6 Essential Albums to Help Introduce You to Goth Music

The goth genre and aesthetic has always appealed to me, even from a young age. I sometimes wonder where my love and fascination came from... and then I remember The Crow was my favorite film when I was 4 and still is (yeah, not a normal child). The movie is synonymous with the subculture and really highlighted this lifestyle and aesthetic to many at the time (the album also helped to do this by including bands like The Cure, Jesus and The Mary Chain, and NIN’s cover of Joy Division) though a lot of people argue The Craft brought more attention to it in the mainstream- we can all agree they both had an impact. We would all be lying to ourselves if we did not appreciate and love the 90s goth culture.

I also remember watching Type O Negative videos on MTV and being mesmerized by Peter Steele and the sexiness and darkness to their sound and image. So, I’d say subconsciously adding and seeking this music came naturally to me. Now, I am not someone who has ever fit any physical aesthetic... I do not claim to be “goth” I do not want to appropriate or step on their community and lifestyle. All I know is I went to a goth night in Los Angeles, and even though I did not look the part I knew more about the music and history of it all then most of the people there.

Nevertheless, I have always felt like apart of me was/is goth-I just love things that are melancholy, dark, romantic and macabre- I just don’t dye my hair black or wear fishnets. And the most important part of it all is the music and art. Everybody would be lying if they said music was not the most important element to the goth subculture and genre. I like to think that a lot of goth music either makes you want to kill yourself or dance like it is a disco- often the two go hand and hand, and I love both. Most music snobs would be hard-pressed not to find at least one goth band or album that they could not only appreciate but like.

If this has piqued your interest and you want to explore this genre of music and have no idea where you would want to start listening, I have just the list of recommendations for you. These are the albums that helped guide me into discovering more goth bands, and really dive into the subgenres and genres related to goth like: post-punk, cold wave, dark wave, industrial, gothic rock, death rock and the many many more that often are cited alongside this genre of music. These albums are in no particular order, and I know not everyone would agree with me on my choices- but alas it is okay not to agree with someone. Especially someone who is trying to bring more appreciation and knowledge to something you love so passionately.

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1. Joy Division- Closer (1980)

This album has a darker vibe to it compared to Unknown Pleasures, and I would argue that Closer is a goth album while Unknown Pleasures is post-punk. Of course, everyone brings up that it was clear Ian Curtis’s mental health was on full display on this album. The band did not see it as such until Ian hanged himself. They later noted in various docs and interviews that they did not catch the red flags, but after listening to the album after his death, it was clear the whole album was a “red flag” of what was to come. Even for the more “normies” Joy Division is a great steppingstone. I just don’t understand how “pod people” or the “average” person can just listen to this and not want to feel a type of way. The album is well acclaimed on many fronts and is a good intro to the vibe, sound, themes and motifs often seen in goth music.

2. The Cure- Disintegration (1989)

I know. I know. But this is the album you put on to ease someone to tolerate your goth music. Most people like The Cure anyway, and this album has a lot of darker songs on it like my personal favorite “Prayers for Rain”. With the splash of commercial hits like “Pictures of You” and “Lovesong” this is a great introduction album for anybody. Heck, I would put their whole discography on here, but ya know.

3. The Chameleons-Script of the Bridge (1983)

This band and album are extremely underrated in my opinion. This album is like Joy Division and The Cure mixed. So, if you liked both those this will be a great third transitional album. “Don’t Fall” is often on many goth compilation albums and for good reason. But there are some great standout songs on this album like, “Second skin” “Pleasure and Pain”.

4. The Sisters of Mercy- Floodland (1987)

An essential album on every goth and alternative list. It was tough to decide between this one and First and Last and Always. But if you are just starting off, better to go with the album with the most played and referenced songs.

5. Clan of Xymox – Clan of Xymox (1985)

One of my favorite bands and albums ever. Many say this album created the darkwave movement and sound. This album has some bangers on them, and I envy those who listened to songs like “Stranger” and “A Day” in the club.

6. Bauhaus- Any Album 

I could have said the same for The Cure, but Bauhaus unfortunately did not last as long as The Cure. Also, every album besides their album Go Away White (2008) was made within a few years of each other. Many argue their 1979 debut single, "Bela Lugosi's Dead" started it all, though not all agree. It would be blasphemy not to include them and they are the main poster boys for baby bats just starting out.

Again, very difficult to narrow down, but if I had to make cds for someone interested these are where I would start and make suggestions from there.