groove
what it is
Groove is the sense of propulsive rhythmic "feel" or sense of "swing" created by the interaction of the music played by a band's rhythm section (drums, electric bass or double bass, guitar, and keyboards). The term is mainly used in the context of genres outside of Western art music, such as funk, rock music, power groove, fusion, and soul. While some musicians have called the concept of "groove" a subjective and elusive notion, they acknowledge that the concept is well-understood by experienced musicians at a practical, intuitive level.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make groove a playlist
turn these 26 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is groove?
Groove is the sense of propulsive rhythmic "feel" or sense of "swing" created by the interaction of the music played by a band's rhythm section (drums, electric bass or double bass, guitar, and keyboards). The term is mainly used in the context of genres outside of Western art music, such as funk, rock music, power groove, fusion, and soul. While some musicians have called the concept of "groove" a subjective and elusive notion, they acknowledge that the concept is well-understood by experienced musicians at a practical, intuitive level.
What are good groove albums to start with?
Try Charlie, Last Name Wilson by Charlie Wilson, Breakin' Away by Al Jarreau, Progress by Ultraspank, and Bleed Bleed Bleed by Thieves Like Us.
Who are some women making groove?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/groove/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making groove, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-21