What makes Far Away Trains Passing By by Ulrich Schnauss notable?

This album received significant acclaim for its innovative approach to electronic music, helping to define the style known as 'intelligent dance music' (IDM). It has influenced numerous artists within the genre and is often cited as a landmark release that broadened the appeal of electronic sounds in mainstream music. Released in 2001, Far Away Trains Passing By was Ulrich Schnauss's debut album, marking his entry into the electronic music scene. At this point, he was transitioning from a background in post-rock to a more synthesized sound, showcasing his distinctive blend of ambient and shoegaze influences.

Who is Far Away Trains Passing By for?

Far Away Trains Passing By works well if you're into steady flow for deep focus, dreamlike soundscapes for relaxation and for introspective afternoons.

How many songs are on Far Away Trains Passing By?

Far Away Trains Passing By has 12 tracks, running approximately 82 minutes.

Far Away Trains Passing By

Ulrich Schnauss · 2001

82 min · 12 tracks · electronica

Ethereal soundscapes weave through lush melodies, creating a dreamlike journey that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Between Us and Them — This track encapsulates the album’s ethereal quality with its cascading synth lines and atmospheric depth, inviting listeners into a contemplative space.
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… Passing By — A standout moment on the record, it features intricate layering of sounds that create a sense of movement, effectively mirroring the album's themes of transience.
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Blumenwiese neben Autobahn — This track showcases Schnauss's ability to blend melody with texture, utilizing soft beats and harmonious loops that evoke serene imagery.
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Sunday Evening in Your Street — With its nostalgic tone and rich sound palette, this track captures the essence of longing and reflection that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's ethereal soundscapes and seamless transitions create a cohesive and immersive experience.

What we noticed

The album features long, flowing tracks that often build gradually, layering synths and melodies over extended durations.
Several tracks incorporate ambient soundscapes that create a sense of space and depth, enhancing the dreamlike quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady flow for deep focus
dreamlike soundscapes for relaxation
for introspective afternoons
gradual developments invite reflection
immersive listening during quiet moments

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer upbeat party tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2001, Far Away Trains Passing By was Ulrich Schnauss's debut album, marking his entry into the electronic music scene. At this point, he was transitioning from a background in post-rock to a more synthesized sound, showcasing his distinctive blend of ambient and shoegaze influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Tycho· Boards of Canada· Moby