Ambient Monkeys cover

Ambient Monkeys

Tangerine Dream · 1998

48 min · 13 tracks · electronic music

A serene blend of ethereal soundscapes and intricate electronic textures that invite deep introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Token From Birdland (1997 remix) Start here — This track opens the album with an expansive sound that encapsulates the project's ambient theme while showcasing Tangerine Dream's mastery of electronic textures.
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    The Seventh Propeller of Silence — This piece highlights the band's ability to create tension and release through minimalist arrangements, evoking a rich sense of atmosphere.
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    Riddle of the Monkey Tribe — A complex interplay of melodic lines and rhythmic patterns, this track serves as a testament to their innovative compositional techniques.
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    Moon Marble — Its tranquil melodies and subtle dynamics reflect the album's overarching serenity, making it a standout example of Tangerine Dream's ambient approach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate soundscapes and cohesive flow highlight its ambient roots while maintaining a distinctive character.

What we noticed

  • The album features long, flowing tracks that often exceed six minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes.
  • Each piece employs layered synthesizers and ambient textures, creating a rich soundscape that evolves slowly over time.
  • Several tracks incorporate classical elements, such as orchestral samples and arrangements, blending them seamlessly with electronic sounds.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady flow with gentle peaks
  • serene exploration of soundscapes
  • ideal for focused work sessions
  • background warmth for relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks a return to ambient roots, showcasing continued artistic vitality in later career.
Themes
ethereal soundscapes· ambient reinvention· minimalist tension
Moods
Focus· Chill
Career context
By 1998, Tangerine Dream was navigating a period of reinvention after the departure of key members in the early '90s. 'Ambient Monkeys' marked a return to their ambient roots, following their venture into more commercial electronic sounds with albums like 'Goblin's Club' in 1996. This release continued to explore new sonic territories while maintaining their signature atmospheric style.
Stylistic neighbors
Klaus Schulze· Jean-Michel Jarre· Vangelis

Tracklist

  • 1 Token From Birdland (1997 remix) Start here 5:59
  • 2 Symphony in A minor 3:26
  • 3 The Seventh Propeller of Silence 3:51
  • 4 Calyx Calamander 4:41
  • 5 Largo (From Xerxes) (1997 remix) 3:04
  • 6 Riddle of the Monkey Tribe 3:42
  • 7 Moon Marble 3:32
  • 8 Concerto in A‐Major / Adagio 1:46
  • 9 Lemon Vendor Khaly 3:37
  • 10 Campera de Mon Glyan 4:47
  • 11 Virtue Is Its Own Reward 3:10
  • 12 Pantha Rhei 3:15
  • 13 Myopia World 3:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata