What makes Nothing Above My Shoulders but the Evening by Ray Lynch notable?

Nothing Above My Shoulders but the Evening reached significant commercial success, peaking at number one on the New Age charts and solidifying Lynch's status within the genre. The album was praised for its innovative use of synthesizers and layered compositions, contributing to the evolving landscape of instrumental music in the late '80s. Released on August 15, 1989, this album marked Ray Lynch's third studio effort and followed his breakthrough work, 'Deep Breakfast' from 1984. At this point, Lynch had established himself as a notable figure in the new age music scene, crafting soundscapes that appealed to both casual listeners and those seeking meditation aids.

How many songs are on Nothing Above My Shoulders but the Evening?

Nothing Above My Shoulders but the Evening has 7 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Nothing Above My Shoulders but the Evening

Ray Lynch · 1989

44 min · 7 tracks · classical music

A tranquil blend of instrumental melodies that evoke serene landscapes and emotional introspection, anchored in new age aesthetics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Over Easy — This opening track sets a reflective tone with its gentle piano melodies and lush synthesizer arrangements, encapsulating the essence of Lynch's style.
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Passion Song — With its intricate harmonies and emotive progression, this track showcases Lynch's ability to blend classical influences with contemporary sounds.
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The Vanished Gardens of Cordoba — This expansive piece draws listeners into an immersive auditory journey, demonstrating Lynch's skill in creating atmospheric textures that evoke imagery and emotion.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 83% of albums we've rated

The album's serene melodies and cohesive structure highlight Lynch's skill in crafting immersive new age music.

What we noticed

The album features seven tracks, each with a distinct melodic theme that evolves throughout its duration.
Synthesizers dominate the sound palette, creating lush textures that shift gradually rather than abruptly.
Each track maintains a consistent tempo, contributing to an overall tranquil atmosphere without sudden dynamic changes.

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 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Over Easy 4:53
2 Her Knees Deep in Your Mind 6:18
3 Passion Song 5:24
4 Ivory 5:38
5 Mesquite 6:18
6 Only an Enjoyment 7:23
7 The Vanished Gardens of Cordoba 8:22

What to play next

Go back to

No Blue Thing

1989

Full Ray Lynch discography Artists like Ray Lynch Which Ray Lynch albums to start with

adult contemporary music new age music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata