fascinating to wend your way through a collection of the finest trip hop artists whose songs have made a profound impact on music scenes globally. 

The best trip hop groupspaint an enchanting picture of profound musical innovation, blending various styles to create something unique and potent. Their transformative influence on trip hop's evolution becomes apparent with each resonating beat and soulful lyric. The music vibrates with a deep resonance that echoes across the mainstream and indie audiences, highlighting the uniqueness of each artist and their indelible mark on the genre. 

In the illustrious lineup of trip hop artists, certain names stand out. These include top trip hop bands like Portishead , Massive Attack, and Tricky. Portishead's hauntingly beautiful melodies tug at the heartstrings of the listeners, making the band famous. Massive Attack, with their groundbreaking albums, brought a new perspective to the genre, a testament to their status among the best trip hop artists. Tricky melded raw emotion with creative beats resulting in a distinctive sound that resonates with fans to this day. Their achievements, ranging from memorable songs and classic albums to prestigious awards, speak volumes about their stature in the trip hop universe. 

Reflecting on the history of trip hop music and its best artists presents a captivating saga of artistic expression, innovation, and boundary-pushing beats. Distinguished by their individual style and contributions, these trip hop bands have set new standards for the genre with magical tunes that continue to inspire, entertain, and move audiences around the world. 

Portishead, the brainchild of Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons, and Adrian Utley, revolutionized trip hop in the 90s with their groundbreaking albums Dummy  and Portishead . With a hauntingly atmospheric sound that flawlessly combined eerie vocal melodies, innovative sampling techniques, and cinematic soundscapes, Portishead captured the imagination of music lovers everywhere. They managed to push the boundaries of the genre by blending elements of jazz, electronica, and rock, ultimately creating a hypnotic experience that became synonymous with the trip hop movement. To this day, Portishead remains a luminary of the scene, continuously inspiring generations of artists with their emotive and timeless compositions.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Portishead   - "Glory Box"   - "Sour Times"   - "Roads"

Dive Into Portishead's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "It's a Fire"   - "Over"

• # 682 of 863 on The 250+ Greatest Rock Bands Of All Time, Ranked
• # 1001 of 1,150 on The Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
• # 41 of 69 on The Best Musical Trios Of All-Time

Massive Attack

Massive Attack, hailing from Bristol, England, have long been considered pioneers in the realm of trip hop. The trio, consisting of Robert Del Naja, Grant Marshall, and Andy Vowles, crafted a unique sound that seamlessly merged elements of dub, reggae, soul, and electronica. Their seminal album Blue Lines  served as a blueprint for trip hop, boasting an array of downtempo beats, ethereal ambience, and thought-provoking lyricism. Massive Attack's innovation and experimentation within the genre have solidified their legacy as one of the most influential trip hop acts of all time.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Massive Attack   - "Teardrop"   - "Unfinished Sympathy"   - "Angel"

Dive Into Massive Attack's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Karmacoma"   - "Black Milk"

• # 965 of 1,150 on The Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
• # 233 of 307 on The Greatest Musical Artists of the '90s
• # 135 of 248 on The Most Hipster Bands

UK-based artist Tricky, born Adrian Thaws, quickly emerged as a trip hop icon with the release of his debut album, Maxinquaye . His distinct fusion of hip hop, rock, and electronica resonated with listeners seeking something more subversive and experimental within the genre. Drawing heavily on his Jamaican roots and experiences growing up in Bristol, Tricky's music showcased his powerful storytelling abilities and otherworldly production skills. As a result, Tricky has remained an essential figure within the trip hop scene, continuously pushing the envelope with each successive release.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Tricky   - "Hell is Round the Corner"   - "Black Steel"   - "Ponderosa"

Dive Into Tricky's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Vent"   - "Christiansands"

• # 286 of 307 on The Greatest Musical Artists of the '90s
• # 41 of 91 on The Best Electronic Bands & Artists
• # 17 of 219 on The Best Intelligent Dance Music DJs/Artists

Morcheeba, a British trio consisting of siblings Paul and Ross Godfrey and vocalist Skye Edwards, captivated listeners with their polished blend of trip hop, electronica, and pop. Their debut album Who Can You Trust?  served as a prime example of their ability to create moody, atmospheric compositions that showcased Edwards' sultry vocal stylings. Morcheeba's ability to navigate the diverse sonic landscape of trip hop while maintaining a strong focus on melody earned them critical acclaim and a devout following. Over time, the band has continued to evolve, solidifying their status as a versatile powerhouse within the genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Morcheeba   - "The Sea"   - "Trigger Hippie"   - "Rome Wasn't Built in a Day"

Dive Into Morcheeba's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Friction"   - "Big Calm"

Sneaker Pimps

Established in the mid-90s, the British trip hop trio Sneaker Pimps, composed of Chris Corner, Liam Howe, and Kelli Ali, brought a unique spin to the genre with their compelling mix of electronica, alternative rock, and darkly melodic pop. Their debut album Becoming X  showcased innovative production techniques, catchy hooks, and Ali's alluring vocals, which quickly garnered them international attention. Not content to remain static, Sneaker Pimps continued to explore and push the boundaries of trip hop, consistently reinventing their sound and remaining an influential force within the scene.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Sneaker Pimps   - "6 Underground"   - "Spin Spin Sugar"   - "Tesko Suicide"

Dive Into Sneaker Pimps' History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Low Place Like Home"   - "Grazes"

British duo Zero 7, comprised of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker, emerged on the trip hop scene in the late '90s with a mission to blend chilled-out electronica, sophisticated pop sensibilities, and seductive downtempo grooves. Their debut album Simple Things , featuring collaborations with vocalists like Sia and Mozez, showcased the duo's penchant for crafting exquisitely lush and soothing soundscapes. Over the years, Zero 7 has continued to evolve and redefine their sound, often incorporating elements of jazz, soul, and world music, earning them a dedicated fanbase and a lasting impact on the trip hop genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Zero 7   - "Destiny"   - "In the Waiting Line"   - "Home"

Dive Into Zero 7's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Likufanele"   - "I Have Seen"

Hooverphonic

Belgian outfit Hooverphonic, led by mastermind Alex Callier, made a lasting impact on the trip-hop scene with their evocative, cinematic soundscapes that beautifully melded elements of pop, rock, and electronic music. From their breathtaking debut A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular  to their more recent work, Hooverphonic has demonstrated an uncanny ability to create lush, immersive atmospheres with a keen sense of melody. With a revolving door of talented vocalists, including Liesje Sadonius, Geike Arnaert, and Luka Cruysberghs, the band has consistently defied expectations, solidifying their status as one of trip hop's most captivating acts.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Hooverphonic   - "Mad About You"   - "2Wicky"   - "Eden"

Dive Into Hooverphonic's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Vinegar & Salt"   - "Out of Sight"

French duo Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel, better known as Air, brought a distinctly Gallic flair to the world of trip hop with their sublime fusion of electronic experimentation, retro-pop melodies, and dreamy atmospherics. Their seminal album Moon Safari , featuring hit singles like "Sexy Boy" and "Kelly Watch the Stars," captivated audiences with its timeless charm and ethereal beauty. Throughout their career, Air has consistently pushed the boundaries of trip hop by exploring a wide range of sonic palettes and textures, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Air   - "Sexy Boy"   - "La Femme d'Argent"   - "Cherry Blossom Girl"

Dive Into Air's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Le Soleil est près de Moi"   - "Talisman"

• # 296 of 307 on The Greatest Musical Artists of the '90s
• # 135 of 215 on The 200+ Best Indie Artists Of All Time, Ranked
• # 365 of 384 on The Greatest Pop Groups & Artists Of All Time

Thievery Corporation

Washington, D.C.-based duo Thievery Corporation, consisting of Eric Hilton and Rob Garza, have been synonymous with trip hop since their formation in the mid-'90s. With a sound that effortlessly fuses elements of dub, reggae, lounge, and electronica, the pair has developed a unique global sonic identity that transcends genre boundaries. Their debut album Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi  laid the groundwork for their signature sound, combining lush electronic soundscapes with hypnotic grooves and worldly influences. Over the years, Thievery Corporation has continuously evolved their eclectic sound, solidifying their status as one of trip hop's most innovative and boundary-pushing acts.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Thievery Corporation   - "Lebanese Blonde"   - "Sweet Tides"   - "The Richest Man in Babylon"

Dive Into Thievery Corporation's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Amerimacka"   - "The Mirror Conspiracy"

Josh Davis, known professionally as DJ Shadow, is an American producer and DJ who has left an indelible mark on the world of trip hop with his undeniable talent for crafting immersive beats and moody soundscapes. His groundbreaking 1996 debut Endtroducing...  is widely regarded as a trip hop classic, showcasing a mastery of sampling techniques, innovative production styles, and a keen ear for haunting, atmospheric sounds. Throughout his career, DJ Shadow has continued to explore and expand the boundaries of the genre, pushing the limits of what can be achieved through the art of sampling and beat making.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From DJ Shadow   - "Midnight in a Perfect World"   - "Building Steam with a Grain of Salt"   - "Six Days"

Dive Into DJ Shadow's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Stem / Long Stem"   - "Organ Donor"

• # 103 of 156 on The Best DJs in the World Right Now
• # 57 of 81 on The 80+ Best Rap Producers Of All Time, Ranked
• # 37 of 349 on The Best Electronica Artists

British duo Goldfrapp, led by the bewitching Alison Goldfrapp and multi-instrumentalist Will Gregory, emerged in the early 2000s as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of trip hop. Their debut album Felt Mountain  showcased a beguiling mix of cinematic orchestration, electronic experimentation, and Alison's enchanting vocals. Goldfrapp's enigmatic sound has continually evolved, encompassing elements of glam rock, synth-pop, and dance music, making them one of the most unpredictable and fascinating acts within the trip hop genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Goldfrapp   - "Ooh La La"   - "Strict Machine"   - "Lovely Head"

Dive Into Goldfrapp's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Utopia"   - "Black Cherry"

• # 172 of 248 on The Most Hipster Bands
• # 121 of 156 on The Best DJs in the World Right Now
• # 36 of 42 on The Best Gold Things

British musical mastermind James Lavelle, the driving force behind Unkle, has been captivating audiences with his dark and cinematic take on trip hop since the late '90s. Unkle's debut album Psyence Fiction , featuring collaborations with notable artists like Thom Yorke and Richard Ashcroft, showcased Lavelle's knack for blending moody electronic production with elements of rock, pop, and hip-hop. Over the years, Unkle's ever-evolving sound and roster of talented collaborators have helped cement the project's place in trip hop history as a daring, innovative force within the genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Unkle   - "Rabbit in Your Headlights"   - "Bloodstain"   - "Burn My Shadow"

Dive Into Unkle's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Celestial Annihilation"   - "Lonely Soul"

Lamb, the enchanting English duo consisting of producer Andy Barlow and vocalist Lou Rhodes, first made waves in the trip hop scene with their eponymous 1996 debut album. Their unique fusion of electronic experimentation, emotive vocals, and captivating songwriting quickly set them apart, winning them fans across the globe. With a sound that combines elements of jazz, drum and bass, and ambient music, Lamb has continually pushed the envelope, proving themselves to be one of the trip hop genre's most enduring and captivating acts.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Lamb   - "Gorecki"   - "Lusty"   - "Angelica"

Dive Into Lamb's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Cotton Wool"   - "Trans Fatty Acid"

Nightmares on Wax

George Evelyn, the man behind Nightmares on Wax, has been weaving spellbinding webs of sound since the early '90s, blending elements of dub, electronica, and soul to create uniquely evocative trip hop compositions. With a discography that spans decades, Nightmares on Wax has earned a reputation for consistently crafting music that not only embodies the spirit of trip hop but also pushes the boundaries of the genre. From early classics like Smokers Delight  to more recent releases like Shape the Future , Nightmares on Wax has proven time and again that his innovative approach to music-making remains vital and engaging.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Nightmares on Wax   - "You Wish"   - "Les Nuits"   - "Flip Ya Lid"

Dive Into Nightmares on Wax' History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Ethnic Majority"   - "Morse"

• # 84 of 146 on The Most Influential DJs of All Time
• # 16 of 43 on The Best Bands Like Massive Attack
• # 17 of 48 on The Best Downtempo Bands/Artists

Norwegian duo Röyksopp, comprising Svein Berge and Torbjørn Brundtland, emerged in the early 2000s with a distinct brand of trip hop infused with elements of synth-pop, ambient, and electronica. Their chart-topping debut, Melody A.M. , showcased their ability to create lush, atmospheric soundscapes punctuated by catchy hooks and intricate production. Throughout their career, Röyksopp has remained committed to exploring the boundaries of trip hop, collaborating with various artists and incorporating diverse influences into their constantly evolving sound.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Röyksopp   - "Eple"   - "Poor Leno"   - "Happy Up Here"

Dive Into Röyksopp's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "So Easy"   - "A Higher Place"

• # 115 of 156 on The Best DJs in the World Right Now
• # 31 of 143 on The Best Europop Bands/Artists
• # 28 of 349 on The Best Electronica Artists

French producer Jean-Christophe Le Saoût, known by his stage name Wax Tailor, has been crafting elegant, cinematic trip hop since the early 2000s. With a penchant for lush orchestration, deft sampling, and moody atmospherics, Wax Tailor's music stands as a testament to the genre's enduring appeal and versatility. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, pushing the boundaries of trip hop while remaining true to the genre's core aesthetic.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Wax Tailor   - "Que Sera"   - "Seize the Day"   - "Ungodly Fruit"

Dive Into Wax Tailor's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Positively Inclined"   - "Until Heaven Stops the Rain"

Kruder & Dorfmeister

Austrian duo Kruder & Dorfmeister, composed of Peter Kruder and Richard Dorfmeister, have been at the forefront of the trip hop movement for decades, known for their innovative remix work and original productions. Their landmark compilation The K&D Sessions  featured reimaginings of tracks from a wide range of artists, showcasing their ability to transform songs into immersive, downtempo masterpieces. With their seamless blend of dub, jazz, and electronica, Kruder & Dorfmeister have left an indelible mark on the trip hop scene and inspired countless artists to follow in their footsteps.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Kruder & Dorfmeister   - "K&D Sessions" (This is an album containing various remixes)   - "Black Baby"   - "Deep Shit Pt. 1 & 2"

Dive Into Kruder & Dorfmeister's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Bug Powder Dust"   - "Sofa Rockers"

• # 146 of 156 on The Best DJs in the World Right Now
• # 28 of 40 on The Best Lounge Music Artists of All Time
• # 8 of 48 on The Best Downtempo Bands/Artists

Japanese producer Hideaki Ishi, better known as DJ Krush, has been making waves in the trip hop world since the early '90s with his uniquely atmospheric and meditative soundscapes. Known for his groundbreaking use of sampling and turntablism, DJ Krush consistently pushes the boundaries of the genre by incorporating elements of jazz, hip-hop, and traditional Japanese music into his work. With a discography that spans multiple decades, DJ Krush remains an influential figure within the trip hop scene, inspiring future generations of artists with his innovative, genre-defying approach to music production.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From DJ Krush   - "Kemuri"   - "Song 2"   - "Big City Lover"

Dive Into DJ Krush's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Road to Nowhere"   - "Meiso"

• # 152 of 156 on The Best DJs in the World Right Now
• # 36 of 99 on The Real Names of 100 DJs
• # 12 of 49 on The Best Turntablists

American producer Ramble Jon Krohn, better known as RJD2, burst onto the trip hop scene in the early 2000s with his adventurous, genre-blurring approach to music-making. His debut album Deadringer  showcased a unique blend of hip-hop, electronica, and soulful sampling that garnered widespread acclaim and helped establish him as a pioneer within the trip-hop scene. Throughout his career, RJD2 has continued to push the boundaries of the genre by incorporating a wide range of influences and collaborating with various artists, solidifying his status as an innovative force in the world of trip hop.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From RJD2   - "Ghostwriter"   - "Smoke & Mirrors"   - "The Horror"

Dive Into RJD2's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Dead Ringer"   - "Shot in the Dark"

• # 130 of 156 on The Best DJs in the World Right Now
• # 60 of 81 on The 80+ Best Rap Producers Of All Time, Ranked
• # 85 of 99 on The Real Names of 100 DJs

The London-based collective Archive has been pushing the boundaries of trip hop since forming in the mid-1990s. With a diverse and ever-evolving roster of musicians, the group has developed a sophisticated sound that incorporates elements of rock, electronica, and orchestral music. Their ambitious concept albums, like the acclaimed Londonium , showcase their ability to create sweeping, cinematic soundscapes full of emotion and depth. Archive’s unique take on trip hop has earned them a dedicated fanbase, solidifying their status as one of the genre’s most daring and innovative acts.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Archive   - "Bullets"   - "You Make Me Feel"   - "Again"

Dive Into Archive's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Conscience"   - "Numb"

Emancipator

Portland-based producer Doug Appling, known as Emancipator, has been a leading force in the trip-hop scene since the release of his acclaimed debut album Soon It Will Be Cold Enough . With a signature sound that blends lush instrumentation, intricate production, and cinematic soundscapes, Emancipator has consistently captivated listeners with his evocative and meditative compositions. A classically trained musician, Appling's ability to seamlessly weave together elements of electronic, hip-hop, and world music has helped him stand out as a unique and influential figure within the trip-hop genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Emancipator   - "Soon It Will Be Cold Enough"   - "Lionheart"   - "Anthem"

Dive Into Emancipator's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Periscope Up"   - "Nevergreen"

Irish singer Róisín Murphy and English producer Mark Brydon formed Moloko in the mid-'90s, bringing a quirky, innovative, and genre-defying sound to the world of trip hop. With hit singles like "Sing It Back" and "The Time Is Now," the duo crafted a distinct blend of electronic, pop, and dance music that set them apart from their peers. Throughout their career, Moloko's continuously evolving sound and Murphy's beguiling stage presence have earned them a dedicated fanbase and solidified their status as one of trip hop's most inventive acts.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Moloko   - "Sing It Back"   - "Time is Now"   - "Fun for Me"

Dive Into Moloko's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Pure Pleasure Seeker"   - "Dominoid"

• # 45 of 65 on The Best Bands Named After Books and Literary Characters
• # 56 of 70 on The Best House Music DJs
• # 33 of 35 on The 35 Best Acid Jazz Artists, Ranked

Martina Topley-Bird

British singer-songwriter Martina Topley-Bird first emerged as a prominent figure within the trip hop scene through her collaborations with pioneering artist Tricky. Her distinctive, ethereal voice adds a unique depth to the atmospheric soundscapes that have come to define the genre. With subsequent solo work like her debut album Quixotic , Topley-Bird has demonstrated her ability to craft captivating trip hop compositions that seamlessly blend elements of electronica, pop, and rock. Her continued contributions to the genre have made her an enduring and influential presence within the trip hop community.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Martina Topley  -Bird   - "Sandpaper Kisses"   - "Need One"   - "Anything"

Dive Into Martina Topley  -Bird's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Too Tough to Die"   - "Steal Away"

Brazilian-born composer and producer Amon Tobin has long been heralded as a pioneer within the realm of trip hop and electronic music. His unique ability to fuse diverse influences, ranging from jazz and ambient to drum and bass, has earned him a reputation for pushing the boundaries of the genre and defying categorization. Tobin's atmospheric and immersive compositions, such as those showcased on his groundbreaking album Bricolage , remain influential touchstones within the trip hop scene and continue to inspire future generations of producers and musicians.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Amon Tobin   - "Four Ton Mantis"   - "Easy Muffin"   - "Stoney Street"

Dive Into Amon Tobin's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "The Lighthouse"   - "Bridge"

The eclectic New York duo Cibo Matto, comprised of Japanese expats Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori, brought a quirky, genre-defying approach to trip hop with their 1996 debut album Viva! La Woman . Incorporating elements of hip-hop, pop, and experimental music, Cibo Matto's unconventional sound and whimsical lyricism set them apart from their peers. Their unique blending of styles and penchant for culinary-themed lyrics helped Cibo Matto carve out a distinct niche within the trip hop community, making them one of the genre's most memorable and singular acts.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Cibo Matto   - "Sugar Water"   - "Know Your Chicken"   - "Birthday Cake"

Dive Into Cibo Matto's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "White Pepper Ice Cream"   - "Sci  -Fi Wasabi"

Supreme Beings of Leisure

The Los Angeles-based collective Supreme Beings of Leisure merged trip hop with elements of lounge, world music, and electronica to create a unique and enticing sound in the late '90s. The group's self-titled debut showcased their ability to craft lush, groove-driven compositions that catered to fans of downtempo electronic music. Supreme Beings of Leisure's diverse influences and innovative approach to trip hop earned them a dedicated following and helped cement their place within the pantheon of influential acts in the genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Supreme Beings of Leisure   - "Strangelove Addiction"   - "Golddigger"   - "Never the Same"

Dive Into Supreme Beings of Leisure's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Ain't Got Nothin'"   - "Sublime"

Little Dragon

Swedish band Little Dragon, fronted by the dynamic vocalist Yukimi Nagano, brings a fresh, genre-defying approach to trip hop, blending influences from electronica, R&B, and synth-pop. With acclaimed albums like Ritual Union  under their belt, the band has captivated audiences worldwide with their unique sound and electrifying live performances. As Little Dragon continues to push the boundaries of trip hop and explore new sonic territories, they remain an exciting and essential act within the genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Little Dragon   - "Ritual Union"   - "Twice"   - "High"

Dive Into Little Dragon's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Blinking Pigs"   - "Feather"

French musician and producer Jean-Yves Prieur, known as Kid Loco, has been a fixture in the trip hop scene since the mid-'90s, producing music that blends elements of dub, jazz, and electronica into an intoxicating, downtempo sound. His debut album A Grand Love Story  showcased his deft touch for crafting lush instrumental soundscapes that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. With a career spanning multiple decades and numerous collaborations, Kid Loco has solidified his status as an influential figure within the trip hop genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Kid Loco   - "A Grand Love Theme"   - "She's My Lover"   - "The Bootleggers"

Dive Into Kid Loco's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Love Me Sweet"   - "Calling Aventura King"

Bitter:Sweet

Los Angeles-based duo Bitter:Sweet, consisting of vocalist Shana Halligan and producer Kiran Shahani, delivered a sultry, sophisticated take on trip hop that captivated listeners in the mid-2000s. Drawing inspiration from jazz, lounge, and electronica, their debut album The Mating Game  showcased their ability to craft intoxicating, melody-driven compositions that resonate with fans of the genre. Though their time as a duo was brief, Bitter:Sweet's unique sound left a lasting impression on the trip hop scene and continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Bitter:Sweet   - "Dirty Laundry"   - "Drink You Sober"   - "The Mating Game"

Dive Into Bitter:Sweet's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Heaven"   - "Don't Forget to Breathe"

Canadian singer-songwriter Esthero, born Jen-Bea Englishman, made a powerful entrance to the trip hop scene with her 1998 debut album Breath from Another . Her enchanting blend of jazz, pop, and electronica elements, combined with her candid lyricism and emotive vocals, struck a chord with listeners. While Esthero's sound has evolved over the years to include elements of R&B, hip-hop, and rock, her roots in trip hop remain evident, solidifying her status as one of the genre's most versatile and captivating artists.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Esthero   - "Breath from Another"   - "Heaven Sent"   - "That Girl"

Dive Into Esthero's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Swallow Me"   - "Telephone"

Paul D. Miller, better known as DJ Spooky That Subliminal Kid, has been an innovative force in trip hop since the early '90s, combining elements of hip-hop, electronica, and experimental music to create a unique and mind-expanding sound. Often incorporating sociopolitical themes and multimedia elements into his work, DJ Spooky challenges the boundaries of the genre and encourages listeners to question their assumptions about music and culture. Through his recordings, performances, and collaborations, DJ Spooky remains a vital and thought-provoking presence within the world of trip hop.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From DJ Spooky   - "Object Unknown"   - "Galactic Funk"   - "Synchronic Disjecta"

Dive Into DJ Spooky's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Peace in Zaire"   - "Polyphony of One"

Bristol-based duo Alpha, consisting of Corin Dingley and Andy Jenks, emerged as part of the trip hop scene in the mid-'90s, crafting lush soundscapes that blend elements of jazz, electronica, and pop. Their debut album Come from Heaven  showcased their ability to create atmospheric tunes with haunting melodies and intricate production. Over the years, Alpha's sound has continued to evolve, further solidifying their status as a versatile and innovative force within the trip hop genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Alpha   - "South"   - "Somewhere Not Here"   - "Slim"

Dive Into Alpha's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Saturn in Rain"   - "Reversal"

8mm, the creative partnership between producer Sean Beavan and vocalist Juliette Beavan, brings an intimate, seductive spin to trip hop, blending electronic soundscapes with sultry vocals and lush melodies. Their debut EP Opener  showcased their knack for crafting moody, atmospheric tunes that resonate deeply with fans of the genre. As they continue to explore the possibilities of trip hop, 8mm remains a captivating and passionate force within the scene.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From 8mm   - "No Way Back"   - "Give It Up"   - "Between the Devil and Two Black Hearts"

Dive Into 8mm's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Quicksand"   - "Forever and Ever, Amen"

UK producer Tripswitch, also known as Nick Brennan, expertly merges elements of ambient, electronica, and trip hop to create lush, expansive soundscapes that transport listeners to otherworldly realms. His debut album Circuit Breaker  quickly earned him a reputation as a skilled and innovative producer within the trip hop scene. Tripswitch's continued exploration of genre boundaries and willingness to experiment with new sounds have earned him a dedicated fanbase and a lasting impact on the trip hop genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Tripswitch   - "Roll Your Own"   - "Indigo"   - "Cartwheel"

Dive Into Tripswitch's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Stereogram"   - "Silver"

PTSMH / PATT SMITH

PTSMH, also known as Patt Smith, is an enigmatic and multifaceted artist whose contributions to trip hop cannot be understated. Crafting music that seamlessly combines elements of electronic, ambient, and avant-garde, PTSMH's distinctive sound and innovative approach to production have garnered widespread acclaim and respect from fans and peers alike. With a discography that spans multiple projects and pseudonyms, PTSMH remains a highly influential figure within the trip hop community.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From PTSMH / PATT SMITH   - "Because the Night"   - "Dancing Barefoot"   - "Gloria"

Dive Into PTSMH / PATT SMITH's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Break It Up"   - "25th Floor"

Shana Halligan

As a founding member of trip hop duo Bitter:Sweet, Shana Halligan's sultry and emotive vocals quickly established her as a captivating presence within the genre. In her solo work, Halligan further explores the boundaries of trip hop, merging electronic, jazz, and pop influences to create evocative, genre-blurring compositions. With a diverse range of collaborations and projects under her belt, Shana Halligan continues to captivate fans and fellow musicians alike, solidifying her status as an enduring and influential figure within the trip hop community.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Shana Halligan   - "True Love"   - "Get Gone"   - "Been Waiting"

Dive Into Shana Halligan's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Freak"   - "Always Forever Now"

London-based duo A.R. Kane, comprised of Alex Ayuli and Rudy Tambala, emerged in the late '80s, bringing an innovative blend of shoegaze, dream-pop, and trip-hop to the musical landscape. Often cited as pioneers within the genre, the duo's seminal albums 69  and i  showcased their ability to craft immersive, genre-defying soundscapes that still resonate with fans today. Despite their relatively brief career, A.R. Kane's influence on the trip hop genre remains evident, inspiring countless artists with their trailblazing approach to music-making.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From A.R. Kane   - "Lollita"   - "A Love from Outer Space"   - "Up"

Dive Into A.R. Kane's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Miles Apart"   - "Crack Up"

Moth Equals

London-based producer Moth Equals has been making waves within the trip hop scene thanks to his innovative blend of electronic, ambient, and experimental sounds. With critically-acclaimed releases like Sick Puppy  under his belt, Moth Equals showcases his ability to craft immersive soundscapes that challenge listeners' preconceptions about trip hop. As an artist who continually pushes the boundaries of the genre, Moth Equals stands out as a unique and vital presence within the trip-hop community.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Moth Equals   - "Fingers"   - "Border"   - "Sneaker"

Dive Into Moth Equals' History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Drowned City"   - "Escape Pod"

New York-based duo Mudville, consisting of vocalist Marilyn Carino and producer Ben Rubin, brought a dark and seductive edge to the trip hop scene with their captivating fusion of soul, jazz, and electronic influences. Their hauntingly atmospheric debut album The Glory of Man is Not in Vogue  showcased their impressive songwriting prowess and Carino's sultry, evocative vocals. Though Mudville's output has been relatively sparse over the years, their unique and intoxicating approach to trip-hop has earned them a dedicated following and a lasting impact within the genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Mudville   - "Wicked"   - "Blown"   - "Eternity"

Dive Into Mudville's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "The Hero of the World"   - "Nothing"

Bene Dico, the enigmatic producer behind a slew of eclectic, genre-defying trip hop releases, has made a name for himself with his innovative approach to music-making. Blending elements of electronic, hip-hop, and experimental sounds, Bene Dico's immersive compositions push the boundaries of trip hop, making him a vital force within the genre. With a discography that spans multiple projects and pseudonyms, Bene Dico remains an influential figure within the trip hop community.

Scottish producer and musician Howie B, born Howard Bernstein, has left an indelible mark on the trip hop scene with his acclaimed work both as a solo artist and as a collaborator with acts like U2, Björk, and Tricky. With his groundbreaking debut album Music for Babies , Howie B showcased his innovative production techniques and an innate ability to craft atmospheric, genre-blending soundscapes. Over the years, his diverse range of projects and continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of trip hop have cemented Howie B's status as a vital and influential figure within the genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Howie B   - "Take Your Partner by the Hand"   - "Switch"   - "Who's Got the Bacon"

Dive Into Howie B's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Baby Sweetcorn (Come Here)"   - "Music for Money"

• Electronic Music
• Bands/Musicians

Lists that rank the best rappers and hip hop artists from every time and place.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

The Military Wallet

Space-A Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Take a Flight on a Military Hop

Advertiser Disclosure: The Military Wallet and Three Creeks Media, LLC, its parent and affiliate companies, may receive compensation through advertising placements on The Military Wallet. For any rankings or lists on this site, The Military Wallet may receive compensation from the companies being ranked; however, this compensation does not affect how, where, and in what order products and companies appear in the rankings and lists. If a ranking or list has a company noted to be a “partner,” the indicated company is a corporate affiliate of The Military Wallet. No tables, rankings, or lists are fully comprehensive and do not include all companies or available products.

The Military Wallet and Three Creeks Media have partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Military Wallet and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. For more information, please see our Advertising Policy .

American Express is an advertiser on The Military Wallet. Terms Apply to American Express benefits and offers.

Space-Available (Space-A) travel offers military servicemembers, veterans, and their families a unique and cost-effective way to fly on military aircraft. Managed by the Air Mobility Command (AMC), this program provides an invaluable opportunity to travel for free or at minimal cost, albeit with certain limitations and requirements.

Recent Developments and Current Policies

As of April 22, 2022, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense lifted all restrictions on Space-A travel that had been in place since March 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19. While restrictions have been lifted, travelers should be aware that mask mandates and medical screening protocols may still apply depending on the destination and prevailing health guidelines. Staying informed about current health policies is crucial for ensuring a smooth travel experience.

The Evolution of Space-A Travel

Space-A travel has come a long way from its earlier days when servicemembers had to physically report to military terminals or fax paperwork to sign up. Today, the process is more streamlined and convenient.

Servicemembers and their families can sign up via email and check their travel status by contacting the passenger terminal. Flight schedules are commonly posted on the official Facebook pages of each AMC Passenger Terminal, making it easier to stay informed and plan accordingly.

There is a large, public (though not official) Facebook group dedicated to providing information on Military Space Available travel. You can find the group here .

This modernization has significantly improved accessibility and efficiency for all eligible travelers.

Jump to our full AMC Passenger Terminal Directory below by clicking here .

Navigating the Roll Call and Priority System

Travelers who wish to fly Space-A must check in at the passenger terminal and participate in a roll call for their chosen flight. Space-A passengers are selected based on a priority system that categorizes travelers by urgency and eligibility, followed by the date and time of signup.

Emergency leave and environmental morale leave travelers hold the highest priority, but understanding the nuances of each category can significantly improve one’s chances of securing a seat. Proper planning and timely sign-up are critical to navigating this system effectively.

Space-A Categories

Space-A travel is organized into six categories, prioritizing travelers based on urgency and eligibility:

• This category includes unfunded travel for active-duty members on emergency leave. Due to the urgent nature of the travel, it is the highest priority.
• Accompanied EML for active-duty members and their dependents falls into this category. It is designed to support the morale and well-being of servicemembers and their families.
• This category encompasses ordinary leave, relatives, house hunting, Medal of Honor recipients, and foreign military personnel. It offers significant flexibility for various personal and family needs.
• This category is for unaccompanied environmental and morale leave, providing travel opportunities for servicemembers without their dependents.
• This category includes non-house hunting permissive TDY, students, dependents, and post-deployment/mobilization respite absence. It covers a broad range of permissive travel scenarios.
• This category includes retirees, dependents, reservists, veterans with a permanent service-connected disability rated as total, and surviving spouses of service members who died on active duty. It provides access to Space-A travel for a wide range of eligible individuals.

Required Documentation

Travelers must complete a Space-A travel request (Form 140) and provide a valid military or veteran ID. A passport or visa may be necessary for international travel. Ensuring that all documentation is current and accurately reflects eligibility status is essential.

Travelers should carry copies of orders, leave paperwork, and any other relevant documents that may be required by the passenger terminal. Proper documentation is crucial for a hassle-free travel experience. For more details, visit our Veteran Travel Tips.

How Space-A Travel Works

1. identify your destination and possible routes:.

The first step is to learn which bases have regular flights to where you want to travel.  This list of worldwide destinations  where Space-A travel may be available includes profiles of some of the terminals and information about typical flight destinations. You’ll want to begin following some of their Space-A flight schedules, which we’ll discuss in the next step.

You may find several possible routes to your desired destination. For example, if you are on the East Coast and want to fly to one of the common destinations, including Spain or Germany, you will likely be able to travel from several nearby bases. Travelers from other parts of the U.S. may need to take two or more hops to get there.

The  Space-A Travelers Facebook group  can help you put together a flight plan to your destination. You can ask questions and find information about flying to and from specific locations.

You may have to combine Space-A travel with other transportation. For example, you may need to fly or drive to a base with regular Space-A flights to your desired destination. Or you may need to take a train or flight from an overseas base to your final destination.

2. Follow the Space-A Flight Schedules:

The Air Mobility Command website maintains a list of all the  military passenger terminals , as well as their contact info and links to their websites and Facebook pages.

You’ll find a 72-hour flight schedule for most terminals on their Facebook pages or the AMC website. The schedules include trip destinations, the number of Space-A seats and the “roll call” time. The roll call time is when terminal staff announces who has been selected for the flight.

You may also find information about recently departed flights, including how the number of Space-A seats and how many passengers competed for those seats.

Click here for more details on how to read the Space-A schedules on Facebook .

When you monitor the flights that depart from your target passenger over several weeks or months, you’ll notice patterns in the location and frequency of their missions.

3. Sign Up to Travel from All Possible Starting Locations:

Determine all the terminals you could depart from to reach your desired destination. You’ll increase your chances of success by signing up to fly from all of them. Signing up is free and takes only a few minutes.

The  AMC website  details the sign-up options, including the required information. You can sign up through their website, by email or in person at the terminal. You can also use the  Take-A-Hop app  (which costs $6.99). If you’re signing up for several terminals, email and the Take-A-Hop app are the easiest ways to do so.

The sooner you can sign up, the better, as priority within each category is based on the sign-up date and time. So sign up as early as possible. At most terminals, your sign-up is valid for up to 60 days.

Keep in mind that your category may affect how early you can sign up for Space-A travel. For example, active-duty service members (Cat 3) must be on leave before they can sign up. Those in Cat 3, however, have precedence over those in Cats 4 through 6, regardless of when they signed up.

4. Mark Yourself Present Within 24 Hours of Roll Call:

You must mark yourself present at the terminal before roll call to let the staff know that you are competing for the flight. You can do so anytime within 24 hours of the scheduled roll call. Note: roll call times can change unexpectedly, so continually monitor the terminal’s 72-hour flight schedule to ensure you get there in time or, better yet, call the terminal to confirm.

Bring your military ID and any necessary documents, such as your passport, your leave form or your EML orders. If you are an unaccompanied dependent, you’ll need a memo from your sponsor’s command. Also bring a copy of your sign-up email as a backup to prove your sign-up date and time.

5. Listen for Your Name During Roll Call:

At roll call, terminal staff will announce how many Space-A seats are available for the flight and then the names of the selected passengers,  beginning with those in the highest-priority category.

If they call your name, go to the desk and confirm that you and any dependents traveling with you are present. You’ll need to show your military ID and any required paperwork, as well as ID cards for passengers older than 10 years old. For younger passengers,  bring their passports or  MilConnect printouts  that show the Department of Defense ID numbers.

If they don’t call your name, don’t leave the terminal just yet. Sometimes last-minute Space-A seats become available, so stay at the terminal until boarding time.

6. Check Your Luggage and Obtain Your Boarding Pass:

Once you and all members of your traveling party, along with all your luggage, must be present when the baggage check begins. This may be right after roll call, or it may be several hours later. You will need to stay in the terminal, as boarding times, like roll call times, can change without notice.

The  AMC website’s FAQ page  includes detailed information on baggage allowances. Because smaller aircraft may have different weight limits for luggage, it’s best to check ahead of time.

You will generally be allowed to check two pieces of luggage weighing up to 70 lbs each. Similar to many commercial flights, you can also bring one piece of carry-on luggage that fits under your seat or in the overhead compartment. You can usually check car seats and strollers, and they won’t count toward your baggage allowance.

AMC terminals follow the  Transportation Security Administration’s baggage screening guidelines , so check their website ahead of time to see what you can bring in your carry-on bag, and what you must put in checked luggage.

Check if meals are available on the flight, as you’ll pay for these when you check your luggage. Some locations offer simple box lunches for a nominal cost.

7. Board the Aircraft and Pick Your Seat:

If you are  flying Space-A on a Patriot Express flight , your boarding pass will list your assigned seat.

When terminal staff announces boarding, you’ll go through security and wait in a secure area. With most flights, a bus will take you to the aircraft, and you’ll board from the tarmac.

On most Space-A flights, you’ll choose your seat when you board. On Patriot Express flights, your boarding pass will list your assigned seat.

Practical Tips and Advice

• Monitor Flight Schedules: Regularly check the 72-hour flight schedules posted on terminal Facebook pages and the AMC website.
• Use the Take-A-Hop App: Sign up for multiple terminals efficiently with the Take-A-Hop app.
• Pack Strategically: Travel light to increase flexibility. Under 30 pounds of luggage is ideal.
• Plan for Contingencies: Have backup plans in case of delays or cancellations.

Information on Patriot Express Flights

Patriot Express flights offer amenities, including meals and in-flight movies. Other Space-A flights may have minimal accommodations, so be prepared with your own food, water, and warm clothing.

Pros and Cons of Flying Space-A

There are advantages and disadvantages to Space-A travel.

The Pros: What Are the Advantages of Flying Space-A?

Space-A flights can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars over commercial airlines, which is a clear advantage. The only costs you might incur are a low per-passenger fee on Patriot Express flights, and you may be able to purchase low-cost meals at some terminals that offer meals for purchase.

When you land, you’ll be able to access base resources, including overnight base lodging and the commissary. You may even be able to purchase discount tickets to local events and attractions through the base’s Information, Tickets and Travel office (ITT).

Being able to stretch out on some aircraft can be another advantage over flying economy in a commercial plane. 

If you’re traveling with small children, you may also find that other passengers are more supportive than with a commercial airline.

And, of course, there may be a greater sense of adventure with Space-A travel.

• Cost Savings: Space-A flights can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
• Access to Base Amenities: Enjoy access to base lodging, commissaries, and discount tickets through the Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT) office.
• More Space: Some military aircraft offer more space to spread out compared to commercial flights.

The Cons: What Are the Disadvantages of Space-A?

Space-A travel is less predictable than flying commercially. Passenger terminals post flight schedules only 72 hours in advance, and you won’t know if you got a seat until the last minute. 

Peak travel times, including summer, winter holidays, and even spring break, are even more competitive. You may need to be more flexible about when you travel and even where you’ll go.

When traveling Space-A, you may incur extra expenses such as transportation to the departure base, and there may be wait times for return flights, leading to additional costs for accommodation and meals.

Finally, Space-A travel, unless you’re on a Patriot Express flight, is bare bones. You may find it cold, loud, and uncomfortable. 

• Unpredictability: Flight schedules are posted only 72 hours in advance, and seats are not guaranteed.
• Potential Additional Costs: Lodging, meals, and transportation costs can add up.
• Comfort: Military aircraft can be cold and uncomfortable, lacking commercial amenities.

Guidance on When to Use Space-A Travel

Space-A travel is best for those with flexibility and patience. It’s not ideal for time-sensitive events or travel during peak seasons. Plan your travel during off-peak times to increase your chances of securing a seat.

Operational Security (OPSEC)

Maintain operational security by avoiding real-time updates about travel details on social media. This ensures the safety and security of military operations.

Seasoned Traveler Insights

Flying Space-A requires planning, patience, and flexibility. Learn as much as you can about the process, and also research desired destinations and passenger terminals so that you can put together a successful flight plan.

When you are ready to leave, make sure you always have a backup plan and ensure you have enough money to pay for commercial transportation if Space-A doesn’t work out. Also, be prepared for a multi-legged journey–several shorter hops that bring you closer to your destination rather than one long direct flight.

Final Thoughts on Space-A Travel

Space-A travel offers a valuable and economical travel option for eligible military servicemembers, veterans, and their families. While it requires flexibility, preparation, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances, the opportunity to fly at little to no cost can make it worthwhile. By understanding the priority categories, planning for contingencies, and utilizing available resources, travelers can maximize the benefits of Space-A travel and enjoy unique travel experiences.

In essence, Space-A travel is about balancing cost savings with the realities of military transport. It may not always be convenient or comfortable, but for those willing to navigate its complexities, it offers unparalleled opportunities for economical travel. For more detailed information and updates, always refer to the Air Mobility Command (AMC) website and local military passenger terminal resources. By staying informed and prepared, you can take full advantage of this remarkable benefit and embark on memorable journeys.

For further tips on military travel and benefits, you might find our articles on Veterans’ Travel Discounts, Military Travel Tips, and Retirement Benefits for Veterans helpful. Additionally, you can explore comprehensive guides and updates on military travel on the Defense Travel Management Office website.

AMC Passenger Terminal Directory

Amc conus terminals.

• Commercial: (609) 253-8825
• DSN: (312) 568-8825
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Baltimore-Washington International Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (302) 677-4088 / 2854
• DSN: (312) 445-4088 / 2854
• Website: Dover AFB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (509) 247-3406
• DSN: (312) 657-3406
• Website: Fairchild AFB Air Transportation Function
• Commercial: (301) 981-3604
• DSN: (312) 858-3604
• Website: Joint Base Andrews Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (843) 963-3048 / 3083
• DSN: (312) 673-3048 / 3083
• Website: Joint Base Charleston Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (253) 982-7259 / 7268
• DSN: (312) 382-7259 / 7268
• Website: Joint Base Lewis-McChord Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (609) 754-5023 / 9950
• DSN: (312) 650-5023 / 9950
• Website: Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (501) 987-3118
• DSN: (312) 731-3118
• Website: Little Rock AFB Air Transportation Function
• Commercial: (813) 828-2440
• DSN: (312) 968-2440
• Website: MacDill AFB Air Transportation Function
• Commercial: (316) 759-4810 / 5404
• DSN: (312) 743-4810 / 5404
• Website: McConnell AFB Air Transportation Function
• Commercial: (904) 542-8159/3956
• DSN: (312) 942-8159/3956
• Website: Naval Air Station Jacksonville Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (757) 341-9912 / 9913
• DSN: (312) 341-9912 / 9913
• Website: Naval Station Norfolk Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (910) 394-1003
• DSN: (312) 424-1003
• Website: Pope Army Airfield Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (618) 256-3017 / 1854
• DSN: (312) 576-3017 / 1854
• Website: Scott AFB Air Transportation Function
• Commercial: (253) 982-3504 / 0555
• DSN: (312) 382-3504 / 0555
• Website: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (707) 424-5774 / 1854
• DSN: (312) 837-5774 / 1854
• Website: Travis AFB Passenger Terminal

EUCOM Terminals

• Commercial: 011-039-0434-03-7680
• DSN: (312) 632-7680
• Website: Aviano AB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 90-322-316-6425/6001
• DSN: (314) 676-6425/6001
• Website: Incirlik AB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 011-351-295-57-3961/3227
• DSN: (314) 535-3227-3961/3227
• Website: Lajes Field AB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 34-95-682-2411
• DSN: (314) 727-2411/2171
• Website: Naval Air Station Rota Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 39-095-86-5576/6725
• DSN: (314) 624-5576/6725
• Website: NAS Sigonella Air Terminal
• Commercial: 011-39-81-568-5283/5369
• DSN: (314) 626-5283/5396
• Website: NSA Naples Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 011-30-282102-1275/1383
• DSN: (314) 266-1275/1383
• Website: NSA Souda Bay Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 01638-54-2248
• DSN: (314) 238-2248
• Website: RAF Mildenhall Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 06371-46-4441
• DSN: (314) 479-4441
• Website: Ramstein AB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 011-49-6565-61-8866
• DSN: (314) 452-8866
• Website: Spangdahlem AB Passenger Terminal

INDOPACOM Terminals

• Commercial: (671) 366-5165/2095
• DSN: (315) 366-5165/2095
• Website: Andersen AFB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 011-63-45-499-8157/8396
• Commercial: (246)370-2795
• DSN: (315) 370-2795/2745
• Website: Diego Garcia Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (907) 377-1250/1854
• DSN: (317) 377-1250/1854
• Website: Eielson Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (907) 552-8588/4616
• DSN: (317) 552-8588/4616
• Website: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 011-81-611-734-6487/2159
• DSN: (315) 634-6487/2159
• Website: Kadena AB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 011-82-063-470-4666
• DSN: (315) 782-4666
• Website: Kunsan AB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (808) 664-7264/7265
• DSN: (315) 447-7264/7265
• Website: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 011-81-827-79-5509
• DSN: (315) 253-5509
• Website: MCAS Iwakuni Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 011-81-176-77-2370/2371
• DSN: (315) 226-2370/2371
• Website: Misawa AB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: +81 467-63-3118
• DSN: (315) 264-3118
• Website: NAF Atsugi Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 011-82-505-784-6883/1854
• DSN: (315) 784-6883/1854
• Website: Osan AB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 65-6280-0624
• DSN: (315) 227-5228
• Website: Paya Lebar Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 011-612-4587-1652
• Commercial: 011-81-3117-55-7111/5661/5662
• DSN: (315) 225-5661/5662
• Website: Yokota AB Passenger Terminal

CENTCOM Terminals

• Commercial: 011-974-4458-9555
• DSN: (318) 455-9555
• Website: Al Udeid AB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: 011-93-1-481-5000
• DSN: (318) 431-5000
• Website: Bagram Airfield Passenger Terminal

SOUTHCOM Terminals

• Commercial: 011-504-2713-5123/4407
• DSN: (312) 449-5123/4407
• Website: Soto Cano AB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (787) 253-7491/5162
• DSN: (312) 860-7491/5162
• Website: Muniz ANGB Passenger Terminal

NON-AMC CONUS Terminals

• Commercial: (904) 542-8159 / 3956
• DSN: (312) 942-8159 / 3956
• Website: NAS Jacksonville Passenger Terminal

ANG & Reserve Terminals

• Commercial: (205) 714-2345
• DSN: (312) 778-2345
• Website: Birmingham ANGB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (586) 239-5576
• DSN: (312) 273-5576
• Website: Selfridge ANGB Passenger Terminal
• Commercial: (413) 557-3446
• DSN: (312) 589-3446
• Website: Westover ARB Passenger Terminal

About Post Author

Stephanie Montague

Stephanie Montague is the founder of Poppin’ Smoke , a website designed to encourage members of the military community to use their military benefits for travel. Stephanie and her husband have been traveling the world since he retired from the Army in 2015. Through Poppin’ Smoke, Stephanie shares everything they learn about Space-A travel and using military benefits while abroad.

See author's posts

Posted In: Military & Veterans Benefits

More From Us

VA Loan Rates – Compare Today’s VA Home Loan Rates

New VA Loan Policy: Buyers Can Pay Agent Commissions

What to Know About the COLA Trap

Reader interactions, leave a comment: cancel reply.

About the comments on this site:

These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

ray maring says

December 29, 2023 at 9:17 am

Thank you for hosting this information. I am a guardsman, retired and are interested in traveling now.

Load More Comments

As Featured In:

The Military Wallet is a property of Three Creeks Media. Neither The Military Wallet nor Three Creeks Media are associated with or endorsed by the U.S. Departments of Defense or Veterans Affairs. The content on The Military Wallet is produced by Three Creeks Media, its partners, affiliates and contractors, any opinions or statements on The Military Wallet should not be attributed to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, the Dept. of Defense or any governmental entity. If you have questions about Veteran programs offered through or by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, please visit their website at va.gov. The content offered on The Military Wallet is for general informational purposes only and may not be relevant to any consumer’s specific situation, this content should not be construed as legal or financial advice. If you have questions of a specific nature consider consulting a financial professional, accountant or attorney to discuss. References to third-party products, rates and offers may change without notice.

Editorial Disclosure: Editorial content on The Military Wallet may include opinions. Any opinions are those of the author alone, and not those of an advertiser to the site nor of  The Military Wallet.

Information from your device can be used to personalize your ad experience.

Jenni Falconer 10am - 1pm

Now Playing

Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You Glenn Medeiros Download 'Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You' on iTunes

The 10 greatest trip-hop bands of all time

22 February 2023, 11:52

By Tom Eames

Trip-hop emerged in the 1990s as a leading force of downtempo electronic music.

Originating largely in Bristol in the early 1990s, trip-hop has been described as a psychedelic mix of hip-hop and electronica, with slower tempos and an atmospheric style. It also uses elements of jazz, soul, funk, reggae, R&B, and other genres, as well as often sampling film soundtracks and other sources.

Trip-hop was first coined by Mixmag , and it soon had commercial success by the second half of the decade.

From its pioneers of the '90s to the artists they influenced, here are the greatest trip-hop artists:

Morcheeba - Blindfold (Official Video)

Formed in the mid-1990s with singer Skye Edwards and brothers Paul and Ross Godfrey, Morcheeba emerged with sublime influences of rock, folk and downtempo, becoming a leading force in the trip-hop movement, starting with 1996's Who Can You Trust?

They have released 10 studio albums since 1995, with the latest being 2021's Blackest Blue .

Although they have moved on to other genres since their early trip-hop days, they still must be counted as one of the genre's greatest acts.

Sneaker Pimps

Sneaker Pimps - 6 Underground (Official Music Video)

Formed in Hartlepool in 1994, Sneaker Pimps' debut album, Becoming X was a seminal trip-hop LP in 1996.

Best known for the single '6 Underground', the band takes its name from an article the Beastie Boys published in their Grand Royal magazine about a man they hired to track down classic sneakers.

The band was created by electronic musician Liam Howe and guitarist Chris Corner, and then later recruited singer Kelli Ali (then known as Kelli Dayton).

After a long hiatus, the group returned with Howe and Corner in 2016, and they finally started releasing new music in 2021.

Little Dragon

Little Dragon - Twice

Swedish band Little Dragon hail from Gothenburg, having formed in 1996.

The band currently consists of singer Yukimi Nagano, Erik Bodin (drums), Fredrik Wallin (bass) and Håkan Wirenstrand (keyboards).

Their first release was the incredible single 'Twice' in 2006, and they brought out their debut album a year later.

Nagano was in her first year in high school when she met seniors Wallin and Bodin. The three of them would meet up after school to jam and play records, and their band name was inspired by the 'Little Dragon' nickname Nagano earned due to the "fuming tantrums" she used to throw while in the studio.

UNKLE - Rabbit In Your Headlights

UNKLE was founded in 1992 by James Lavelle.

In 1997, Lavelle brought in DJ Shadow to work on his debut album, which was released a year later. The album featured collaborations with the likes of Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Mark Hollis (Talk Talk), Mike D (Beastie Boys), Badly Drawn Boy and Richard Ashcroft (The Verve).

UNKLE as an outfit still exists today, though Lavelle has featured various incarnations of the collective, hiring a wide range of guest musicians and producers along the way.

His most recent studio album release with 2017's The Road: Part 1.

Martina Topley-Bird

Sandpaper Kisses

English singer and multi-instrumentalist Martina Topley-Bird first found fame when she featured on Tricky's debut album, Maxinquaye in 1995.

She also worked with him on his subsequent albums Nearly God and Pre-Millennium Tension, and then in 2003, she released her debut solo album Quixotic. The album was a critical hit and earned her a Mercury Prize nomination.

She has since worked with the likes of Gorillaz, Diplo and Massive Attack among others, and her track 'Sandpaper Kisses' has been covered Stephen Marley and sampled by The Weeknd.

Lamb - Gorecki

Electronic music duo Lamb formed in 1996 in Manchester, and consist of producer Andy Barlow and singer-songwriter Lou Rhodes. Rhodes' distinctive vocals gave them a uniquely beautiful sound, and no doubt inspired the likes of The Knife and Goldfrapp.

Their brand of trip-hop is also influenced drum and bass and jazz, and are best known for their singles 'Górecki' and 'Gabriel'.

Despite a hiatus in the 2000s, they have continued to release music, with their most recent being 2019's The Secret of Letting Go .

DJ Shadow - Midnight In A Perfect World

Speaking of DJ Shadow...

Joshua Davis is an American DJ, songwriter and record producer, known for his famous alter ego. His debut studio album, Endtroducing..... was released in 1996.

DJ Shadow's music often involves manipulating samples, bringing in rare pieces of music and sound clips, from all kinds of genres, particularly on his early albums.

His most recent LP was the double album Our Pathetic Age in 2021.

Portishead - Glory Box

Portishead - named after the place in Somerset, formed in 1991 in Bristol. Comprising of singer Beth Gibbons, producer Geoff Barrow, and musician Adrian Utley, engineer Dave McDonald is also sometimes credited as the fourth member.

• The Story of... 'Glory Box' by Portishead

Their 1994 album Dummy brought together hip-hop production with emotive vocals from Gibbons, creating a particularly atmospheric and cinematic sound. It was one of the albums that defined trip-hop as a growing genre.

Portishead themselves have disliked being associated with the genre, and would later move away from the sound on later albums.

Tricky - 'Black Steel' (Official Video)

British artist Tricky was raised in Bristol, and began his career as an early member of Massive Attack.

He soon began a solo career with his debut album, Maxinquaye , in 1995. It instantly won him huge critical acclaim, and he released four more studio albums before the end of the decade. His most recent album was 2020's Fall to Pieces .

Tricky is considered a pioneer of trip-hop, with his style known for being often dark in tone, and blending cultural influences and genres, such as hip-hop, rock and reggae.

Massive Attack

Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy

Trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack formed in 1988 in Bristol, led by Robert '3D' Del Naja, Adrian 'Tricky' Thaws, Andrew 'Mushroom' Vowles and Grant 'Daddy G' Marshall.

Their debut album Blue Lines was released in 1991, with the single 'Unfinished Sympathy' considered one of the greatest songs of all time, let alone trip-hop.

1998's Mezzanine - containing the classic track 'Teardrop') and 2003's 100th Window were also UK number ones.

They have won various awards of the years, and have sold over 13 million copies worldwide.

Like Portishead, they have never been a massive fan of the 'trip hop' label. Daddy G said in 2006: "We used to hate that terminology [trip-hop] so bad. You know, as far we were concerned, Massive Attack music was unique, so to put it in a box was to pigeonhole it and to say, 'Right, we know where you guys are coming from."

Latest Chill News and Features

See more Latest Chill News and Features

James Blake facts: Singer and producer's age, girlfriend, family and career explained

Massive attack reunite with elizabeth fraser for 'teardrop' and 'song to the siren' at first gig in five years, jamie xx announces in waves – his first solo album in nearly a decade, thievery corporation announce 2024 european tour including london date, hannah reid facts: london grammar singer's age, partner, children and career explained, listen to smooth chill, smooth playlists, smooth's all time top 500, smooth soul, smooth country hot hits, smooth chill concentration, smooth podcast picks, they don't teach this at school with myleene klass, take that: this life, runpod with jenni falconer, the news agents.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Local Groove Does Good: The Story Of Trip-Hop's Rise From Bristol

Vivien Goldman

The Wild Bunch — soon-to-be Massive Attack — at the Dug Out Club in Bristol. Photo by Beezer hide caption

The Wild Bunch — soon-to-be Massive Attack — at the Dug Out Club in Bristol.

Sinuous and mysterious as a plume of drifting smoke, a new sort of groove wafted two decades ago from Bristol, a bohemian university town in the west of England. Though its prime movers — Massive Attack , Tricky and Portishead — all loathe the term, the word "trip-hop" has become synonymous with the style created by Bristol bands like Massive Attack and Smith & Mighty. The sensuous groove fulfilled a timeless human need for a bass-heavy sound to touch the secret recesses of the imagination and lure our dreamworld onto the dance floor. Trip-hop was tailor-made for the moment — and it happens every night — when a bopper wants to get tender. Or when domestic listeners seek to wander within themselves.

Not all local grooves take flight, but trip-hop most certainly did. Over the next two decades it was re-imagined as chill-out, downtempo, illbient and lounge music. Its subtle tendrils have woven into music round the world: Washington, D.C.'s Thievery Corporation , with their exotic cosmopolitan edge; drifty Brazilian sounds like Ceu , whose dulcet lilt earned her maximum market penetration (a Starbucks CD); London's Ninja Tunes' artists like Bonobo and Berlin's techno-tinged Sonar Kollektiv. As music writer Simon Reynolds notes, "People like Flying Lotus and Gonjasufi on the West Coast are doing trippy hip-hop. Though it's not quite the same thing, they probably are the inheritors of the spirit of Massive Attack, Tricky, Earthling and DJ Vadim."

To qualify as true trip-hop, music has to share the sense of opiated mystery of Tricky's tantalizing mumbles on the classic album, 20 years old last year, that launched trip-hop worldwide, Massive Attack's Blue Lines. Its magical " Unfinished Sympathy ," cast a spell over the world's clubbers. Produced by Nellee Hooper (later of Soul II Soul and Bjork , among many others) the well-timed sound was just one manifestation of a movement taking place in Bristol at that time.

Scene initiators included Smith & Mighty and the DJ collective The Wild Bunch, from which came Massive Attack and Tricky. The Pop Group's volatile post-punk added another element to the scene, later splitting into the savage free explorations of Float Up C.P. and horn-happy Pigbag.

Bristol fed off its slave port for hundreds of years; now it's one of Britain's blackest cities, culturally and socially. It's long been home to a West Indian community, and shebeens and sound systems were a way of life for all music-loving Bristolian youth. Being a port, Bristol was always awash in hashish and other plant-based mind-benders like marijuana — not to mention more macrobiotically sound, locally-grown life-enhancers like scrumpy cider and hallucinogenic mushrooms (legal back then) grown in the surrounding countryside — that undoubtedly fuelled Bristol's music scene.

Much of this musical experimentation took place at a club called The Dug Out. As Hooper has said, "The Dug Out couldn't have had a better location, at the top of the hill from St Paul's — the heart of the black music scene — and just down the hill from Clifton and the trendy punk/art scene. It was just dangerous enough for trendies to feel edgy, music cool and edgy enough to confuse and enthuse the dreads ... perfect!"

Disclosure: I got a chance to explore Massive Attack's creative process first hand over a few years. What follows is a typically incestous Bristolian saga. The links between town and gown — the students and the locals — plus the charming city's many liberal artsy types, made for a scene with a hectic social, creative and romantic dynamic.

Blue Lines was born in an upstairs bedroom of the terraced West London home of Afro-Swedish hip-hop diva Neneh Cherry and her producer husband, singer Cameron McVey. Before her solo hits began with " Buffalo Stance ," Neneh sang with Float Up C.P., and as her first husband was Bruce Smith (drummer for the Pop Group and The Slits, with whom Neneh also sang), Bristol was yet another home to her. The young Massive Attackers, Daddy G, 3-D, Mushroom and Tricky, became Cherry and McVey's protegés. They took over the small side bedroom, soon cluttered with reel-to-reels and tape machines, and a record deck on which they would earnestly sift through possible samples. A superb chef, my friend Neneh would be in the kitchen concocting feasts in between writing rhymes, with Massive Attack wandering in for cups of tea.

Years later, after the band had released Blue Lines and were preparing the album that became Protection , I visited Bristol to collaborate with them, eventually co-writing the track " Sly ." Sample-based songwriting in those pre-digital days could be laborious. I bought a child's Casio keyboard to help fill the gaps, which came in handy for "Sly," but the process often involved someone getting on their bike and cycling down to the second-hand record shop to try and locate half-remembered grooves that might be just right to fulfill the elusive conception of a song.

Bring back the bike, because the tunes the Massives assembled by hand, between cups of tea, opened a poetic, evocative, emotional vein of music, which is still connecting hearts today.

10 Key Trip-Hop Tracks

Neneh cherry on "lately" by massive attack.

From 'Blue Lines'

By Massive Attack

Sonically, it's the ultimate trip-hop track, really beautiful. When they were working on it in our house in Mortimer Road, West London, I remember lying in bed hearing it floating round the house and the feeling of being a silent witness to something really great happening. It would send me off into a beautiful dream space sleep. What I love about trip-hop is the bottom end, the sexiness of the downbeat which also gives it a blues-y sort of melancholy. It's the English interpretation of hip-hop, bringing the bass and bottom end from reggae into it. Why Bristol? All the people I know from there are hardcore individuals. It breeds some eccentric thinkers.

Singer-songwriter NENEH CHERRY is an anchor of the Bristol scene. She sang with The Slits, Float Up C.P. and is now with the band CirKus. She is working on two new albums.

Ray Mighty on "Anyone" by Smith & Mighty

From 'DJ-Kicks'

By Smith & Mighty

To hell with false modesty!

RAY MIGHTY is half of the production duo Smith & Mighty.

Rob Smith on "King Tubby Meets the Rockers Uptown" by Augustus Pablo

From 'King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown'

By Augustus Pablo/King Tubby

To be very honest, we all hated the term 'trip-hop'! The phrase was coined, I believe, by a non-Bristolian journalist, Dom Phillips, who in my mind was very underqualified to be making any opinions about the scene at that time. I remember we played with Tricky at Hammersmith. During Tricky's set, he shouted, "Who likes trip-hop?" A few people in the audience shouted, "Yaee!" and he replied, "Well f--- off home then!"

Bristol artists were not afraid to mix and blend styles, thus coming up with fresh sounding tunes. Also Bristol is far enough away from London that there wasn't the same need to compete or chase trends. Bristol had its own pace and tunes were often left to stew longer.

ROB SMITH is half of the production duo Smith & Mighty.

Mark Stewart on "Aftermath" by Tricky

From 'Aftermath EP'

His first single. I made it with him and Martina Topley-Bird. We were desperate for a girl singer. 8 o'clock in the morning, stopped at some traffic lights on the way to the studio. Two school girls in their uniform at a bus stop — me and Tricky shouted across saying, "Can either of you sing?" Martina said yes, and two stars were born: Tricky and her.

The Wild Bunch (as well as 3D, Daddy G, DJ Milo, Willie Wee and Tricky Kid) — my boys. They call me The Godfather, but in fact some of them are older than me, I just started making music when I was 16.

Big up the mad skillz of generation next Bristol bass of Appleblim, Kahn and Joker dropping science — the new kids from Bristol.

MARK STEWART is the singer for The Pop Group and Mark & the Mafia. His new album, The Politics of Envy , will be released in March and includes collaborations with Primal Scream and others.

Bruce Smith on "Glory Box" by Portishead

From 'Mysterious Heads'

By Portishead

"Glory Box" is a GREAT record, very sexy. I associate that track with sex. And Tricky's first album is very good, very creative. I think the genre is interesting as it is a particularly English take on a North American cultural phenomenon. In Bristol the West Indian influence is huge, so the interpretation of hip-hop — an aggressive music — was made from that perspective, with the influence of dub being the key element.

I spent my late teens absorbed by reggae in Bristol. Had an enormous effect on me and still does in the way I play the drums to this day.

BRUCE SMITH is the drummer for The Slits, The Pop Group and Public Image Limited.

Dick O'Dell on "Karmacoma" by Massive Attack

From 'Protection'

Trip-hop happened in Bristol because of the strong West Indian community from slave trade times combined with middle class white boyz getting seriously spliffed up in the Dug Out!

DICK O'DELL was the manager of The Pop Group and now manages Bat for Lashes.

Cameron McVey on "Any Love" by Massive Attack

From 'Singles 90/98'

It was the very first Massive Attack 45, before me and Neneh started working with them. Smith & Mighty produced it, who I was trying to work with at the time, with Chris Parry, the manager of The Cure. I love Portishead too, and I'd also like to pick Horace Andy's "One Love," with Massive Attack .

Trip-hop was born in Bristol because a lot of 6' 5" Masai warriors must have jumped ship during the slave trade! That's why Bristol has street names like Black Boy Hill and White Lady Road. Bristol is where reggae mixed with hip-hop. It's mad. It's so profound.

CAMERON MCVEY is a singer, songwriter and producer for Neneh Cherry, CirKus and more.

Beezer on "Small World" by Smith & Mighty

From 'Big World, Small World'

The Dug Out was a meeting spot for the ghetto and Poshville where black and white would hang out. We were there almost every night, playing disco, funk and punk. It was our Studio 54, and it put Bristol on the map. We were totally into dub and reggae; it was an amalgamation of cultures with no barriers.

We didn't know we were part of something that would be influential later, but even at the time it felt like something special was going on, although it was still just, like, going out on a regular Wednesday night.

BEEZER is a photographer who chronicled trip-hop in the mid-'90s.

Tessa Pollitt on "Unfinished Sympathy" by Massive Attack

I choose everything dear ol' Tricky has put out. The Slits were often in Bristol and I have always loved and respected the "Brizzle" scene. So much innovative music and talent has come from there and has influenced following generations musically.

Let's face it, reggae from Jamaica has influenced us all in the U.K. from old steppers to jungle, drum and bass, dubstep, trip-hop, grime etc. The original rapper was U Roy, [J.A].

But Bristol has something special about it. Must be the Ley Lines (lines of energy running beneath the earth) and the huge hills you have to climb like in San Francisco. And probably the amount of Jamaicans that came here way back in the windrush era, 1950s.

TESSA POLLITT is bass player for The Slits.

Martina Topley-Bird on "Aftermath" by Tricky

From 'Maxinquaye'

It's the only Tricky song I recognize as a trip-hop song (still hard to write those words even now), and it was our first single. Mark Stewart was there. I'd just turned 16. Recorded in a squat studio in Bristol.

I arrived in Bristol when I was 13. I like that Bristol is really mixed racially, more so than anywhere else in England, even London, for me at the time. It was smaller and there were no great swathes of land for people to be segregated to.

I think how it's laid out as a city has its own effect on the psyche of its dwellers — and the weather. Back then it was England before shops were open on Sundays. Some parts were melancholy, and some parts were bleak. But the suspension bridge was beautiful and the gorge. It has history as a slaving port too.

It was the generation before me that started making this music though. I heard more than I saw with my own eyes about Blues dances and Sound Systems.

MARTINA TOPLEY-BIRD is a vocalist with Tricky and Massive Attack. She's working on new material now.

• Augustus Pablo
• Massive Attack

Exploring Trip Hop: A Sonic Journey through Definition, History, and Influential Artists

Table of Contents

Introduction

In the vast realm of music genres, one that stands out as an enigmatic and evocative entity is trip hop. This genre, characterized by its blend of electronic beats, downtempo rhythms, and a myriad of atmospheric elements, has left an indelible mark on the music landscape. From its humble beginnings to its widespread influence, trip hop has captured the hearts of listeners and continues to intrigue new generations. This article embarks on an exploratory journey through the essence of trip hop, delving into its definition, tracing its historical roots and development, exploring related genres, and highlighting influential bands and albums that have defined the genre.

Defining the Trip Hop Sound

At its core, trip hop is a genre that defies easy categorization. It’s a hybrid sound that emerged from the electronic and hip-hop scenes, blending together an eclectic range of influences. Trip hop is known for its downtempo beats, often hovering around 90 to 110 BPM, creating a relaxed yet engaging sonic experience. It marries electronic production techniques with elements of hip-hop, jazz, soul, and ambient music, resulting in a moody and atmospheric sound that can transport listeners to otherworldly realms.

The term “trip hop” itself is believed to have been coined by journalist Andy Pemberton in a review of the album “Dummy” by Portishead in 1994. The name aptly captures the genre’s ability to take listeners on a mental journey, often accompanied by a contemplative or introspective mood.

Tracing the Roots: The History and Development

The Origins: The inception of trip hop can be traced back to the early 1990s, when the city of Bristol, UK, served as a fertile ground for musical experimentation. This city’s underground club scene became a breeding ground for innovative artists seeking to break free from conventional genre boundaries. The influences of hip-hop’s rhythmic intricacies, dub’s textural richness, and the nascent electronic music culture converged, giving birth to a sound that defied categorization.

Massive Attack: Pioneering the Sound: A name that stands tall in the annals of trip hop history is Massive Attack. The release of their debut album “Blue Lines” in 1991 marked a pivotal moment for the genre’s evolution. This groundbreaking work introduced a mesmerizing blend of smooth rhythms, soulful vocal samples, and an urban aura. Tracks like “Unfinished Sympathy” encapsulated the genre’s potential to resonate emotionally while delivering intricate production techniques.

Portishead’s “Dummy”: Redefining Trip Hop: The year 1994 witnessed a significant turning point with the release of Portishead’s “Dummy.” This album not only redefined trip hop but also garnered acclaim that extended far beyond its genre’s boundaries. The haunting vocals of Beth Gibbons, paired with Geoff Barrow’s meticulous production, created an atmosphere that was both dark and cinematic. Tracks like “Sour Times” and “Glory Box” showcased the album’s ability to evoke deep emotions through its fusion of melancholic melodies and inventive production.

Tricky’s Gritty Edge: Tricky, a collaborator on Massive Attack’s “Blue Lines,” emerged as another defining figure in the genre’s development. His debut album “Maxinquaye” (1995) brought a gritty and experimental edge to trip hop. Tricky’s unique blend of hip-hop, punk , dub, and industrial music elements presented a darker and more enigmatic side of the genre. The album’s amalgamation of haunting vocals and dissonant textures resonated with those seeking a more unconventional sonic experience.

Bristol Sound and Urban Aesthetics: The emergence of the “Bristol Sound” emphasized the city’s pivotal role in shaping trip hop. This subgenre embraced a more diverse sonic palette, blending elements of trip hop with reggae, funk, and even rock . Acts like Portishead, Massive Attack, and Tricky exemplified the urban aesthetics that characterized Bristol Sound, where introspection met urban decay in a mesmerizing sonic landscape.

Diverse Inspirations and Global Influence

DJ Shadow’s Sonic Mosaic: The United States made its mark on the trip hop landscape with the emergence of DJ Shadow. His debut album “Endtroducing…..” (1996) revolutionized sampling and manipulation techniques, crafting an entire album from a rich tapestry of samples. This intricate sonic mosaic showcased trip hop’s potential to create immersive experiences that blurred the lines between composition and collage.

Traversing Cultural Boundaries: While the genre found its roots in the UK and the US, it transcended geographical borders. DJ Krush, hailing from Japan, added a distinctive Eastern flavor to trip hop. His album “Meiso” (1995) skillfully merged traditional Japanese sounds with the genre’s characteristic beats, resulting in an album that resonated with a global audience.

Influential Artists and Defining Albums

The landscape of trip hop is adorned with visionary artists who have not only defined the genre but also reshaped the contours of modern music. Their groundbreaking albums remain as milestones that continue to resonate with audiences across the globe.

Massive Attack – “Mezzanine” (1998): Building upon their previous successes, Massive Attack’s “Mezzanine” stands as a testament to their evolution and innovation. The album’s dark and brooding atmosphere, coupled with its intricate production, showcased the band’s ability to capture emotions through sound. Tracks like “Teardrop” featuring Elizabeth Fraser are prime examples of how Massive Attack expertly combined ethereal vocals with hypnotic beats to craft an otherworldly experience.

Tricky – “Maxinquaye” (1995): Tricky’s debut album, “Maxinquaye,” emerged as a force that defied conventions. This album, named after his late mother, delved into the depths of his emotional psyche, resulting in a sonic tapestry that intertwined trip hop with elements of punk, dub, and soul. Tracks like “Hell is Round the Corner” epitomize Tricky’s ability to infuse raw emotion into his music, blurring the lines between genres and leaving an indelible mark on the genre’s history.

Portishead – “Dummy” (1994): Portishead’s debut album “Dummy” not only gave the genre its name but also etched their name in trip hop history. The album’s haunting beauty, juxtaposed with melancholic undertones, created an atmospheric landscape that left listeners captivated. Songs like “Glory Box” and “Sour Times” showcased Beth Gibbons’ distinctive voice and the band’s mastery of tension and release, setting the bar for emotional depth within trip hop.

Morcheeba – “Big Calm” (1998): Morcheeba’s sophomore effort “Big Calm” epitomized the genre’s ability to fuse electronic beats with soulful melodies. Skye Edwards’ sultry vocals combined with lush arrangements, producing an album that perfectly encapsulated the laid-back yet emotionally charged essence of trip hop. Tracks like “The Sea” and “Part of the Process” exemplify Morcheeba’s signature sound that resonated with a wide audience.

DJ Shadow – “Endtroducing…..” (1996): DJ Shadow’s debut album “Endtroducing…..” rewrote the rules of sampling and composition. This instrumental masterpiece showcased his expertise in crafting intricate sonic collages from an extensive range of samples. The album’s immersive quality and attention to detail earned it a place among the most influential records in trip hop history, inspiring a generation of electronic music producers.

UNKLE – “ Psyence Fiction ” (1998): UNKLE, spearheaded by James Lavelle, delivered a genre-defying experience with “Psyence Fiction.” Collaborations with diverse artists like Thom Yorke of Radiohead and Richard Ashcroft of The Verve resulted in an album that pushed the boundaries of trip hop. Tracks like “Rabbit in Your Headlights” combined haunting vocals with intricate electronic arrangements, reflecting UNKLE’s exploration of the genre’s sonic potential.

Legacy and Beyond

The enduring influence of these artists and their defining albums has paved the way for future generations of musicians and producers. As the genre continues to evolve, the spirit of experimentation and sonic exploration remains at its core. From the introspective moods crafted by Portishead to the experimental fusion of Tricky and the sonic landscapes painted by Massive Attack, the legacy of these influential artists is a testament to the lasting impact of trip hop on the world of music.

Continued Influence and Modern Resonance

Chillwave’s Dreamy Revival: In the 2000s and beyond, trip hop’s influence reverberated across genres like chillwave . Acts like Washed Out and Tycho incorporated trip hop’s dreamy soundscapes into their own music, infusing it with modern electronic sensibilities. This revival demonstrated the enduring appeal of trip hop’s atmospheric allure.

Lo-fi Hip Hop’s Digital Oasis: The digital age ushered in a new era of lo-fi hip hop beats, often accompanied by captivating visuals. These beats drew heavily from trip hop’s relaxed rhythms, offering a backdrop for study sessions, relaxation, and contemplation. Online platforms became havens for these beats, with creators curating seamless mixes that captured the essence of trip hop’s tranquility.

Unraveling Trip Hop’s Legacy

As the journey through trip hop’s rich history unfolds, it becomes clear that the genre is far more than a musical classification. It’s a tapestry of diverse influences, a testament to the power of sonic exploration. From Massive Attack’s pioneering endeavors to Tricky’s enigmatic soundscapes and Portishead’s emotional depth, trip hop has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Its evolution continues to inspire artists across genres, reminding us that music’s capacity for innovation knows no bounds. Whether experienced in dimly lit clubs or through headphones in quiet solitude, trip hop invites us to traverse its textured landscapes and embark on a sonic journey that defies conventions and expectations.

•  Space-A
•  Weather

Military Space-Available Travel

Space a travel.

Space Available Flight, more commonly referred to as Space-A travel or military hops, is a privilege afforded to military service members, their families, and service retirees. The system accommodates these passengers by letting them fill seats on Air Force air transport flights that would otherwise be left empty. The seats are made available on a space-available basis. Unused seats on DoD-owned or controlled aircraft are made available once all the space-required (duty) passengers and cargo have been accommodated. If you want to know where you can travel, check out our Space-A Travel Locations List , complete with contact information

Space-A travelers may sign up for travel 60-days in advance of the desired travel date. Passengers are categorized by priority of travel and are processed in priority order by their sign-in time (Julian date). For leisure travel, Reservists are placed in category VI, which is a rather low priority. (Official duty passengers have priority over Space-A travelers.)

Space required passengers or cargo may require the removal of Space A passengers at any point. If removed en route, you may reregister with your original date and time of registration. Passenger Service will assign a new date and time to any country or destination you change or add on your application.

Always be prepared to purchase onward or return commercial transportation, meals, and lodging. Remember Space A seats are normally identified as early as 2-3 hours and late as 30 minutes prior to departure. It is recommended you check with the passenger service center for the space available show time for the flight you wish to take.

AMC Passenger Terminals

Registration

Passengers must register for travel at Passenger Service Centers in the passenger terminal in person and/or may also sign-up in writing by fax, mail, or E-mail. Sponsors who register in person for family members traveling with them should present all required documents: Identification cards (DD Form 2, Armed Forces Identification Card), passports, immunization records, and visas when required by the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide. Travel documents must be presented when selected for travel. Travelers may select up to five countries. We recommend the “all” choice for the 5th destination so that the traveler may take advantage of unscheduled unique travel opportunities.

Have an iPhone or iPad? Download the premiere Space-a App by Take-A-Hop:

Space-A Eligibility

The following types of travelers are authorized to use Space-A airlift. The regulation DoD 4515.13-R contains a complete listing of eligible passengers by category, and the AMC site lists the majority of information you will need to plan your trip. Required documentation for each traveler is also listed below. Please have those documents ready for review when selected for travel:

• Active Duty Uniformed Services Member (includes National Guard and Reserve members on active duty in excess of 30 days and Cadets and Midshipmen of the U.S. Service Academies): DD Form 2 (Green), US Armed Forces ID Card (Active), Form 2 NOAA (Green), Uniformed Services ID and Privilege Card (Active), or PHS Form 1866-3 (Green), US Public Health Service ID Card (Active), and a valid leave authorization or evidence of pass status.
• Retired Uniformed Service Members: DD Form 2 (Blue), US Armed Forces ID Card (Retired), DD Form 2 (Blue) NOAA, Uniformed Services ID Card (Retired), or PHS Form 1866-3 (Blue), US Public Health Service ID Card (Retired).
• National Guard and Reserve Members: Authorized Reserve Component Members (National Guard and Ready Reserve) and members of the Standby Reserve who are on the Active Status List: DD Form 2 (Red), Armed Forces of the United States ID Card (Reserve) and DD Form 1853, Verification of Reserve Status for Travel Eligibility.
• Retired Reservists Entitled to Retired Pay at Age 60: DD Form 2 (Red) and a notice of retirement eligibility as described in DoD Directive 1200.15. If the automated DD Form 2 (Red) has been issued, the member is registered in his or her service personnel system as a Reserve retiree entitled to retired pay at age 60, and a notice of retirement is not required.
• Retired Reservists Qualified for Retired Pay: DD Form 2 (Blue), US Armed Forces ID Card (Retired), DD Form 2 (Blue) NOAA, Uniformed Services ID Card (Retired), or PHS Form 1866-3 (Blue), US Public Health Service ID Card (Retired).
• On Active Duty for 30 Days or Less: DD Form 2 (Red), orders placing the Reservist on active duty, and a valid leave authorization or evidence of pass status.
• ROTC, Nuclear Power Officer Candidate (NUPOC), and Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) Members: When enrolled in an advanced ROTC, NUPOC, or CEC course or enrolled under the financial assistance program: DD Form 2 (Red) and DD Form 1853.
• Family Members of Uniformed Services Members: DD Form 1173, United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card.
• EML Travelers: EML travel orders issued in accordance with Combatant Command procedures.
• Disabled and Widows/Widowers: Currently, 100 percent disabled veterans and widows of service members are not eligible to use Space-A travel. (Visit source website)

Space A Eligibility Frequently Asked Questions

I’m a grey area retiree, where can i fly.

Per the DOD reg , Table 6.1, Item 35, a Grey Area Retiree (Reservist who is eligible for retirement pay at 60 years of age but not yet 60 years old), can fly within the CONUS and directly between the CONUS and Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa (Guam and American Samoa travelers may transit Hawaii or Alaska); or traveling within Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands. The DoD reg , Table 6.1 does not authorize Grey Area Dependents to fly Space-A. (Reference PASSENGER SERVICE UPDATE DTG: 261800Z OCT 01 para 1.K)

Can 100% Disabled Veterans Travel Space-A?

Despite rumors to the contrary, 100 percent disabled veterans in possession of DD form 1173 or 2765 identification cards are not entitled to space-a travel aboard DoD aircraft. Any changes to space- a eligibility rules will be published as an immediate change to DoD 4515.13r and advertised accordingly (Reiteration HQ AMC/DONP 091704z Mar 99 and Reference PASSENGER SERVICE UPDATE DTG: 261800Z OCT 01 para 1.H).

Are Widows/Widowers Eligible to Travel Space-A?

Widows/widowers of active duty/retired military personnel are not entitled to space-a travel aboard DoD aircraft. Any changes to space- a eligibility rules will be published as an immediate change to DoD 4515.13r and advertised accordingly (Reiteration HQ AMC/DONP 091704z Mar 99).

Can a ROTC Cadet Fly Space-A?

Yes. When enrolled ( I read “contracted” versus “taking” ROTC) in an advanced ROTC, NUPOC, or CEC course or enrolled under the financial assistance program, on presentation of the following valid: DD Form 2 (Red) and DD Form 1853. Category of Travel is Cat 6 and travel is authorized ONLY within and between the CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii and the US. territories.

Space A Travel Categories

The following is a partial listing of eligible individuals and their category of travel. A complete listing of eligible passengers by category is contained in DoD 4515.13-R, Air Transportation Eligibility.

Emergency Leave Unfunded Travel. Transportation by the most expeditious routing only for bona fide immediate family emergencies, as determined by DOD Directive 1327.5. This travel privilege shall not be used in lieu of a funded travel entitlement.

• Uniformed Services members with emergency status indicated in leave orders.
• U.S .citizen civilians stationed overseas and employees of the Uniformed Services/Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) activities and whose travel from the CONUS, Alaska or Hawaii was incident to a PCS assignment at NAF expense.
• Dependents of members of the Uniformed Services when accompanied by their sponsor.
• U.S. citizen civilian employees of the Uniformed Service, stationed overseas
• U.S. citizen civilian employees of the DoD stationed overseas and paid from NAF, or
• American Red Cross full-time paid personnel serving with a DOD Component overseas.

Sponsors in an Environmental Morale Leave (EML) status and their dependents traveling with them, also in EML status. “Sponsors” includes:

• Uniformed Services Members.
• U.S. citizen civilian employees of the Armed Forces who are eligible for Government-funded transportation to the United States at tour completion (including NAF employees).
• American Red Cross full-time, paid personnel on duty with DOD Component overseas.
• USO professional staff personnel on duty with the Uniformed Services.
• DODDS Teachers during the school year and for Employer-approved training during recess periods.

Ordinary Leave, Close Blood or Affirmative Relatives, House Hunting Permissive TDY, Medal of Honor Holders, Foreign Military, and Others.

• Uniformed Services members in a leave or pass status, other than emergency leave, including members of the reserve components on active duty, in leave or pass status.
• Dependents of a member of the Uniformed Services when accompanied by their sponsor in a leave status.
• Uniformed Services members traveling under permissive TDY orders for house hunting incident to a pending PCS.
• One dependent may accompany a Uniformed Services member.
• Medal of Honor recipients and their dependents (when accompanied by their sponsor). Except for active duty, traveler shall present a copy of the Medal of Honor Award Certificate.
• Foreign cadets and midshipmen attending U.S. Service academies, in a leave status.
• Foreign Exchange Service members on permanent duty with the DoD, when in a leave status.
• Dependents of foreign exchange Service members on permanent duty with the Department of Defense when accompanied by their sponsor.

Unaccompanied Dependents on EML and DODDS Teachers on EML During Summer.

• Dependents traveling under the EML Program, unaccompanied by their sponsor.
• DODDS teachers of dependents accompanied or unaccompanied traveling under the EML Program.

Permissive TDY (Non-House Hunting) Students, Dependents and Others.

• Military personnel traveling on permissive TDY orders other than for househunting.
• Dependents (children) who are college students attending in residence at an overseas branch of an American (U.S) university located in the same overseas area in which they reside, command sponsored, stationed overseas with their sponsor, who is: (1) A member of the Uniformed Services; (2) A U.S. citizen civilian employee of the Department of Defense (paid from either appropriated funds or NAF); or (3) An American Red Cross full-time, paid employee serving with the Department of Defense.
• Dependents, command-sponsored, stationed overseas with their sponsor who is: (1) A member of the Uniformed Services; (2) A U.S. citizen civilian employee of the Department of Defense (paid from either appropriated funds or NAF); or (3) An American Red Cross full-time, paid employee serving with the Department of Defense. Unaccompanied travel is permitted to and from the nearest overseas military academy testing site to take scheduled entrance examinations for entry into any of the U.S. Service Academies
• Command sponsored dependents (18 years of age) of Uniformed Services members who are stationed overseas may travel unaccompanied from the sponsor’s PCS duty location to the CONUS and return. Travel is also authorized within the overseas theater. Travel cannot be between two overseas theaters (i.e., from Germany to Japan). Dependents must have command-sponsored documentation signed by the Commander verifying command sponsorship. Documentation is valid for one round trip.

Retired, Dependents, Reserve, ROTC, NUPOS and CEC

• Retired Uniformed Services members
• Dependents of retired Uniformed Service members, when accompanied by their sponsor.
• Dependents, command sponsored, stationed overseas with their sponsor who is: (1) A member of the Uniformed Services; (2) A U.S. citizen civilian employee of the Department of Defense (paid from either appropriated funds or NAF); or (3) An American Red Cross full-time, paid employee serving with the Department of Defense. Unaccompanied travel is permitted to the U.S. for enlisting in one of the Armed Forces when local enlistment in the overseas area is not authorized. If an applicant for Military Service is rejected, return travel to the overseas area may be provided under this eligibility
• Authorized Reserve component members and authorized Reserve component members entitled to retired pay at age 60 (gray area retirees) traveling in the CONUS and directly between the CONUS and Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa (Guam and American Samoa travelers may transit Hawaii or Alaska); or traveling within Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands
• Newly commissioned ROTC officers who are awaiting call to extended active duty. Travel is authorized within and between the CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. territories.

Space-A Points:

While the precise procedures for making flight arrangements may vary from one air terminal to another, the first step is to find out what destinations you can travel to from the air terminals near you. The simplest way to get a list of destinations is to call the terminal in your area. Terminals typically provide either a voice or recorded listing of upcoming flights. On request, most terminals can also fax you a copy of their flight schedule.

Once you have made your travel plan, you can sign up for flights in several ways. You always have the option of going to a terminal in person. However, in many cases you do not even have to leave your home. Flight requests can be made by mail, by telephone, via the Internet, or by facsimile. Upon sign-up, travelers are assigned a travel category and compete for seats in that category, based on the date and time of sign-up. Passengers stay on the flight register for either 60 days, the duration of their travel authorization, or until they get a seat. Once registered, passengers can review their reservation status any time.

There can be drawbacks to Space-A travel. As a Space-A traveler, your flight request is processed on a first-in, first-out basis within your assigned category of travel. You must be aware of the following facts when you decide to fly Space-A:

Official duty passengers and priority cargo have priority over Space-A passengers. If your flight has more than one leg, you can get bumped off of your plane at the end of any leg.

• Reservations cannot be made for any portion of a trip. Flexible travel plans are necessary.
• Reservists and retirees are classified as Category VI passengers.
• Long, uncomfortable and frequently costly waiting periods may be encountered at any point of your journey.
• The U.S. Government is not obligated to provide transportation for Space-A passengers to or from desired destinations.
• Summer months are peak travel times.
• You will need to travel with either a credit card or carry sufficient funds to pay for lodging, meals, local transportation, and even commercial airfare, if necessary.
• You must travel light. Only duty passengers can pay for excess baggage.

Baggage Allowances

Each passenger may check two pieces of checked baggage, 70 pounds each, up to 62 linear inches in size. Family members may pool their baggage allowances. Hand-carried baggage must fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment, if available. Standard issue B-4 duffle bags are authorized to weigh 100 pounds and still considered one piece. Only one of these bags will be allowed.

C9 Baggage: Limited to two pieces at 55 pounds combined weight.

NOTE: Baggage weight may be limited due to type of aircraft or other restrictions. Check with your Passenger Service Center for more information.

Air Force Billeting

If you’re looking for someplace to sleep for the night, check billeting availability through the services lodging list web page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does my name stay on the space a list.

All travelers remain on the register 60 days after registration, for the duration of their leave orders authorization, or until they are selected for travel, whichever occurs first. Revalidation has been eliminated.

What is country sign-up, and how does it affect me?

Under this program, you may sign up for five different countries rather than five different destinations. AMC Passenger Terminals are no longer accepting the option for the “ALL” sign-up – in the past, this would make a passenger eligible for all other destinations served. You now have to sign up for individual countries.

What is remote sign-up?

Remote sign-up allows passengers to enter the backlog by telefaxing copies of proper service documentation along with desired country destinations and family members’ first names to the aerial port of departure. The telefax data header will establish date/time of sign-up; therefore, active duty personnel must ensure the telefax is sent no earlier than the effective date of leave. Terminals are not responsible for faxes not received. Mail entries will also be permitted. Some of terminals now accept e-mail sign-up. The original date and time of sign-up shall be documented and stay with the passenger until his or her destination is reached. On reaching destination, the passenger may again sign-up for space available travel to return to home station.

NOTE: If applicable, a statement that all required border clearance documents are current, is required.

What is self sign-up?

Self sign-up is a program that allows passengers to sign-up at a terminal without waiting in line. Most locations now provide self sign-up counters with easy to follow instructions for registration. Active duty personnel must ensure sign-up takes place no earlier than the effective date of leave. If your travel will take you to a foreign country, ensure border clearance documentation is up to date. If you are unsure, verify it with a passenger service representative on duty.

How can I find where my name is on the Space A register?

Each terminal maintains a Space A register (organized alphabetically, by priority and the date and time of registration for travel) that is updated daily. The register is conveniently located in the terminal and directly accessible to you. Travelers may call the terminal direct to find where they stand travel wise.

What are some guidelines on baggage?

Travel light, take only essentials. Do not place valuables, medicine, or important documents in your check baggage. Be sure your name and current address are on and inside your bags. Terminals have baggage ID tags available for you to use.

Can my pet travel with me on a Space A flight?

No. DoD has reserved pet shipments for passengers in permanent change of station (PCS) status only. Additionally, travel with pets would be difficult at best due to limited aircraft pet spaces, pet import documentation requirements, and the possibility of quarantine in the event of an aircraft divert. The short answe is: if you are on an AMC aircraft traveling as part of a PCS, you may take pets with you, if you are on Space-A Status (Leave, R&, etc.) then you may not.

Will Space A travel cost much?

In general, no. Some terminals must collect a head tax or a federal inspection fee from Space A passengers on commercial contract missions. Meals may be purchased at a nominal fee out of most air terminals while traveling on military aircraft.

What facilities are available at terminals (nursery, Base Exchange, snack bar)?

Facilities at most military terminals are generally the same as commercial facilities. Facilities include exchanges, barber shops, snack bars, pay television (free television lounge in some military terminals), traveler assistance, baggage lockers or rooms, United Services Organization (USO) lounges, and nurseries (at major terminals). The type of facility available will vary according to the terminal size and location.

NOTE: Most passenger terminals close at night. Space A travelers should be prepared to defray billeting expenses.

Tips for Traveling Space-A

• Plan, be flexible, be patient. As a rule of thumb, military ports offer more travel opportunities than commercial gateways (i.e., travel chances are better to Europe from Dover AFB DE than Baltimore-Washington IAP).
• If possible, travel at off-peak Space A travel periods (i.e., peak periods are the summer months after school is dismissed and Christmas holiday season). Historically, February-March and October-November are low travel periods.
• Be as flexible as possible in choosing a destination. If you want to get to Ramstein AB, Germany, consider a flight into Spangdahlem AB, Germany, or even RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, as an alternative. At Mildenhall, try for another flight bound for Germany.
• There is a head tax on CONUS outbound or federal inspection fee on CONUS inbound international commercial charters.
• When traveling Space A with young children, prepare for possible delays along the way where baby supplies may not be readily available. A good supply of games and books is also recommended. Be aware that a baby’s ears, like an adults, are sensitive to altitude pressure changes.
• Space A is just that—space that is available after all mission requirements are fulfilled. Military aircraft are subject at all times, first and foremost, to DoD mission response.

The following regulations govern AMC travel; please refer to them as the source documents regarding AMC travel.

• Passports, Visas, ID cards, Letters
• AMCI 24-101, Volume 14
• Air Transportation Eligibility DOD 4515.13R
• DTR, Chapter 103 – Passenger Movement
• GSA City Pairs
• Military Sim Cards

Questions?   Contact Us

Compare flights from 100s of sites.

Big names, great deals, filter for what you want, track prices, more than flights, search cheap flights by destination, find cheap flights.

Save money on airfare by searching for cheap flight tickets on KAYAK. KAYAK searches for flight deals on hundreds of airline tickets sites to help you find the cheapest flights. Whether you are looking for a last minute flight or a cheap plane ticket for a later date, you can find the best deals faster at KAYAK.

New York Flights

• Flight Miami - Newark (MIA - EWR) $33+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Newark (FLL - EWR) $40+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - LGA) $69+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - LGA) $73+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - LGA) $74+
• Flight Dallas - Newark (DFW - EWR) $75+
• Flight Atlanta - Newark (ATL - EWR) $76+
• Flight Orlando - Newark (MCO - EWR) $77+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - LGA) $78+
• Flight Orlando - New York (MCO - LGA) $80+
• Flight Houston - New York (HOU - LGA) $96+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - JFK) $97+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - JFK) $117+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - JFK) $117+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - LGA) $156+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - JFK) $159+
• Flight Los Angeles - Newark (LAX - EWR) $170+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - JFK) $176+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - LGA) $186+
• Flight Burbank - Newark (BUR - EWR) $201+
• Flight Oakland - Newark (OAK - EWR) $203+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - JFK) $210+
• Flight Seattle - New York (SEA - JFK) $231+
• Flight San Francisco - Newark (SFO - EWR) $246+

Orlando Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Orlando (ATL - MCO) $40+
• Flight Charlotte - Orlando (CLT - MCO) $47+
• Flight Cleveland - Orlando (CLE - MCO) $51+
• Flight Baltimore - Orlando (BWI - MCO) $52+
• Flight Raleigh - Orlando (RDU - MCO) $53+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (HOU - MCO) $54+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (IAH - MCO) $54+

London Flights

• Flight New York - London (JFK - LGW) $302+
• Flight Newark - London (EWR - LHR) $306+
• Flight Los Angeles - London (LAX - LHR) $330+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LGW) $340+
• Flight Los Angeles - London (LAX - LGW) $344+
• Flight New Windsor - London (SWF - STN) $375+
• Flight New York - London (LGA - LGW) $387+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LHR) $388+
• Flight Newark - London (EWR - LGW) $390+

Fort Lauderdale Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale (ATL - FLL) $39+
• Flight Cleveland - Fort Lauderdale (CLE - FLL) $40+
• Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $40+
• Flight Philadelphia - Fort Lauderdale (PHL - FLL) $40+
• Flight Raleigh - Fort Lauderdale (RDU - FLL) $40+
• Flight Atlantic City - Fort Lauderdale (ACY - FLL) $45+
• Flight Chicago - Fort Lauderdale (ORD - FLL) $50+

Boston Flights

• Flight Chicago - Boston (ORD - BOS) $50+
• Flight Baltimore - Boston (BWI - BOS) $58+
• Flight Newark - Boston (EWR - BOS) $60+
• Flight Charlotte - Boston (CLT - BOS) $61+
• Flight Atlanta - Boston (ATL - BOS) $71+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Boston (FLL - BOS) $72+
• Flight Orlando - Boston (MCO - BOS) $78+

India Flights

• Flight New York - Mumbai (JFK - BOM) $596+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - New Delhi (IAD - DEL) $628+
• Flight Chicago - Mumbai (ORD - BOM) $667+
• Flight New York - New Delhi (JFK - DEL) $703+
• Flight San Francisco - New Delhi (SFO - DEL) $708+
• Flight New York - Ahmedabad (JFK - AMD) $713+
• Flight New York - Hyderabad (JFK - HYD) $736+

Japan Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - NRT) $566+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - NRT) $671+
• Flight Seattle - Tokyo (SEA - NRT) $776+
• Flight Dallas - Tokyo (DFW - NRT) $784+
• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - HND) $786+
• Flight Houston - Tokyo (HOU - NRT) $795+
• Flight Chicago - Tokyo (ORD - NRT) $797+

Phoenix Flights

• Flight Ontario - Phoenix (ONT - PHX) $38+
• Flight San Francisco - Phoenix (SFO - PHX) $48+
• Flight San Diego - Phoenix (SAN - PHX) $51+
• Flight Dallas - Phoenix (DFW - PHX) $58+
• Flight Salt Lake City - Phoenix (SLC - PHX) $59+
• Flight Los Angeles - Phoenix (LAX - PHX) $60+
• Flight Portland - Phoenix (PDX - PHX) $63+

Honolulu Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Honolulu (LAX - HNL) $98+
• Flight San Francisco - Honolulu (SFO - HNL) $134+
• Flight San Diego - Honolulu (SAN - HNL) $197+
• Flight San Jose - Honolulu (SJC - HNL) $203+
• Flight Oakland - Honolulu (OAK - HNL) $218+
• Flight Ontario - Honolulu (ONT - HNL) $239+
• Flight Seattle - Honolulu (SEA - HNL) $251+

Los Angeles Flights

• Flight Oakland - Los Angeles (OAK - LAX) $39+
• Flight San Francisco - Los Angeles (SFO - LAX) $43+
• Flight San Jose - Los Angeles (SJC - LAX) $46+
• Flight Salt Lake City - Los Angeles (SLC - LAX) $53+
• Flight Seattle - Los Angeles (SEA - LAX) $61+
• Flight Portland - Los Angeles (PDX - LAX) $68+
• Flight Baltimore - Los Angeles (BWI - LAX) $87+
• Flight Chicago - Los Angeles (ORD - LAX) $89+
• Flight Houston - Los Angeles (HOU - LAX) $95+

Chicago Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - MDW) $37+
• Flight Boston - Chicago (BOS - ORD) $40+
• Flight Denver - Chicago (DEN - ORD) $52+
• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - ORD) $54+
• Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - ORD) $57+
• Flight Philadelphia - Chicago (PHL - ORD) $59+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Chicago (FLL - ORD) $60+

Denver Flights

• Flight Ontario - Denver (ONT - DEN) $53+
• Flight Los Angeles - Denver (LAX - DEN) $57+
• Flight Chicago - Denver (ORD - DEN) $58+
• Flight Dallas - Denver (DFW - DEN) $59+
• Flight Baltimore - Denver (BWI - DEN) $68+
• Flight Minneapolis - Denver (MSP - DEN) $69+
• Flight Phoenix - Denver (PHX - DEN) $72+

Washington, D.C. Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Baltimore (ATL - BWI) $48+
• Flight Orlando - Baltimore (MCO - BWI) $51+
• Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $61+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Baltimore (FLL - BWI) $71+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (IAH - BWI) $86+
• Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $89+
• Flight Dallas - Baltimore (DFW - BWI) $93+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (HOU - BWI) $100+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - IAD) $115+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - DCA) $133+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - DCA) $137+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - IAD) $139+
• Flight Los Angeles - Baltimore (LAX - BWI) $146+
• Flight Chicago - Washington, D.C. (ORD - DCA) $147+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - DCA) $147+
• Flight Houston - Washington, D.C. (HOU - DCA) $171+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - IAD) $177+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - DCA) $185+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - DCA) $186+
• Flight San Francisco - Baltimore (SFO - BWI) $188+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - DCA) $188+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - IAD) $197+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - IAD) $277+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - IAD) $297+

Atlanta Flights

• Flight Chicago - Atlanta (MDW - ATL) $37+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Atlanta (FLL - ATL) $39+
• Flight Philadelphia - Atlanta (PHL - ATL) $41+
• Flight Orlando - Atlanta (MCO - ATL) $42+
• Flight Baltimore - Atlanta (BWI - ATL) $44+
• Flight Detroit - Atlanta (DTW - ATL) $46+
• Flight New York - Atlanta (LGA - ATL) $46+

United States Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Las Vegas (LAX - LAS) $36+
• Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $40+
• Flight Los Angeles - Seattle (LAX - SEA) $61+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - LGA) $64+
• Flight New York - Dallas (LGA - DFW) $66+

Hawaii Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $98+
• Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $134+
• Flight San Diego - Hawaii (SAN - USHI) $197+
• Flight San Jose - Hawaii (SJC - USHI) $203+
• Flight Seattle - Hawaii (SEA - USHI) $211+
• Flight Ontario - Hawaii (ONT - USHI) $239+
• Flight Las Vegas - Hawaii (LAS - USHI) $268+

Tampa Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Tampa (ATL - TPA) $42+
• Flight Cincinnati - Tampa (CVG - TPA) $48+
• Flight Baltimore - Tampa (BWI - TPA) $56+
• Flight Newark - Tampa (EWR - TPA) $68+
• Flight Detroit - Tampa (DTW - TPA) $70+
• Flight Philadelphia - Tampa (PHL - TPA) $70+
• Flight Richmond - Tampa (RIC - TPA) $75+

Houston Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Houston (ATL - IAH) $44+
• Flight Orlando - Houston (MCO - IAH) $51+
• Flight Dallas - Houston (DFW - IAH) $58+
• Flight Denver - Houston (DEN - IAH) $58+
• Flight Chicago - Houston (ORD - IAH) $60+
• Flight Philadelphia - Houston (PHL - IAH) $65+
• Flight Newark - Houston (EWR - IAH) $72+

Las Vegas Flights

• Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $31+
• Flight Oakland - Las Vegas (OAK - LAS) $41+
• Flight Denver - Las Vegas (DEN - LAS) $53+
• Flight Seattle - Las Vegas (SEA - LAS) $54+
• Flight San Francisco - Las Vegas (SFO - LAS) $56+
• Flight Santa Ana - Las Vegas (SNA - LAS) $64+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Las Vegas (FLL - LAS) $67+
• Flight Dallas - Las Vegas (DFW - LAS) $72+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (HOU - LAS) $72+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (IAH - LAS) $72+
• Flight Atlanta - Las Vegas (ATL - LAS) $81+
• Flight Chicago - Las Vegas (ORD - LAS) $82+
• Flight Detroit - Las Vegas (DTW - LAS) $83+

Miami Flights

• Flight Detroit - Miami (DTW - MIA) $40+
• Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $40+
• Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $50+
• Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $51+
• Flight Charlotte - Miami (CLT - MIA) $53+
• Flight Dallas - Miami (DFW - MIA) $53+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (ORD - MIA) $60+
• Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $69+
• Flight Houston - Miami (HOU - MIA) $80+
• Flight Houston - Miami (IAH - MIA) $80+
• Flight Boston - Miami (BOS - MIA) $84+
• Flight New York - Miami (LGA - MIA) $92+
• Flight Minneapolis - Miami (MSP - MIA) $115+
• Flight New York - Miami (JFK - MIA) $117+
• Flight Denver - Miami (DEN - MIA) $119+
• Flight Cincinnati - Miami (CVG - MIA) $121+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (DCA - MIA) $127+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (IAD - MIA) $127+
• Flight Los Angeles - Miami (LAX - MIA) $137+
• Flight Ontario - Miami (ONT - MIA) $158+
• Flight Austin - Miami (AUS - MIA) $179+

San Francisco Flights

• Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $38+
• Flight San Diego - San Francisco (SAN - SFO) $38+
• Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $44+
• Flight Santa Ana - San Francisco (SNA - SFO) $56+
• Flight Phoenix - San Francisco (PHX - SFO) $76+
• Flight Portland - San Francisco (PDX - SFO) $93+
• Flight Denver - San Francisco (DEN - SFO) $105+
• Flight Dallas - San Francisco (DFW - SFO) $132+
• Flight Atlanta - San Francisco (ATL - SFO) $135+
• Flight Seattle - San Francisco (SEA - SFO) $137+
• Flight Chicago - San Francisco (ORD - SFO) $153+
• Flight Houston - San Francisco (HOU - SFO) $162+
• Flight Austin - San Francisco (AUS - SFO) $165+
• Flight Baltimore - San Francisco (BWI - SFO) $168+

Seattle Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Seattle (LAX - SEA) $53+
• Flight Denver - Seattle (DEN - SEA) $75+
• Flight Ontario - Seattle (ONT - SEA) $75+
• Flight Phoenix - Seattle (PHX - SEA) $81+
• Flight Chicago - Seattle (ORD - SEA) $97+
• Flight Dallas - Seattle (DFW - SEA) $98+
• Flight San Diego - Seattle (SAN - SEA) $103+

Paris Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Paris (LAX - ORY) $228+
• Flight Los Angeles - Paris (LAX - CDG) $286+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Paris (IAD - CDG) $286+
• Flight Boston - Paris (BOS - CDG) $291+
• Flight Newark - Paris (EWR - ORY) $300+
• Flight Baltimore - Paris (BWI - CDG) $306+
• Flight New Windsor - Paris (SWF - CDG) $311+

Europe Flights

• Flight Miami - Madrid (MIA - MAD) $269+
• Flight New York - Athens (JFK - ATH) $282+
• Flight New York - Rome (JFK - FCO) $289+
• Flight New York - Paris (JFK - CDG) $318+

Florida Flights

• Flight Newark - Florida (EWR - USFL) $40+
• Flight Atlanta - Florida (ATL - USFL) $50+
• Flight Chicago - Florida (ORD - USFL) $50+
• Flight Dallas - Florida (DFW - USFL) $53+
• Flight Boston - Florida (BOS - USFL) $67+
• Flight New York - Florida (LGA - USFL) $69+
• Flight Baltimore - Florida (BWI - USFL) $70+

Dallas Flights

• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Dallas (FLL - DFW) $40+
• Flight Miami - Dallas (MIA - DFW) $40+
• Flight Houston - Dallas (HOU - DFW) $44+
• Flight Houston - Dallas (IAH - DFW) $44+
• Flight Chicago - Dallas (ORD - DFW) $58+
• Flight Atlanta - Dallas (ATL - DFW) $60+
• Flight Phoenix - Dallas (PHX - DFW) $61+

San Diego Flights

• Flight San Jose - San Diego (SJC - SAN) $44+
• Flight San Francisco - San Diego (SFO - SAN) $56+
• Flight Oakland - San Diego (OAK - SAN) $59+
• Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $59+
• Flight Dallas - San Diego (DFW - SAN) $68+
• Flight Portland - San Diego (PDX - SAN) $68+
• Flight Houston - San Diego (HOU - SAN) $70+

Frequently asked questions

What do i need to know before booking a flight.

There are various factors to consider when booking a flight including cost, fare classes, baggage policies, the complications of flying long haul, and complying with airport regulations. To make your booking journey smoother KAYAK has developed a comprehensive flight guide including insights on finding affordable flights, packing efficiently, and utilizing the best travel tools.

What is the cheapest day of the week to book a flight?

The best day to book your flight depends on a number of factors, but there are general trends that you can follow to increase your chances of cheaper plane tickets. Based on an analysis of KAYAK data for all flights departing from inside United States over the last 12 months, the cheapest day to fly for domestic flights is Wednesday. For international flights, Tuesday had the cheapest tickets on average.

Which month of the year are flight prices lowest?

It’s well established that flights in the low season are generally cheaper than ticket prices during the high season. That means that knowing which month to find the lowest priced plane tickets will depend heavily on seasonality and your destination. While avoiding peak travel times can help you keep costs down, our data shows that the month with the lowest priced plane tickets for domestic flights based on all searches made on KAYAK in the last 12 months was January, while the most expensive was July. If you’re booking an international flight, then January is the cheapest month to fly and June the most expensive.

When is the best time to buy plane tickets - Last minute or in advance?

Last minute flight deals are definitely up for grabs but when exactly to purchase your plane tickets will depend on where you’re traveling to and from. Based on all data for flight searches made on KAYAK over the last 12 months, prices for domestic flights remained below the average price up to 1 weeks before departure. For international flights, deals could still be had up to 1 weeks prior to the departure date, with prices remaining below average. If you’re flexible, KAYAK brings you both advance and last minute one-way and round-trip flight deals.

Can flying international flights with a layover save money on airfare?

For many long-haul international flights, flying non-stop is not possible and you will have to fly with a layover. Some routes will offer both and you could consider flying with a layover for a number of reasons. Firstly, breaking up what would otherwise be a long-haul flight, taking a rest and then completing the journey might make the flight more manageable. Secondly, prices can also be lower than non-stop flights, so while it might take longer for you to reach your destination, you could save money. We’ve looked at prices over the last 12 months for the 100 most popular international destinations for KAYAK users and on average, prices for non-stop flights were cheaper than flights with a layover.

How does KAYAK find such low flight prices?

KAYAK processes over 2 billion flight queries annually and displays results from hundreds of airlines and third party sites, allowing it to find a variety of flight prices and options. It also displays results from 2M+ properties along with rental cars, vacation packages, activities and millions of verified reviews so users can see as many available travel options as possible.

How do I find the best flight deals on KAYAK?

A simple flight search at https://www.kayak.com/flights scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather flight deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare options for the same flight and easily choose the best flight deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

How can Hacker Fares save me money?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets on different airlines when it can save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket.

Does KAYAK query more flight providers than competitors?

Yes, KAYAK has access to more data and information than online travel agencies and consistently outperforms the competition in accuracy, globally.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you flights up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. That way, you can see if leaving a day or two earlier will find you a better deal. You can also select the flexible "weekend" or "month" search options to widen your search range and find the cheapest price that works for you.

Search cheap flights with KAYAK. Search for the cheapest airline tickets for all the top airlines around the world, airports around the world and the top international flight routes . KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find cheap airfare and book a flight that suits you best. Since KAYAK searches many plane tickets sites at once, you can find cheap tickets from cheap airlines and for trains and buses quickly.

KAYAK also helps you find the right hotels for your needs.

• Latest News

You’re So Good To Me: The 10 Best Beach Boys Arrangements

‘gettin’ ready’: how the temptations prepped a classic soul album, the roussos phenomenon: the unique vocal presence of demis roussos, ‘bleach’: the caustic debut album that brought nirvana to the world, ‘closer to home’: the grand funk album that invaded times square, ‘hot on the tracks’: the commodores speed to the soul summit, why drake’s ‘thank me later’ predicted his future, julius rodriguez returns with new album ‘evergreen’, remi wolf recruits kenny beats, leon michels and the dap-kings for ‘motorcycle’, ll cool j recruits fat joe and rick ross for ‘saturday night special’, tejano music icon johnny canales dies at 77, meshell ndegeocello shares new single ‘love’, catfish & the bottlemen announce tenth anniversary edition of ‘the balcony’, paul weller’s ‘fly on the wall’ rarities collection to return in triple vinyl edition, the 46 best songs about flying and planes.

From transcontinental journeys to late-night red-eyes, here are the best flying songs for the next time you fly the friendly skies.

Published on

No music fan in their right mind would think of traveling these days without a suitable playlist. Airplane travel lends itself especially well to a thematic mix, since pop music history is so loaded with great flight songs. Here are our picks for some of the greatest, with an emphasis on songs that deal with the thrill of flying.

Listen to the best Flying Songs on Spotify .

46: Dierks Bentley: Drunk on a Plane

It used to be the rock and rollers who wrote all the best songs about bad behavior, now the country stars are cornering the market. Just thank the Lord that Dierks Bentley is nowhere near the cockpit.

Best Weezer Songs: 20 Pop-Altering Essentials

‘take off your pants and jacket’: underneath blink-182’s enticing invitation, what is art rock a history of music’s most progressive minds.

45: Red Hot Chilli Peppers – The Zephyr Song

The chorus of Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ “The Zephyr Song” talks about flying away “on my zephyr/I feel it more than ever/And in this perfect weather/We’ll find a place together/Fly on my wind.” It features one of Anthony Kiedis’ most restrained vocal performances, evoking the sun-kissed feeling of the lyrics. – Sam Armstrong

44: Bowling for Soup – Turbulence

Not to be confused with the song of the same name by Steve Aoki, Laidback Luke, and Lil Jon, this great song uses a metaphor of air travel and turbulence for life itself. The key lyric: “I’ll be there for you/We can make it through.” – Sam Armstrong

43: Bette Midler – Wind Beneath My Wings

Whether you’re singing it to a friend, a lover, or just as a joke, this Better Midler tune is perfect for karaoke. The lyrical content isn’t explicitly about air travel per se, but Midler’s impassioned performance may make you feel like you’re flying anyway. – Sam Armstrong

42: M.I.A. – Paper Planes

It’s certainly not about a Boeing, but this plane-referencing banger from M.I.A. still fits our theme for this list by virtue of its title. – Sam Armstrong

41: Iron Maiden – Aces High

One of the best songs about flying, surely, the narrator in Iron Maiden’s “Aces High” is part of the British Royal Air Force, ready to fight in the Battle Of Britain. It was the first battle in history to take place exclusively in the air, and the song serves as a heart-racing tribute. – Sam Armstrong

40: Pearl Jam – Given to Fly

Many of the great songs that use flying as a metaphor are literally about freedom. That’s the case with Pearl Jam’s “Given to Fly,” a tune that gradually crescendoes into a big ol’ chorus, mimicking the feeling of taking off into the big blue sky. – Sam Armstrong

39: The Lionel Hampton Quintet: Flying Home

Hold on, could planes really go this fast in 1957? This swing era- standard, co-written by Benny Goodman, is a sleek Concorde all the way. Hampton’s famous version is instrumental, but there’s also some serious velocity on the vocal-powered Ella Fitzgerald version.

38: Kenny Loggins – Danger Zone

This heart-pumping 80s classic from the Top Gun soundtrack mimics the feeling of how planes fly. Moments that feel like absolute mayhem punctuated by ecstatic release when you get up into the sky. – Sam Armstrong

37: The Replacements: Waitress in the Sky

If your long flight happens to find you in an especially wiseass mood, then this is the song for you. Probably not a song beloved by flight attendants, “Waitress in the Sky” was actually written by former Replacements leader Paul Westerberg to make fun of his sister.

36: The Beatles – Back in the USSR

Written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, this classic Beatles tune starts with the sound of a plane. The song is essentially a parody of tracks that would name various cities in the USA from a few years earlier, but it also sneakily serves as yet another celebration of the romance of travel. – Sam Armstrong

35: Gary Allan: Watching Airplanes

Only in country music would you get an airplane song and a truck song in the very same tune. Here the singer’s stuck in the truck while the love who’s just left him is somewhere overhead. Gary Allan’s gritty voice and storytelling made him a chart fixture all through the 00s, but note how creative he gets with the arrangement on this one: The lead mandolin harked back to R.E.M ., while the soaring strings smack of The Beatles and ELO.

34: Plain White T’s: Airplane

Here’s what you get when you put an airplane song in the middle of a concept album ( Wonders of the Younger ) about the less comfortable side of growing up. In Tom Higgenson’s bittersweet acoustic tune, the airplane carries you toward adult responsibility (“Please get me there real soon I’ve important things that I must do”) and away from past regrets.

33: Red Hot Chili Peppers: Aeroplane

“Music is my aeroplane” was such a great idea for a song that you have to wonder why nobody before the Red Hot Chili Peppers came up with it. One of their more adventurous tracks, it shifts between pop harmonies on the chorus to their trademark heavy funk in the verses, with Anthony Kiedis waxing thoughtful about pain and pleasure. It’s probably the best-loved track of their short-lived Dave Navarro era.

32: Saxon: 747 (Strangers in the Night)

The one and only hard-rock classic about New York’s historic power blackout of 1965, Saxon’s 1980 hit “747 (Strangers in the Night)” imagines what it was like to be on one of the planes that couldn’t land due to zero visibility (In real life the planes made it to safety, but it took awhile). Musically it widened Saxon’s reach, with an almost power-pop feel in the chorus. And yes, they made one historical glitch – the 747 didn’t go into service till 1969 – but get the mood just right.

31: Bill Conti: Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky)

Some of us still hear this iconic film theme whenever the plane takes off. That’s why so many people do their disco moves in their seats. Bill Conti’s Rocky theme gets the adrenaline flowing, whether you’re soaring through the air or running up museum stairs.

30: The New York Dolls: Jet Boy

Though this New York Dolls tune is a punk classic, you can’t really tell who Jet Boy is: A plane operator? A guy with a jetpack who flies around New York City? Or was he David Bowie? In any case, you probably don’t want him stealing your baby.

29: Lenny Kravitz: Fly Away

“Fly Away” was perhaps the most famous flight song of the past few decades, and one of Lenny Kravitz ’s canniest fusions of rock, soul, and psychedelia. Originally recorded just after he turned in the 5 album, he nearly stuck it on a B-side before everyone who heard the song talked him out of it. Now it’s the reason many of us can’t step on a plane without reflexively singing “Yeah, yeah, yeah….”

28: Steve Miller Band: Jet Airliner

One of the joys of traveling is getting away from the hassles in your life, otherwise known as “those funky kicks going down in the city.” Steve Miller Band caught that mood on this grooving flight song, which he borrowed from bluesman Paul Pena.

27: Dionne Warwick: Trains and Boats and Planes

Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach could make anything sound jet-set cool in 1966, even a lost-love song like this one. “Trains and Boats and Planes” is one of the few cases where Hal David ’s lyric is a little bit out of sync with the music, which is gently upbeat rather than weepy.

26: The Cowsills: We Can Fly

Sunshine pop at its absolute sunniest, The Cowsills epitomized the kind of lush, orchestrated pop-rock that thrived in the late 60s. Their 1968 single says it all – romantic optimism, close harmony, and fluffy clouds rolling by – making it one of the perfect flight songs.

25: Townes van Zandt: To Live is to Fly

Speaking of existential statements, “To Live is to Fly” works an entire philosophy of life into three tidy minutes. And Townes van Zandt was apparently flying high on cough syrup, having caught a bad flu at Guy Clark’s house, when he penned these resonant verses about how imperative it is to stay open to all of life’s possibilities. One of the songs that made the Live at the Old Quarter album a milestone and made the late Fort Worth native a hero to the next generation of songwriters.

24: Joan Armatrading: Drop the Pilot

Okay, this isn’t really a flight song but “Drop the Pilot” is really Joan Armatrading’s artful way of saying, “Dump the person you’re with and come along with me.” Since it’s set to one of her most irresistible tunes, it’s a hard offer to refuse.

23: Mike Oldfield: Five Miles Out

Aside from playing every instrument there is, UK musical polymath Mike Oldfield also flies planes. One day his private jet had a near-fatal encounter with a developing hurricane, and he got this suitably dramatic piece of prog-pop out of it.

22: Bob & Doug McKenzie: Take Off’ (featuring Geddy Lee)

Let’s face it, if you grew up in the 80s, you’ll probably never get on a plane without hearing the novelty single “Take Off” going through your head from Canadian comedic duo Bob and Doug McKenzie (aka SCTV alums Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas). You might even have the uncontrollable urge to ask: “How’s it going, eh?” Even though we love Rush, this was also one of Geddy Lee’s career highlights.

21: Peter, Paul & Mary: Leaving on a Jet Plane

This 1967 track becomes new again every year around early summer, when college graduations and similar events cause a lot of partings. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” was arguably the performance of Mary Travers’ life, and it was definitely the biggest hit the trio ever had – though the single didn’t take off until two years after the album release. It was also one of the first times anyone heard of songwriter John Denver, who penned the track.

20: Joni Mitchell: Amelia

The singer doesn’t actually leave the ground in this song; it’s her mind and her emotions that fly. Nursing a recently broken heart, she drives out to the desert and watches a team of 747’s overhead, the planes become a symbol of both freedom and the doomed flight of her spiritual sister Amelia Earhart. Unearthly songs like this were Joni Mitchell’s specialty in the Hejira era. And its placement on the album – second track, after the relatively rousing “Coyote”– promises heady skies ahead.

19: Rush: Fly By Night

This upbeat song about venturing out into the world is probably the closest Rush ever got to pub rock. Even by the standards of late lyricist Neil Peart, who wrote it just as he joined the band, it was remarkably down to earth. As great flight songs go, it doesn’t get much better than this.

18: The Moody Blues: The Best Way To Travel

Neil Young wrote “Flying On the Ground is Wrong,” but to the Moodies it was heaven. From their 1968 concept album, In Search of the Lost Chord , that explores acid and meditation as spiritual paths, this song is about soaring with one or both modes of travel.

17: 10cc: I’m Mandy Fly Me

If you’re lucky enough to have an original 70s copy of 10cc ’s How Dare You! album, then you’ll remember the ad campaign that inspired this tune. This mini-epic about airborne love and danger was one of the band’s peak moments and inspired one of the best flight songs in pop.

16: Yes: We Can Fly From Here

Leave it to prog veterans Yes to turn a plane trip into a grand metaphor for transcendence. Originally a Buggles-era tune by Geoff Downes and Trevor Horn, “We Can Fly From Here” got expanded into a Yes’ side-long epic in 2011.

15: The Guess Who: Orly

One of The Guess Who’s great deep cuts from their 1973 album Artificial Paradise , “Orly” is a Jerry Lee-style piano pounder about getting stranded in the Paris airport the song’s named after. Former frontman Burton Cummings even stole the song’s three-note riff from the airport’s departure signal, making for one of the best flight songs.

14: The Box Tops: The Letter

Alex Chilton ’s first moment of glory may be the best song ever written about flying back to see your baby. Few things capture the joy of flight like the band kicking into high gear over the take-off effects in the finale. Among all of the flight songs, this is a timeless favorite.

13: Slade: Wheels Ain’t Coming Down

Maybe not a song for nervous flyers, but the “Wheels Ain’t Coming Down” depicts Slade barely surviving the commute to a gig via a cheapo propeller plane that they’d chartered. It’s one of those aspects of rock-band life that was considerably less fun than the sex and drugs part.

12: Eddie Floyd: Big Bird

Along with The Box Tops’ “The Letter,” “Big Bird” proved that Memphis had the edge when it came to “flying back to your baby” songs. Eddie Floyd actually wrote it under sadder circumstances; he was flying from London to Otis Redding’s funeral. The Jam also covered it to great effect in 1982.

11: Ozzy Osbourne: Flying High Again

Funny thing about this flight song: back when Ozzy was being accused of trying to kill off the nation’s youth, few people thought to mention that he’d also written one of metal’s most life-affirming songs. “Flying High Again” is a great moment for guitarist Randy Rhoads, but the secret weapon was Uriah Heep man Lee Kerslake on drums.

10: David Bowie – Space Oddity

“Ground control to Major Tom…” The opening lines to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” remain a pop cultural touchstone all these years later. Listen to it today, though, and the lift-off into the chorus still feels special too. – Sam Armstrong

9: Elton John: Daniel

Elton John ’s 1973 chart-topping smash “Daniel” shows the universality of great pop. Though written about a very specific situation – a young boy whose Vietnam-vet brother takes refuge in Spain – it hit the hearts of everyone who ever watched a loved one fly away.

8: Chuck Berry: Promised Land

Chuck Berry may have birthed the rock’n’roll travelogue with “Promised Land,” whose inherent wanderlust can partly be explained by the fact he was in jail when he wrote it. The lyric is full of vivid imagery including the genius phrase “taxi to the terminal zone,” and a possible reference to racially motivated hassles in the South. It’s not your typical flight song, but it’s one of the greatest.

7: Howlin’ Wolf: Mr. Airplane Man

Howlin’ Wolf was so tough he didn’t bother flying back to his baby, he just got a jet pilot to carry some howls to her from him. “Mr. Airplane Man” is so good that a Northeast garage-blues duo named themselves after it.

6: Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird

If you’ve ever been to a rock concert, you’ve no doubt heard a crowd member yell at the band to play this Lynyrd Skynyrd classic. It’s one of the most compelling examples of guitar playing in Southern rock history. – Sam Armstrong

5: Elton John – Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time)

One of Elton John’s most famous tunes (and the eventual name of the movie about his life),”Rocket Man” was inspired by a Ray Bradbury short story about an astronaut headed to Mars. The original version never received an official music video, but in 2017, an animated YouTube video was produced that tracked the story closely, beautifully rendering the story of the song. – Sam Armstrong

4: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Learning to Fly

Flying songs tend to be metaphorical since few musicians (besides Mike Oldfield) actually learned to fly planes. In Tom Petty’s case it’s about overcoming self-doubt, and it makes a perfect takeoff point for one of his more far-reaching albums, Into the Great Wide Open . Jeff Lynne’s multi-layered production is perfectly suited to the moody nature of the song.

3: Pink Floyd: Learning to Fly

A spiritual cousin to the Petty song, this was another album-opener (after a short overture) that expressed self-doubt in poetic terms: “Tongue-tied and twisted, just an earthbound misfit, I.” The post-Roger Waters era of Pink Floyd gets relatively little love, but this track proved that David Gilmour could come up with something perfectly gorgeous on his own.

2: Frank Sinatra: Come Fly With Me

The theme song for the jet-set, circa 1958 Frank Sinatra recorded a few flight songs, from “Fly Me to the Moon” to “I Get a Kick Out of You,” but nothing captured the mood like “ Come Fly With Me. ” The only thing that eclipses its greatness is the iconic cover painting of him beckoning you onboard.

1: The Byrds: Eight Miles High

Often mistaken for a drug song, “Eight Miles High” has to be rock’n’roll ultimate flight song. It was largely inspired by main writer Gene Clark’s fear of flying, but The Byrds’ Roger McGuinn (who loved planes, the faster the better) added the 12-string that took it into the stratosphere.

Looking for more? Discover the best road trip songs.

July 30, 2021 at 12:17 pm

The Motors – Airport.

July 30, 2021 at 1:27 pm

Willie Nelson’s “Bloody Mary Morning” is a glaring omission:

Our golden jet is airborne And flight fifty cuts a path Across the mornin’ sky And a voice comes through the speaker Reassuring us flight fifty Is the way to fly And a hostess takes our order Coffee, tea or something stronger To start off the day Well it’s a bloody Mary morning ‘Cause I’m leavin’ baby somewhere in LA

July 30, 2021 at 2:07 pm

Chris de Burgh – “Flying Home” “… can’t bring those guitars on board . . .”

Ian Drummond

July 31, 2021 at 3:21 pm

John B Sebastian- Red Eye Express https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPH_SR9I9Ew

August 5, 2021 at 10:27 am

No Foo Fighters’ “Learn To Fly”???? It even had a funny flight video to go with it.

Other suggestions : This Flight Tonight/Joni Mitchell or Nazareth. Paper Plane/Status Quo Aeroplane/Bjork

Brian Shonkwiler

May 4, 2023 at 3:19 pm

I wrote a song about the love of flying. It doesn’t just have the words “airplane” or “flying” in it, and it’s not a flying song because it happens to be in a flying video/movie.

All I Want to do is Fly by Norganta https://youtu.be/pm2KLVrgRWI

Tom Darnell

September 25, 2023 at 7:12 am

Steve Miller Band, Fly Like an Eagle. How do you include Jet Airliner and leave this one out?

Music Critic

March 28, 2024 at 7:05 pm

Seriously, Learn to Fly by the Foo Fighters ought to be No. 1. The sweetness of a three-minute pop song but rocks hard!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Soundsmiths

Trip Hop • 212 Samples

• Most relevant
• Selected: Most popular
• Most recent

• Add to your Library (1 credit)
• Add to likes
• Open in new tab

Popular Search Terms

Air Force 1

Everything to Know About the Triple Jump in Track and Field

Sports & activity.

In this event, athletes perform a hop, skip and a jump to launch into the air.

Christian Taylor is a two-time Olympic champion and four-time world champion in the triple jump.

The “field” portion of track and field includes four jumping events: the long jump, high jump, pole vault and triple jump. In the triple jump, athletes sprint down a runway and perform three jumps in a row before landing in a sandpit. The three jumps are referred to as a hop, skip (or step) and jump.

The goal: travel as far as possible from the takeoff point into the sandpit. While it may sound simple, this jumping event requires a high level of technique and skill, with set rules about which foot athletes are allowed to land on after each jump.

Here’s everything to know about this fast-paced, highly technical track and field event — the history, what goes into each of the three jumps and what it takes to succeed in the triple jump — according to Erica Ferguson , assistant track and field coach at the University of Connecticut, and Tatijana Jacobson , assistant track and field coach at Duke University.

History of the Triple Jump

According to World Athletics , the international governing body of track and field, the triple jump has been included at every Olympics since the inaugural modern games in 1896. The version performed today, consisting of a hop, skip and jump, was not standardized until 1908. Previously, the event consisted of two hops and a jump.

The triple jump was added as a women’s event at the Olympics in 1996.

How It Works: The Three Jumps of the Triple Jump

Triple jumpers begin each attempt by sprinting down the runway to build up speed and momentum. The minimum length of the runway is 40 meters (131 feet), according to the USA Track and Field Rule Book .

At the end of the runway, there’s a takeoff board: a rectangular, white piece of wood or other rigid material sunken into the track. The takeoff board is 18 centimeters (approximately 7 inches) to 22 centimeters (approximately 8.6 inches) long. Upon reaching the takeoff board, the athlete must launch off of one foot into the sandpit. If their jumping foot lands beyond the board, the jump is considered a failed attempt.

In the triple jump, the initial takeoff begins on one foot, which launches the athlete into the first of three jumps, called the hop.

Jump 1: Hop

In the hop, athletes jump forward off one of their feet. For different jumpers, this can be their stronger or weaker side, said Jacobson, and it really depends on the athlete’s preference.

The tricky part, she said, isn’t the jumping portion of the hop; it’s the landing. That’s because in the triple jump, the landing of the hop must be on the same foot the athlete used to take off. If the triple jumper takes off on the hop with their left foot, they need to land on their left foot to initiate the second jump, called the step or skip.

Jump 2: Step or Skip

At the end of the hop, the jumper lands on the same foot they used to take off at the start (in this example, the left foot). To perform the step or skip, the athlete jumps forward with that same leg again.

The athletic challenge of transitioning from the hop to the skip comes from being able to absorb the force of the first jump and then transition it into the second jump, said Ferguson.

At the end of the skip, the triple jumper lands on the opposite foot (in this example, the right foot). The athlete will then launch off their right foot to perform the final leap, which is called the jump.

Jump 3: Jump

On the jump, the athlete jumps as far as possible off their final foot into the sandpit. The distance they’ve traveled from the takeoff board to the end of this jump is their total distance covered for the attempt.

According to World Athletics , athletes typically get six jump attempts. However, some competitors with shorter marks can be eliminated after three jumps. The jumper with the longest overall attempt is the winner. In the case of a tie, the second-longest jump performed by the tied athletes is used as a tiebreaker.

How Far Do Triple Jumpers Jump?

At the 2020 Olympic Games, the winning marks were 15.67 meters in the women’s competition and 17.98 meters in the men’s competition .

The men’s world record , set in 1995, is 18.29 meters. The women’s world record , set in 2022, is 15.74 meters.

What Equipment Do Triple Jumpers Need?

Triple jumpers, like high jumpers and long jumpers, require minimal equipment to compete: a pair of jumping shoes and high-quality athletic apparel.

Nike track spikes for jumpers are studded with metal spikes that grip the surface of the runway. They’re made with a fairly stiff plate on the bottom that creates a stable base for when jumpers take off but have cushioning in the midsole to absorb the impact of the jumps.

Words by Greg Presto

Shop Nike Track and Field Gear

Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2

Track & field sprinting spikes.

Nike Rival Sprint

Nike Air Zoom Maxfly

Nike AeroSwift

Men's dri-fit adv running singlet.

Men's Dri-FIT ADV 2" Brief-Lined Running Shorts

Nike Air Zoom Victory

Track & field distance spikes.

Nike ZoomX Dragonfly

Nike Rival Distance

Women's Dri-FIT ADV Running Singlet

Women's Dri-FIT ADV Mid-Rise Brief-Lined 3" Running Shorts

Originally published: May 3, 2023

Related Stories

3 Track Workouts Designed for All Levels

What Is Overtraining Syndrome — And How Can You Avoid It?

Everything You Need To Know About Running Outside or on a Treadmill

Why Do My Feet Go Numb When Running? Experts Explain

Everything to Know About the Discus Throw in Track and Field

We think you are in canada. update your location.

• - K-town Now
• Asia-Pacific
• - Storm Tracker
• Middle East
• Map of Memorials
• Entertainment
• - Video Games
• Europe Travel
• - Quick Trips
• - After Hours
• Pacific Travel
• The Meat and Potatoes of Life
• U.S. Travel
• Storm Tracker
• Rewards for readers
• Get Stripes
• Stripes Lite
• Archives/Library
• Special Publications
• Mobile Apps
• Email Newsletters
• Digital Access
• Home Delivery
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• Archive photo of the day
• - Schedules Europe
• - Scoreboards Europe
• - Schedules Pacific
• - Scoreboards Pacific
• - Pacific Sports Blog
• - WW II Podcast
• - Military Matters
• - Force for Hire
• Out of Uniform
• - WW II Videos
• Communities
• Stripes Europe
• Stripes Guam
• Stripes Japan
• Stripes Korea
• Stripes Okinawa
• Our Other Websites
• In Memoriam
• Month of the Military Child
• Best of Germany
• Best of the Pacific
• Letters to Santa

Court-martial of Air Force general accused of sexual assault begins Monday

Air Force Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart leaves the courthouse following his arraignment on Jan. 18, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)

AUSTIN, Texas — A sexual encounter during an alcohol-fueled night between an Air Force general and a subordinate officer on a business trip has led to a court-martial for assault set to begin Monday at Joint Base San Antonio.

Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart is charged with two counts of sexual assault for the encounter with a woman under his command during a trip to Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma in April 2023.

Stewart’s attorneys have argued in court hearings that the encounter, which followed a night drinking alcohol with two other military personnel in Stewart’s hotel room, was consensual. Prosecutors contend the woman did not consent and could not have done so because Stewart was her boss and outranked her.

The two-star general is charged with one count for having penetrative sex with the woman and another for performing oral sex on her, according to his charge sheet.

Col. Naomi Dennis, a prosecutor in the case, said during a March hearing that the two had a “beck-and-call” nature to their relationship that made the line between professional and personal difficult to discern.

“She’s recounting the sexual assault to law enforcement agents … ‘I don’t know how to tell this man no,’ ” Dennis said.

Dennis also recounted in the court hearing that the victim said everything she does is to give Stewart what he needs. Their phone messages included her sending him a photo of where his car is parked and running errands on his behalf.

Keith Scherer, who was Stewart’s attorney at the March hearing, argued it was “guilt and shame” that led to the charge rather than nonconsensual sex. He said after the two had sex, the two stayed in bed together and she expressed concern about what she would tell her husband.

Stewart is also accused of dereliction of duty for flying a training aircraft at Altus during that same visit within 12 hours of drinking alcoholic beverages, conduct unbecoming an officer and adultery, according to his charge sheet.

At the time of the charges, Stewart commanded the 19th Air Force, the unit responsible for pilot training within Air Education and Training Command at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Air Force Base.

Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of the training command, fired Stewart in May 2023 and decided last year to move forward with the court-martial despite a report from a hearing in October recommending against it.

“Given that an experienced judge found no probable cause for the sexual assault charges at the Article 32 preliminary hearing, I am deeply troubled by Lt. Gen. Robinson’s decision to refer these charges to a court-martial,” said Sherilyn Bunn, Stewart’s attorney now.

Bunn, a former Army attorney, is the third lawyer to lead Stewart’s defense team.

Selection will begin Monday to find eight generals to serve on the jury, known in the military as a panel. All must be of equal or higher rank to Stewart, said Rachel VanLandingham, a former Air Force attorney.

“That is out of a recognition, a fear, that with a higher-ranking accused, the jury would be intimidated by the rank,” she said. “It can be deviated from if there aren’t enough individuals of equal to higher rank.”

The Air Force has 289 general officers, according to the service. Of those, 58 have a higher rank than Stewart. Another 78 are also two-star generals.

The Air Education and Training Command did not provide the number of officers who have been brought to San Antonio as potential jurors. During selection, the court will determine whether any have a potential for bias, such as a close relationship with the accused or the victim.

Once the trial begins, only six of the eight jurors need to agree to convict Stewart.

“[The military] is the last remaining criminal jurisdiction in the United States … to allow for a non-unanimous verdict in a criminal case,” VanLandingham said.

Two years ago, the Air Force convicted Maj. Gen. William Cooley on a charge of abusive sexual contact, but the trial was by a judge alone and did not require a panel of jurors. Cooley was the first Air Force general to face court-martial. He was sentenced to a reprimand and forfeiture of about $55,000 for forcibly kissing a civilian woman at a 2018 barbecue.

previous coverage

• Air Force general facing court-martial for sexual assault denied option of retiring
• Air Force 2-star pleads not guilty to sexual assault
• Air Force 2-star requests retirement in lieu of court-martial
• Air Force 2-star general formally charged with sexual assault of another officer
• Lawyers argue whether assault or affair occurred between Air Force 2-star and subordinate officer
• Fired Air Force general could face court-martial for rape, drinking before flying
• Air Force 2-star general under investigation, fired for alleged misconduct

Sign Up for Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets from around the world.

Sign Up Now

‘Dutch roll’ incident on Boeing Max prompts federal investigation

The FAA and NTSB are looking into the incident on a Southwest Airlines flight from Phoenix to Oakland, Calif.

Federal authorities are investigating an “inflight oscillation event” that happened on a Boeing 737 Max 8 plane during a Southwest Airlines flight in late May.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board said they are looking into the “Dutch roll” during a flight from Phoenix to Oakland, Calif. No one was injured on the flight, which carried 175 passengers and six crew members, according to a preliminary FAA report.

Boeing has been under extra scrutiny following the blowout of a door plug during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. This week, the manufacturer disclosed a quality problem with 787 Dreamliner jets. The FAA is also investigating how titanium with falsified documentation was used in some Boeing and Airbus planes.

On May 25, the Southwest plane was flying at 34,000 feet around 8 a.m. when the Dutch roll incident occurred, the NTSB said in a statement.

A Dutch roll happens when a plane rolls, or tilts side to side, and the tail moves left to right, an action called yawing. The name refers to an ice skating technique common in the Netherlands. Eric Wydra, director of the University of Oklahoma’s School of Aviation, said in an email that the motion is not dangerous in most cases but “can be very uncomfortable for passengers.”

“The nose may go left to right as the airplane simultaneously banks side to side,” Boeing says in a post on its website about Dutch rolls. The action is prompted by wind or pilot input, Boeing says, “causing a series of oscillations that will continue until the movement fixes itself or the pilot corrects it.”

Pilots are trained to recognize and fix a Dutch roll, Wydra said, but planes are also equipped with systems called yaw dampers to automatically address the motion.

In the case of the Southwest flight, the FAA’s initial report said the flight crew “regained control.” While performing maintenance after the incident, the airline discovered damage to some structural components, according to the NTSB. The FAA’s initial report said there was damage to the “standby PCU” or power control unit.

John Cox, a retired airline pilot and instructor at the University of Southern California, said in an interview that the information available so far about the incident leaves him with “more questions than answers.”

He said a Dutch roll is a “natural aerodynamic condition” that should dampen out naturally on a 737. On some other aircraft in previous years, such a motion could cause a pilot to lose control of the plane, he said. But he is not aware of a Dutch roll ever resulting in damage on a 737.

“Having a Dutch roll event is unusual,” said Cox, CEO of the consulting firm Safety Operating Systems . “Having one that caused damage is unheard of.”

Investigators are looking into whether the damaged power control unit contributed to the unexpected motion, or the motion caused the damage, the FAA said.

Southwest informed the NTSB about the event and the damage June 7. The safety board said it had received data from the plane’s flight data recorder, which will help investigators determine “the length and severity of the event.” The cockpit voice recorder, which is limited to two hours of audio, has been overwritten.

Flight-tracking data shows the plane did not leave Oakland until June 6, when it traveled to Everett, Wash. It has been there ever since. The FAA published information about the incident Wednesday.

A preliminary report from NTSB is expected soon — within 30 days of the May 25 event.

Southwest said it was “participating in and supporting the investigation,” referring questions to the FAA and NTSB. Boeing declined to answer questions and deferred to Southwest.

The event was not widely publicized until the Aviation Herald, a site that covers industry incidents and news, published an article Wednesday.

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.

Delta Air Lines is expanding its premium offerings in this route. Here’s what you get.

• Delta Air Lines is introducing Premium Select, its international-style premium economy service, on four of the 11 daily departures between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX).
• Premium Select passengers have wide recliner-style seats and enhanced cabin service, including a premium food menu.
• The airline said it plans to officially sell Premium Select on more JFK-LAX flights by the end of the year.

A more premium option will soon be officially available for Delta Air Lines passengers between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX). Premium Select, Delta’s international-style premium economy service , will be introduced on Sept. 10 on four of the 11 daily departures between the two airports.

“Delta Premium Select will bring a new level of comfort, luxury and practicality to one of Delta's most important routes in the domestic U.S.,” Maurico Parise, Vice President – Brand Experience Design, said in a statement . “This product has been a success internationally, especially following the recent investments we’ve made onboard, and we know that customers flying between New York and Los Angeles will enjoy the opportunity to treat themselves to a more spacious seat and premium experience.”  

What is Delta Premium Select?

Premium Select passengers have wide recliner-style seats and enhanced cabin service, including a premium food menu, which offers pre-selected entrees for those who choose to take advantage. Passengers also get priority boarding and other perks including an upgraded meal kit and premium snacks.

Elite SkyMiles members will also be eligible for advanced complimentary upgrades to Premium Select on the JFK-LAX route, as well as continuing to receive day-of upgrades to Delta One business class as available.

Which Delta planes accommodate this class?

The Boeing 767 planes that operate on Premium Select flights will have four cabin classes onboard: Delta One business class, Premium Select premium economy, Comfort+ extra leg room economy seating and standard main cabin.

For regular Delta passengers, the news may not come as a huge change, or a huge surprise.

Many of the 767s operating on that route already had Premium Select seats installed, but they were sold and marketed as Comfort+ seats on that route.

Cruising Altitude: How to pick the airplane seat that's right for you

Delta’s announcement Monday means it’s officially moving to sell those seats as their own separate cabin, likely at a higher price point than when they were simply sold as Comfort+. However, the change is still an upgrade in the sense that cabin service and amenities are being enhanced on the flights where Premium Select is officially sold as a separate class.

The airline said it plans to officially sell Premium Select on more JFK-LAX flights by the end of the year. 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

A Few Good Deals From Wayfair’s Anniversary Sale

The furniture retailer Wayfair is having its anniversary sale, which runs through Monday, June 17 at midnight. I’ve combed through pages and pages of deals on the Wayfair site and cross-referenced against about 500 products we’ve written about before to surface things that are actually worth buying. A caveat for shopping this sale: Wayfair can be a little squirrelly about its prices, usually by inflating them to show an artificially large discount (for example, a NutriBullet costs the same for  36 percent off at Wayfair  as it does  on the brand’s website with no markdowns) . But there are still some deals to be had, mostly in the kitchen and dining section, from crystal wine glasses from a sommelier-favorite brand to our food writer’s favorite kitchen scissors .

This set of ceramic bakeware by Staub, the maker of our favorite Dutch oven (sorry, Le Creuset!), is 63 percent off today.

And speaking of Dutch ovens, here’s one from Lodge for 51 percent off.

This set of crystal wineglasses are a great deal at about $12 per glass — that’s about half what they normally cost.

A pair of chef-favorite scissors for 27 percent off when you buy a two-pack.

KitchenAid’s solid food processor is 20 percent off.

The Brabantia NewIcon is one of our favorite kitchen trash cans — it’s sleek, easy to clean, and durable.

This little air fryer /toaster oven combo is perfect if you have limited counter space.

Another compact air fryer that’s the perfect entry-level model for the “air-frying curious,” per our kitchen and dining writer, Emma Wartzman.

Furniture and décor

This solid-wood frame is one of our favorite platform beds for its solid construction and simple, timeless aesthetic.

A full-length 64-inch-by-21-inch mirror for under $100.

There’s a lot of lovely tile in the Anniversary sale, including this celadon subway tile for 10 percent off.

These “greige” porcelain tiles come in a two-inch-by-six-inch sheet for $22 each.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• the strategist
• micro sales

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• What’s the Difference Between BB Creams and CC Creams?
• The Best Father’s Day Gifts for Every Type of Dad
• 36 Things on Sale That Would Also Make Great Father’s Day Gifts
• A Huge List of Sales: Cheap COS and Fashion Crocs
• What to Buy From the Nordstrom Summer Beauty Event

Today’s Top Clicked