Is Quiet Music 2 a good place to start with Steve Roach?

Yes, Quiet Music 2 is recommended as a starting point for new Steve Roach listeners. Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with delicate textures, creating an immersive experience that invites deep reflection and tranquility. Quiet Music 2 is Steve Roach's third studio album, marking a significant evolution in his ambient sound. Following the release of his debut, Structures from Silence, and its follow-up, this album showcases Roach's growing mastery of long-form compositions and his ability to create deeply meditative environments.

Who is Quiet Music 2 for?

Quiet Music 2 works well if you're into extended meditative soundscapes, patiently unfolding sonic textures and immersive late-night introspection.

How many songs are on Quiet Music 2?

Quiet Music 2 has 5 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Quiet Music 2

Steve Roach · 1986

57 min · 5 tracks · ambient music

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with delicate textures, creating an immersive experience that invites deep reflection and tranquility.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Air and Light — At over thirty minutes, this track exemplifies Roach's skill in constructing expansive soundscapes that evoke feelings of serenity and introspection. Its gradual evolution mirrors the passage of time, making it a centerpiece of the album.
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A Few More Moments — This piece features layered textures that blend seamlessly, allowing listeners to enter a state of deep relaxation as it unfolds. Its length provides ample space for contemplation amidst a soothing auditory backdrop.
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See Things Start here — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with gentle melodies and rich atmospheric layers, inviting listeners to engage with the sonic landscape. Its calming presence establishes a foundation for the rest of the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive soundscapes and seamless transitions create a cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features long, sustained tones that evolve gradually over its duration, creating a meditative atmosphere.
Each track transitions smoothly into the next, often blurring the lines between individual pieces.
There is a consistent use of reverb and delay effects that enhance the sense of space and depth throughout the record.

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: 9/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

extended meditative soundscapes
patiently unfolding sonic textures
immersive late-night introspection
deep focus for creative work

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, energetic music
want quick, catchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry in Roach's catalog that doesn't serve as a clear entry point or breakthrough.
Themes: expansive soundscapes· meditative environments
Career context: Quiet Music 2 is Steve Roach's third studio album, marking a significant evolution in his ambient sound. Following the release of his debut, Structures from Silence, and its follow-up, this album showcases Roach's growing mastery of long-form compositions and his ability to create deeply meditative environments.
Stylistic neighbors: Robert Rich· Brian Eno· Tangerine Dream