Der Meteor cover

Der Meteor

Tangerine Dream · 1997

43 min · 11 tracks · electronic music

Ethereal synth landscapes intermingle with organic textures, creating a dreamlike exploration of sound and atmosphere.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Haus der Welt I Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Unheimliches passiert — This track stands out for its haunting melodies and intricate layering of sounds, encapsulating the album's atmospheric essence while demonstrating the band's mastery of tension and release.
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    In der Bibliothek — With its longer runtime, this piece allows for an immersive experience, weaving complex synth patterns that evoke a sense of exploration and discovery within a vast sonic landscape.
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    Haus der Welt II — Closing the album, this track offers a reflective conclusion with its rich harmonies and gradual build-up, providing listeners a sense of closure while inviting contemplation on the themes explored throughout.

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 structured yet ethereal compositions create a cohesive listening experience within the electronic genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features long, flowing tracks that often exceed six minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes.
  • Synth textures are layered with organic sounds, creating a rich tapestry that evolves throughout each piece.
  • Several tracks utilize ambient soundscapes that fade in and out, contributing to a dreamlike atmosphere.
  • The final track revisits motifs from earlier pieces, providing a sense of closure while maintaining an ethereal quality.
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

  • shimmering soundscapes
  • wave-like pacing with resolution
  • evocative melodic motifs exploration
  • a journey through intricate textures

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer direct, energetic tracks
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Represents a transitional phase with unique sound, but not widely recognized as essential.
Themes
dreamlike exploration· sonic landscapes· post-Froese evolution
Moods
Dreamy· Focus
Career context
When 'Der Meteor' was released in 1997, Tangerine Dream was transitioning from their earlier experimental phase into more structured compositions. This album marked their continued evolution after the departure of founding member Edgar Froese in 1994, showcasing the band's ability to adapt while retaining their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Klaus Schulze· Jean-Michel Jarre· Vangelis

Tracklist

  • 1 Haus der Welt I Start here 2:24
  • 2 Ein Traum 2:55
  • 3 Am Hafen 3:11
  • 4 Unheimliches passiert 5:16
  • 5 Der Professor 3:00
  • 6 Das Buch Midrad 4:22
  • 7 In der Bibliothek 6:08
  • 8 Der Heliograph 2:28
  • 9 Die Helden der Stadt 5:04
  • 10 Im Labor 1:46
  • 11 Haus der Welt II 6:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata