Guitars cover

Guitars

Mike Oldfield · 1999

42 min · 10 tracks · classical · pop rock · progressive rock

A vibrant tapestry of guitar-driven instrumentation blending ambient motifs with eclectic world influences.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo progression
  • guitar-driven instrumental exploration
  • vibrant soundscapes for reflection
  • background warmth for focus

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer vocal-driven music

Where this album fits

Themes
guitar-driven landscapes· Celtic fusion rhythms· ambient soundscapes
Career context
Released on May 24, 1999, 'Guitars' marked Mike Oldfield's return to instrumental music after a series of vocal albums. This was his first release since the commercially successful 'The Songs of Distant Earth' in 1994, showcasing a deliberate shift back to his roots in guitar composition and layering.
Stylistic neighbors
Vangelis· Jean-Michel Jarre· Enya
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Out of the Cradle by Lindsey Buckingham — Features intricate guitar work and layered soundscapes, blending pop and ambient influences.
Watermark by Enya — Shares ethereal ambiance and Celtic-inspired motifs, creating lush sonic landscapes.
Secret Story by Pat Metheny — Combines jazz with ambient textures and world music elements, echoing a vibrant guitar-driven approach.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Muse 2:12
  • 2 Cochise 5:15
  • 3 Embers 3:51
  • 4 Summit Day 3:46
  • 5 Out of Sight 3:48
  • 6 B. Blues 4:30
  • 7 Four Winds 9:32
  • 8 Enigmatism 3:32
  • 9 Out of Mind 3:46
  • 10 From the Ashes 2:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata