Experimental music means so much more than loud sounds. Is an artist trying to break new ground? Sometimes you can do that very, very quietly. This year noises loud and otherwise, across all types of music, found original ways to reinvigorate music. We took a look at the best music from the outer limits and beyond.

The following list of songs and albums, sorted alphabetically, includes experimental releases found on Pitchfork’s main year-end tallies as well as an additional 20 records that did not make those lists but are just as worth your time.

Listen to selections from this list on our Spotify playlist and Apple Music playlist.