What makes Green Desert by Tangerine Dream notable?

'Green Desert' is noteworthy for its rediscovery of earlier recordings from the 1970s, showcasing Tangerine Dream's experimental roots while gaining favorable reviews upon release. It was particularly well-received in the electronic music community and contributed to the resurgence of interest in ambient music during the mid-80s, influencing subsequent artists exploring similar soundscapes. By the time of its release in 1986, Tangerine Dream was already an established force in the electronic music scene, known for their innovative soundscapes. 'Green Desert' came after the band's significant period in the late 1970s and early 1980s, marking a return to more ambient compositions following a series of commercially oriented albums. This album showcases their ability to blend atmospheric elements with a more structured approach.

How many songs are on Green Desert?

Green Desert has 4 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Green Desert

Tangerine Dream · 1986

38 min · 4 tracks · electronic music

A sprawling electronic landscape filled with ethereal melodies and immersive textures that transport listeners to otherworldly realms.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Green Desert — The title track features an expansive structure that evolves gradually over nearly twenty minutes, encapsulating the essence of Tangerine Dream's signature sound with lush synthesizers and evolving motifs.
→
White Clouds — This track offers a concise yet captivating glimpse into the band's melodic sensibilities, featuring airy synth lines that evoke a sense of tranquility and introspection.
→
Astral Voyager — With pulsating rhythms and celestial sounds, this piece represents the fusion of sequencer-driven patterns with cosmic themes, illustrating Tangerine Dream's exploratory spirit.

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 showcases Tangerine Dream's signature sound with immersive textures and evolving melodies.

What we noticed

The album consists of four extended tracks, each over six minutes long, allowing for gradual development of themes and textures.
Each track features layered synthesizer melodies that evolve slowly, creating a sense of movement through ambient soundscapes.
There are no percussive elements present, which emphasizes the ethereal quality of the music and enhances its immersive nature.

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: 8/10

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 — Rediscovery of earlier recordings showcasing Tangerine Dream's experimental roots.
Themes: cosmic exploration· ethereal soundscapes· ambient tranquility
Moods: Chill· Introspective
Career context: By the time of its release in 1986, Tangerine Dream was already an established force in the electronic music scene, known for their innovative soundscapes. 'Green Desert' came after the band's significant period in the late 1970s and early 1980s, marking a return to more ambient compositions following a series of commercially oriented albums. This album showcases their ability to blend atmospheric elements with a more structured approach.
Stylistic neighbors: Klaus Schulze· Jean-Michel Jarre· Vangelis