Elements Box cover

Elements Box

Mike Oldfield · 1993

286 min · 52 tracks · classical · pop rock · progressive rock

A sprawling, eclectic mix blending progressive rock with classical influences and world music textures.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • patient exploration of themes
  • background warmth for focus
  • long-form listening commitment
  • eclectic soundscapes to discover

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Themes
Celtic mysticism· instrumental storytelling· seasonal warmth
Career context
Released in 1993, 'Elements Box' arrived during Mike Oldfield's re-emergence into the music scene after a hiatus following the commercial success of 'Crises' in 1983. This compilation encapsulates his diverse musical journey, highlighting significant works from his earlier albums while showcasing his evolution as an artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Vangelis· Jean-Michel Jarre· Enya
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Watermark by Enya — Shares a similar ethereal soundscape with lush harmonies and Celtic influences.
Oceanic by Vangelis — Combines progressive electronic textures with orchestral elements, evoking vast landscapes.
The Mask and Mirror by Loreena McKennitt — Blends world music and Celtic themes with rich storytelling and instrumental depth.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Tubular Bells, Part One 25:30
  • 2 Tubular Bells, Part Two 23:20
  • 3 Hergest Ridge (excerpt) 9:33
  • 4 In dulci jubilo 2:51
  • 5 Portsmouth 2:03
  • 6 Vivaldi Concerto in C 3:52

Disc 2

  • 1 Ommadawn, Part One 19:18
  • 2 On Horseback 3:25
  • 3 William Tell Overture 3:56
  • 4 Argiers 4:00
  • 5 First Excursion 5:57
  • 6 Sailor’s Hornpipe 1:35
  • 7 Incantations, Part Two (excerpt) 12:20
  • 8 Guilty 4:03
  • 9 The Path 3:31
  • 10 Blue Peter 2:08
  • 11 Woodhenge 4:07
  • 12 Punkadiddle (live) 5:37
  • 13 Polka (live) 3:34

Disc 3

  • 1 Platinum, Parts 3 & 4 8:02
  • 2 Arrival 2:46
  • 3 Taurus 1 10:18
  • 4 QE2 7:38
  • 5 Wonderful Land 2:51
  • 6 Sheba 3:33
  • 7 Five Miles Out 4:17
  • 8 Taurus 2 (excerpt) 7:59
  • 9 Family Man 3:46
  • 10 Mount Teidi 4:12
  • 11 Waldberg (The Peak) 3:25
  • 12 Crises (excerpt) 5:25
  • 13 Moonlight Shadow 3:37
  • 14 Foreign Affair 3:54

Disc 4

  • 1 Shadow on the Wall 5:09
  • 2 Taurus 3 2:26
  • 3 Crime of Passion 3:37
  • 4 Jungle Gardenia 2:44
  • 5 To France 4:44
  • 6 Afghan 2:45
  • 7 Tricks of the Light (instrumental) 3:56
  • 8 Etude 3:07
  • 9 Evacuation 5:13
  • 10 Legend 2:24
  • 11 Islands 4:19
  • 12 The Wind Chimes, Part One 2:29
  • 13 Flying Start 3:36
  • 14 Magic Touch 4:14
  • 15 Earth Moving 3:59
  • 16 Far Country 4:25
  • 17 Holy 3:45
  • 18 Amarok (excerpt) 6:18
  • 19 Heaven’s Open 4:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata