Wikipedia says that shoegaze is a subgenre of indie and alternative rock characterised by ethereal soundscapes, obscured vocals, and extensive use of guitar effects and distortion, often producing an immersive "wall of sound," during which live musicians look down at their effects pedals (which is where the "shoegaze" name comes from).
The majority of shoegaze songs aren't that interesting to me, but a lot of them are
really
good!
Representative Shoegaze Songs
Here are 4 representative shoegaze songs (with my attempt at categorizing them).
Experience
them with your best headphones!
Nice shoegaze featuring a French singer (only on this track):
Le Mirage by Chatham Rise
A good example of an "Upbeat" shoegaze song:
Ceremony by Galaxie 500
A good example of a "Slow or Melancholy" shoegaze song:
Happy by Mazzy Star
A good example of an "Ethereal" shoegaze song:
Autopilot by Chatham Rise
Instrumental Shoegaze Songs
Here are some really good instrumental shoegaze songs.
Experience
them with your best headphones!
All Through the Night by Emancipator
Somewhere I Belong by Gabor Szabo
Angel's Shotgun by Baltic Fleet
Monday-Paracetamol by Ulrich Schnauss
"Harder" Shoegaze Songs
If your taste is "harder,"
experience
these with your best headphones!