Five Miles Out
Mike Oldfield · 1982
49 min · 5 tracks · classical music
A rich tapestry of progressive rock interwoven with ambient textures and folk influences, creating an expansive auditory journey.
Top tracks — play these first
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Taurus II Start here — This sprawling 24-minute epic showcases Oldfield's intricate layering of instruments, blending progressive rock with classical motifs, setting the tone for the album's exploration of musical depth.
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Family Man — As the most commercially viable track on the album, it features catchy melodies and a smooth production style that illustrates Oldfield's ability to meld pop appeal with complex arrangements.
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Five Miles Out — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of distance and introspection, combining melodic hooks with Oldfield's signature guitar work that resonates throughout.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and strong craftsmanship, though it remains somewhat niche in its appeal.
What we noticed
- Each of the five tracks incorporates distinct motifs that evolve throughout their duration, often blending melodic lines with ambient textures.
- The use of synthesizers and acoustic instruments creates a dynamic contrast, particularly in the transitions between sections within each piece.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- soaring landscapes of sound
- dynamic journey with peaks
- long-form immersive experience
- introspective moments of calm
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone short tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Followed Tubular Bells, solidifying Oldfield's reputation with mainstream success.
- Themes
- soaring landscapes· introspective journeys· Celtic fusion melodies
- Career context
- Released on March 19, 1982, Five Miles Out marked Mike Oldfield's fifth studio album following his breakthrough success with Tubular Bells. At this point in his career, Oldfield was transitioning from the notoriety of his debut to a more mature sound, showcasing his evolving artistry as he navigated commercial expectations and personal creativity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Vangelis· Jean-Michel Jarre· Enya
Tracklist
- 1 Taurus II Start here 24:43
- 2 Family Man 3:45
- 3 Orabidoo 13:03
- 4 Mount Teidi 4:10
- 5 Five Miles Out 4:16
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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