What makes Apurimac by Cusco notable?

With its innovative incorporation of indigenous instrumentation and modern production techniques, 'Apurimac' garnered significant attention, becoming a staple in the new age genre. The album has been praised for its cultural authenticity and has influenced many artists seeking to fuse world music with contemporary sounds. Released in 1985, 'Apurimac' was Cusco's debut album, emerging as a pivotal project in their career that established them within the new age music scene. This album introduced their signature blend of traditional Andean sounds with electronic elements, setting the stage for their subsequent releases and artistic direction.

How many songs are on Apurimac?

Apurimac has 12 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Apurimac

Cusco · 1985

39 min · 12 tracks · new age music

A serene tapestry of Andean melodies intertwining with lush synth landscapes, evoking the spirit of nature and ancient cultures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Apurimac — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, featuring a haunting melody that seamlessly blends traditional flute lines with ambient textures.
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Flying Condor — This track showcases vibrant rhythms and intricate arrangements, reflecting the majestic beauty of the Andean landscape through sound.
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Inca Dance — A lively composition that captures the spirit of celebration and community, this track stands out with its infectious energy and rhythmic complexity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends Andean melodies with modern production, creating a distinct and immersive listening experience.

What we noticed

Each track typically maintains a consistent tempo, with many pieces featuring layered melodies that create a lush soundscape.
Several tracks incorporate field recordings of nature sounds, enhancing the immersive experience of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Apurimac 3:45
2 Flute Battle 2:37
3 Tupac Amaru 3:05
4 Flying Condor 5:03
5 Inca Dance 2:45
6 Pastorale 2:23
7 Amazonas 3:49
8 Inca Bridges 3:23
9 Andes 3:52
10 Atahualpa - The Last Inca 3:53
11 Fighting Inca 3:23
12 Apurimac II 1:29

What to play next

Listen next

Concierto de Aranjuez

1986

Go back to

Island Cruise

1984

Full Cusco discography Artists like Cusco

new age music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata