What makes Humidity by Robert Rich notable?

Humidity received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to ambient music, showcasing Rich's unique ability to create immersive auditory experiences. The album has been influential in the ambient scene, inspiring subsequent artists to explore similar soundscapes and textures, contributing to the genre's evolution into the 21st century. Released in 2000, Humidity marked Robert Rich's continued exploration of ambient music after his acclaimed album, Somnium, which established him as a pioneer in the genre. This album further developed his signature style, blending field recordings with rich synthesizer layers, solidifying his reputation within the ambient and experimental music communities.

Humidity works well if you're into immersive soundscapes for deep focus, dreamlike atmospheres for introspection and long-form pieces for patient listening.

How many songs are on Humidity?

Humidity has 19 tracks, running approximately 183 minutes.

Humidity

Robert Rich · 2000

183 min · 19 tracks · ambient music

A sprawling landscape of immersive soundscapes that meld organic textures with electronic elements to evoke dreamlike atmospheres.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lost Caverns of Caryatis — This opening track immerses listeners in Rich's intricate sound world, setting a tone of exploration with its deep sonic layers and extended duration.
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Demilitarized Zone — This piece showcases Rich's skillful manipulation of tension and release through evolving drone textures that create a sense of vastness and introspection.
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Humidity Towards the Troposphere — A centerpiece of the album, this track embodies the thematic essence of Humidity with its fluid transitions and rich atmospheric depth that transports the listener.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Rich's blend of organic and electronic textures creates immersive soundscapes that reward repeat listening.

What we noticed

The album features long, evolving tracks that often shift in texture and tone over their duration, creating a sense of gradual transformation.
Several tracks incorporate field recordings and organic sounds, blending them seamlessly with electronic elements to enhance the immersive quality.
The final three tracks gradually reduce in intensity, allowing for a slow descent into quieter soundscapes that evoke a sense of closure.

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: 6/10

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

immersive soundscapes for deep focus
dreamlike atmospheres for introspection
long-form pieces for patient listening
abstract textures for creative inspiration
evocative journeys through sound

Maybe skip if you

prefers concise, upbeat tracks
seeks immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2000, Humidity marked Robert Rich's continued exploration of ambient music after his acclaimed album, Somnium, which established him as a pioneer in the genre. This album further developed his signature style, blending field recordings with rich synthesizer layers, solidifying his reputation within the ambient and experimental music communities.
Stylistic neighbors: Steve Roach· Brian Eno· Tangerine Dream