What makes Cyclone by Tangerine Dream notable?

Cyclone received attention for its innovative approach to blending electronic music with lyrical content, which was relatively rare in the genre at the time. The album helped solidify Tangerine Dream's position in the evolving electronic music scene of the late 1970s and contributed to the growing popularity of Krautrock beyond Germany. Released in February 1978, Cyclone marked a significant moment for Tangerine Dream as their first album featuring vocals, signaling a departure from their purely instrumental roots. This album followed their influential work Stratosfear and showcased the evolution of their sound, integrating more structured compositions alongside their signature electronic experimentation.

How many songs are on Cyclone?

Cyclone has 3 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Cyclone

Tangerine Dream · 1978

38 min · 3 tracks · electronic music

A swirling blend of ambient textures and rhythmic pulses that transport listeners through a cosmic soundscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bent Cold Sidewalk — This track serves as an expansive introduction to the album, showcasing Tangerine Dream's ability to create immersive atmospheres with layered synths and dynamic shifts.
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Rising Runner Missed by Endless Sender — With its shorter runtime, this piece encapsulates the band's knack for concise yet impactful melodies that hint at pop influences while maintaining their avant-garde edge.
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Madrigal Meridian — As the longest track on the album, it exemplifies Tangerine Dream's mastery of extended compositions, weaving intricate electronic motifs into a hypnotic journey that defines their legacy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative blend of vocals and electronic soundscapes marks a notable shift in Tangerine Dream's style.

What we noticed

The album features three lengthy tracks, each over six minutes, allowing for extended development of themes and motifs.
Vocals are introduced in a way that intertwines with the instrumental elements rather than dominating them, creating a unique blend.
Each track employs a gradual build-up of layers, with ambient textures gradually merging into rhythmic pulses.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — First album with vocals, marking a significant shift in their established sound.
Themes: cosmic soundscapes· avant-garde experimentation· electronic evolution
Moods: Dreamy· Chill
Career context: Released in February 1978, Cyclone marked a significant moment for Tangerine Dream as their first album featuring vocals, signaling a departure from their purely instrumental roots. This album followed their influential work Stratosfear and showcased the evolution of their sound, integrating more structured compositions alongside their signature electronic experimentation.
Stylistic neighbors: Klaus Schulze· Jean-Michel Jarre· Vangelis