M83 - The Ultimate M83 Playlist for New Listeners

Catching M83 at Glastonbury in 2016 was one of those unforgettable musical moments. While my friends were dead set on seeing Adele, I held out for M83—and I’m so glad I did. As a long-time fan of French music, M83 has always resonated with me, and their live performance only deepened that connection.

For those unfamiliar, M83 is a French band known for their atmospheric blend of electronic, dream pop, shoegaze, and post-punk. Chances are you’ve heard their music—even if you didn’t realise it.

Over the years, they’ve built a stunning discography, from cinematic soundtracks to genre-blending albums. Here are ten essential tracks that showcase the best of M83:

1. "Outro" – Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

Arguably one of the most powerful pieces of music ever written. “Outro” is grand, emotional, and cinematic in scope—so much so that it's been used in countless ads, trailers, and TV moments. But don’t let that put you off. The song builds from a slow, ambient beginning into a sweeping, epic climax that feels both intimate and universal. Whether you're a longtime listener or brand new to M83, this is a track that will stay with you.

Outro by M83

2. "Reunion" – Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

This track is M83 at their upbeat best—dream pop with a danceable pulse. With its unforgettable “oh oh oh” refrain and layered synths, “Reunion” is both euphoric and nostalgic. Electric drums keep the rhythm driving forward, while an elegant synth melody wraps things up on a high. It’s catchy, energetic, and irresistibly fun.

Reunion by M83

3. "Do It, Try It" – Junk

Funky piano, retro vibes, and playful weirdness—it’s all here. “Do It, Try It” explodes into an electro-dance anthem that sounds like the soundtrack to a neon-lit arcade dream. It builds momentum with each chorus, creating a euphoric and slightly surreal listening experience. Play it loud. Move your body.

Do it, Try it by M83

4. "Go!" – Junk

With guest vocals from Mai Lan and a funky guitar riff straight out of a Nile Rodgers playbook, “Go!” is irresistibly groovy. It starts off airy and spaced out, but the countdown to the chorus flips the switch, bringing the funk and finishing strong with an electrifying guitar solo. A highlight of Junk and a total earworm.

Go by M83

5. "Oceans Niagara" – Fantasy

“Oceans Niagara” opens M83’s 2023 album Fantasy with bold, cinematic flair. It feels like an overture—setting the stage with thunderous synths, shimmering guitars, and an emotional depth that grows with each listen. There’s a pulsating intensity here, balanced with a sweeping sense of wonder. It’s a track that captures everything M83 does best: combining nostalgic textures with futuristic ambition. If you want to feel like you’re floating through space—or sprinting through an ‘80s sci-fi movie montage—this is your track.

Oceans Niagara by M83

6. "Road Blaster" – Junk

With its sexy saxophone flourishes and soulful vibe, “Road Blaster” is funky, catchy, and cool. The track leans into a retro aesthetic, blending funk basslines and synth melodies into something irresistibly smooth. It’s a great late-night track—equal parts danceable and atmospheric.

Road Blaster by M83

7. "We Own the Sky" – Saturdays = Youth

Produced by dream-pop legend Ken Thomas (Cocteau Twins, Sigur Rós), this track is pure synth-pop perfection. The nostalgic tone, lush textures, and euphoric chorus ("We own the sky") make it a standout. But the real magic is in the outro: layered guitars and falsetto vocals that blur into a dreamlike haze. It's youth, bottled.

We Own the Sky - M83

8. "Oblivion" – Oblivion (Original Soundtrack)

Featuring the haunting vocals of Susanne Sundfør, “Oblivion” is a stunning piece of cinematic pop. Ethereal, haunting, and emotionally rich, it perfectly captures the film’s themes of memory and loss. The fusion of electronic textures with acoustic depth makes it one of M83’s most elegant compositions.

Oblivion by M83

9. "Couleurs" – Saturdays = Youth

This instrumental gem draws heavy influence from '80s synth giants like The Human League and Simple Minds. Despite having no vocals, “Couleurs” brims with momentum and emotional weight. Its layered synths, delayed guitar, and hypnotic rhythms gradually build into a euphoric climax. A perfect example of how M83 tells stories without words.

Couleurs by M83

10. "Midnight City" – Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

Arguably M83’s most famous track—and for good reason. That opening synth riff grabs you instantly, while the iconic saxophone solo takes it to another level. Despite its overexposure in pop culture (including an infamous turn on British reality TV), “Midnight City” remains a shimmering, synth-soaked masterpiece that captures the spirit of an electric night.

Midnight City by M83

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Honourable Mentions:

“Lower Your Eyelids to Die with the Sun” – Before the Dawn Heals Us

“Sitting” – M83

“Steve McQueen” – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

“Amnesia” – Fantasy

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If you're just getting into M83, start with the albums Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming and Junk.

Hurry Up is their magnum opus—a double album full of cinematic highs, introspective lows, and everything in between. It’s an emotional journey through sound that showcases the band’s full range.

Junk is more playful and experimental, drawing on ‘70s and ‘80s pop culture with influences from funk, disco, and retro sci-fi. With collaborations from the likes of Beck and Mai Lan, it’s eclectic, charming, and full of surprises.

M83 continues to craft music that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. Their sound—a fusion of nostalgia, emotion, and sonic ambition—makes them one of the most compelling bands of the 21st century.

Jack- Tilley's Music Guidance